Review of Tributary (River of Time #3.2) by Lisa T. Bergren

Tributary is book 3.2 in the River of Time series.

One year after the great battle at Castello Forelli, Alessandra stumbles across Forelli knights with Lia and Gabi. They mistake her for an enemy, and she takes a terrible fall off her horse when they initially take defense. They take her back to their castello to care for her only to find that she is Fiorentini, an enemy of Siena. Still, they commit to caring for her like a guest until she is healed.

Alessandra is approached by Lord Rodolfo Greco, a former Fiorentini who was exiled due to his actions to help Marcello Forelli as part of their brotherhood pact with many other men, most Sienese. He tries to convince her of the treachery the Fiorentini would exhibit after her stay at Castello Forelli and the kindness of her host. She refuses to believe this and collects information to deliver to her countrymen.

Meanwhile, Lia cannot bear to shoot her bow due to a case of PTSD after the great battle. Luca, ever in love with her, tries to help her overcome her struggle. She is gradually softening toward Luca and accepting her life in Medieval Italy, and begins to admit her love for him.

Alessandra discovers valuable information about the Forellis and escapes to run back to her people before she's due to be fetched by her father only to discover Rodolfo may have been right.

This was a great addition to the series, told by Lia, Alessandra, Luca, and Rodolfo. It marks the first book in the series where Ms. Bergren tells the story from male perspective. Lia's perspective is first person while the others are in third person.

Alessandra was an interesting character, and her arc was heartbreaking. Rodolfo seems to have recovered from his despair after his exile to become more confident, which was wonderful to see. Luca's steadiness when it comes to Lia was heartwarming, and Lia's arc made me at times sad and at others cheer for her.

The upcoming Black Plague that the castello is preparing for is a definite potential disaster, and as I read this the first time, I hoped I would get to see the castello forge its way through the crisis. Luckily, it is the subject of the final book in the series, Deluge.

Descriptions of both Italy's landscape, social climate, and customs was impeccable to my eyes, and I always feel immersed in the world when I dive into the series. The She-Wolves of Sienna are always hardened though also gentle and sensitive women. I love reading about them.

The two novellas, Bourne and Tributary, are lovely in their peek into Lia's perspective. I loved reading about the only Bertarrini to not be completely sold on their new life. To see her soften and slowly come to accept it was wonderful because it brought her closer to the ever-steady Luca. His perspective in this novel showed his absolute devotion to Lia and deep love for her. The closing sentiments between them were both touching and hopeful.

I love this book just as much now as I did the first time I read it.

Photo Credit Katherine Elizabeth

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