Shelly V. (Shellylkv) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Great start to an excellent series. Very enjoyable blend of paranormal romance and historical/regency romance. The heroine shows room for growth, which is evident in subsequent books, but is still interesting enough to make this book enjoyable in it's own rank. In a market filled with stories that are all alike, just with different character names, this was a refreshing, beautifully done story...with an actual plot! Gasp! As a reader of paranormal and historical romance, I absolutely adored this series.
Helpful Score: 2
I had found this book in my local book store a few times, but I always put it down and grabbed something else. When I joined the site, it was one of the first books I found in my search and I decided to get it. Let me tell you, I am disappointed that I didn't get it sooner. I absolutely loved this book. Everything about it sucked me in -- the characters, the story, the setting. It was everything I wanted in this sort of book. It was my two favorite things rolled into one: historical romance and vampires. I cannot wait to read the next one!
Jessica L. (Ryeth) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 82 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Nice vampire hunter story. Set in Victorian times about a teenage girl that is destined to hunt vampires, while balancing a love life & social obligations.
Melissa D. reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Has many different triangles you think are going to start... but then just a really sad ending...
Anny P. (wolfnme) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 3389 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewer: Deborah Wiley (Winter Haven, FL) -
Victoria Gardella Grantworth should be focusing on her debut into London society but instead she's just discovered she's descended from a family of vampire hunters. And she's not from just any vampire hunters either, but one of the revered Venators whose mission is to protect humanity and destroy their ultimate enemy, Lilith. Only a descendant of the Gardella family can destroy Lilith. Unfortunately, Lilith wants possession of The Book of Antworth which would give her unheralded powers. Victoria will find herself torn between two worlds... the world of the vampire slayer and the parties of the London ton.
THE REST FALLS AWAY is an interesting mixture of a vampire hunter tale and historical romance. When the book first opened with the fussy conversation between Winnie, Nilly, and Melly, I seriously thought I'd picked up the wrong book for my tastes. The book quickly segue ways into Victoria's entrance into the world of the Venator. From that point on, I was hooked as the book flashes back and forth between these two vastly different worlds. The combination works exceptionally well as the silly conversations between Winnie, Nilly, and Melly perfectly counterbalance the dark elements of the vampire underworld.
THE REST FALLS AWAY takes readers on a very wild and unique. The tensions between Victoria, Lord Phillip de Lacy, Maximilian Pesaro, and Sebastian Vioget provide for some rather interesting moments, including one particularly heart wrenching scene. With just a tiny bit of tightening up of the plotline, THE REST FALLS AWAY could be the start of one of the best vampire series out there. This reviewer will be anxiously awaiting the second book to see where Colleen Gleason takes us next.
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
Victoria Gardella Grantworth should be focusing on her debut into London society but instead she's just discovered she's descended from a family of vampire hunters. And she's not from just any vampire hunters either, but one of the revered Venators whose mission is to protect humanity and destroy their ultimate enemy, Lilith. Only a descendant of the Gardella family can destroy Lilith. Unfortunately, Lilith wants possession of The Book of Antworth which would give her unheralded powers. Victoria will find herself torn between two worlds... the world of the vampire slayer and the parties of the London ton.
THE REST FALLS AWAY is an interesting mixture of a vampire hunter tale and historical romance. When the book first opened with the fussy conversation between Winnie, Nilly, and Melly, I seriously thought I'd picked up the wrong book for my tastes. The book quickly segue ways into Victoria's entrance into the world of the Venator. From that point on, I was hooked as the book flashes back and forth between these two vastly different worlds. The combination works exceptionally well as the silly conversations between Winnie, Nilly, and Melly perfectly counterbalance the dark elements of the vampire underworld.
THE REST FALLS AWAY takes readers on a very wild and unique. The tensions between Victoria, Lord Phillip de Lacy, Maximilian Pesaro, and Sebastian Vioget provide for some rather interesting moments, including one particularly heart wrenching scene. With just a tiny bit of tightening up of the plotline, THE REST FALLS AWAY could be the start of one of the best vampire series out there. This reviewer will be anxiously awaiting the second book to see where Colleen Gleason takes us next.
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
Marilyn B. (mluvsj) -
Helpful Score: 1
After reading the reviews I had to read it myself..and let me tell you..this book was so boring. Just nothing there to hold my interest. I couldnt even finish it. Good luck to the next person reading this.
Rebecca M. (iadoptgreys) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
A fun read. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Victorian England. It is quite entertaining to see the heroine try and walk the fine line between proper lady of society and ass kicking vampire hunter. I found myself cheering for her.
Crystal B. (EnglishTeach) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
This book starts out a little slow, the romance is heart warming and several twist drive this book home. Not sure if I loved or hated it due to the ultimate choice Victoria has to make. I love the characters, the story, and how well the book flows. It is a great read and well worth the time, but be ready for the ending, it will make you... well, read it for yourself! However, this book is so good that I will be buying the next installment in the series that is due out in June!
Shelley C. (scollins) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
First book of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles and I am hooked! Colleen Gleason writes in such a way she pulls you in just as the vampire lures its victim. I was held and read the book in a half day. Easy read, a page turner!
The book is set in the nineteenth century London society and between the balls, the carriage rides, the romance and the vampire hunting it captures you.
Looking forward to "Rises the Night" book II as soon as I post this review!
The book is set in the nineteenth century London society and between the balls, the carriage rides, the romance and the vampire hunting it captures you.
Looking forward to "Rises the Night" book II as soon as I post this review!
Kelly D. (kmd82sis) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
I wasn't to keen on this book when i first started reading it, but once i got to the later part of the book i couldn't wait for the rest of them.
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 2527 more book reviews
This is the first book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. There are five books in this series. I have had these five books on my bookshelf to read forever and was excited to finally start reading this series. It is a fun series that is pretty much just pure entertainment.
Victoria Gardella finds out it is time to take up the vampire hunter mantel of her ancestors, but she must also still debut in polite society. She ends up finding herself torn between the handsome Marquess she meets at her debut, the stern Maximilian who helps her out in training, and the mysteriously alluring Sebastian who she runs into when she ventures into the seedier parts of London. She deals with all of this while trying to help solve a mysterious murder case and prevent the vampire Lilith from stealing an ancient and dangerous book.
Think Buffy meets Pride and Prejudice and thats a pretty good description of this book. Victoria channels a lot of Buffy here, she is a pretty girly girl who just happens to also have vampire hunting capabilities. She is determined to succeed both as a vampire hunter and as a society girl.
The book is set in London in Victorian times, I love reading about London and enjoy the intricacy of Victorian times.
There is a love...square of sorts as mentioned above. When Victoria ends up falling in love with the Marquess her stealthy night time activities become even more difficult to maintain.
This was a fun read, purely a light fun read and not much more than that. The characters were likable and interesting, but I never got super attached to them. The banter between characters is witty and fun and I enjoyed it alot.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will definitely read the next one. This is a great series to read for a little vampire hunting fun, some romance, and a bit of escapism. Recommended to fans of humorous paranormal romance who enjoy historical settings.
Victoria Gardella finds out it is time to take up the vampire hunter mantel of her ancestors, but she must also still debut in polite society. She ends up finding herself torn between the handsome Marquess she meets at her debut, the stern Maximilian who helps her out in training, and the mysteriously alluring Sebastian who she runs into when she ventures into the seedier parts of London. She deals with all of this while trying to help solve a mysterious murder case and prevent the vampire Lilith from stealing an ancient and dangerous book.
Think Buffy meets Pride and Prejudice and thats a pretty good description of this book. Victoria channels a lot of Buffy here, she is a pretty girly girl who just happens to also have vampire hunting capabilities. She is determined to succeed both as a vampire hunter and as a society girl.
The book is set in London in Victorian times, I love reading about London and enjoy the intricacy of Victorian times.
There is a love...square of sorts as mentioned above. When Victoria ends up falling in love with the Marquess her stealthy night time activities become even more difficult to maintain.
This was a fun read, purely a light fun read and not much more than that. The characters were likable and interesting, but I never got super attached to them. The banter between characters is witty and fun and I enjoyed it alot.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will definitely read the next one. This is a great series to read for a little vampire hunting fun, some romance, and a bit of escapism. Recommended to fans of humorous paranormal romance who enjoy historical settings.
Trish D. (trishd) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
I did not like this book very much; If you are looking for a HEA, you will not find it here.
Karen G. (KarenGalal) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
Too much Buffy for me, didn't hold my interest, and the romance took second seat. very shallow predictable story.
Victoria Gardella Grantworth is about to make her debut when destiny intervenes. Like countless Gardellas before her, she is meant to become a Venator â" a vampire hunter. Victoria must be on guard for the familiar âchill at the back of her neck' that signals a nearby vampire. And the vampires seem to be everywhere. With the help of her Great-Aunt Eustacia and her fellow Venator, Max, Victoria fights to keep London safe from Lilith â" a seductive and powerful vampire. But when Phillip de Lacy, Marquess of Rockely, asks for her hand in marriage, Victoria is torn between her duty and her heart. Which will win?
This book combined two of my favorite genres â" Regency romance and vampire tales. What's not to like? Gleason has taken the ordinary vampire story and added new twists â" a vampire queen, a dynasty of vampire hunters, a love triangle, and a tragic ending.
The Rest Falls Away grabbed my attention and didn't let go â" I read it in less than 24 hours. I found Gleason's characters to be interesting, the dialogue easy to read, and the plot well thought out.
While I did thoroughly enjoy this novel, there was some information I missed. I wanted more background into the Gardella dynasty â" how did they become Venators? What about Max's background? And then there is Sebastian â" how does he fit in? Hopefully these questions will be answered in the three remaining books in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I can't wait to find out!
This book combined two of my favorite genres â" Regency romance and vampire tales. What's not to like? Gleason has taken the ordinary vampire story and added new twists â" a vampire queen, a dynasty of vampire hunters, a love triangle, and a tragic ending.
The Rest Falls Away grabbed my attention and didn't let go â" I read it in less than 24 hours. I found Gleason's characters to be interesting, the dialogue easy to read, and the plot well thought out.
While I did thoroughly enjoy this novel, there was some information I missed. I wanted more background into the Gardella dynasty â" how did they become Venators? What about Max's background? And then there is Sebastian â" how does he fit in? Hopefully these questions will be answered in the three remaining books in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I can't wait to find out!
This book has been in my TBR pile for quite some time. I was in no hurry to read it as it has some bad reviews. Read this book in record time. I loved it. I had a hard time putting it down once I started it. I cant wait to read the next one.
Kathleen H. reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 162 more book reviews
Interesting book. A bit too much regency and not enough hard-core action, but it was a nice read.
Angel H. (grblpwr) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Good book, interesting. Promising start to a new series but the second book fails to live up, I probably won't read any more of these.
Rachel B. reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Fun read, especially if you like the Victorian era in England.
KaeLee N. (soraidh) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
I just could not get into this book. I don't know what it was but it didn't grab me. I think it was a little too much Buffy the Vampire Slayer and not enough regency romance.
Jennifer C. (jds) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
As a huge fan of vampire stories and a lover of Regency romances, I was very excited to read this book. Unfortunately, it is totally unbelieveable both as a Regency and a paranormal romance. The author seems to have no understanding of the era in which the book is set, and creates a nonsensical backstory for both Vampires and Venators (her version of Whedon's Slayers). The main heroine, Victoria, is wooden and the romance that is the center of the story comes to a manipulative and unsatisfying conclusion. This book is a huge disappointment on every possible level.
Jessica L. (Ryeth) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 82 more book reviews
Gleason makes her stunning debut with this first novel in a new, historically set vampire series. Beneath the glitter of dazzling 19th-century London society lurks a bloodthirsty evil. In the midst of society balls, a young woman is set to make her debut--as a vampire slayer. Original.
Enjoyable read with likeable characters.
Enjoyable read with likeable characters.
Marge J. (MaplesFlowers) -
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read a regency romance for quite a while and this was very close to one, except that it had paranormal thrills included! I will be looking forward to the sequel.
Donna M. (dmac) -
Buffy the Vampire Slayer in nineteenth century London but not as campy. Not for me, mainly because I don't care much for this era.
Stephanie C W. (stephanie13w) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 300 more book reviews
this is the start of a new vamp series & I really enjoyed the story & the characters
Excellent EXCELLENT book!
- This is a debut for a series "The Gardella Vampire Chronicles." I can't wait for book 2! But if you don't like series books though...
- I've always like Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Dark Hunter" series (and similar) but often wished someone would do this type of thing minus the language, tone down the violence, *and* in a historical setting instead of contemporary. THIS IS IT! =)
- This is a debut for a series "The Gardella Vampire Chronicles." I can't wait for book 2! But if you don't like series books though...
- I've always like Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Dark Hunter" series (and similar) but often wished someone would do this type of thing minus the language, tone down the violence, *and* in a historical setting instead of contemporary. THIS IS IT! =)
Claire R. (claireandmouse) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
I am SOOO disappointed in this book/series...I was really expecting quite a lot of it, and it didn't deliver on any accounts. The characters weren't all that likeable, and it seemed like the author wasn't sure which was to go with the book. It was kind of a bummer.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
On the eve of her debut to society, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is told by her Aunt Eustacia that vampires exist. She is also informed that she is a Venator, a person who has inherited the ability to slay these vampires. At the ball, Victoria is busy both hunting her first vampire and hunting a husband. Just when the Marquess of Rockley shows interest in her, she must make her excuses and rescue a damsel in distress. As Victoria and another Venator, Max, work with Aunt Eustacia, they find that evil vampire Lilith the Dark has come to town in search of a rare book that could destroy mankind.
This is the first book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. Colleen Gleason has written her own version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer set in Victorian England. I've had this book for years and wish I hadn't waited so long to read it. Victoria is a great heroine who sees becoming a vampire hunter as allowing her freedom to do what other women cannot do. She also has some interesting men in her life, starting with Phillip de Lacy (Rockley) who is looking for a wife, Maximillian Pesaro who doesn't think she should be carrying the stake for the Gardella family, and the mysterious Sebastian Vioget who lives in the slums of the city and may be helping the vampires against the Gardellas. I look forward to the next book in the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the first book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. Colleen Gleason has written her own version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer set in Victorian England. I've had this book for years and wish I hadn't waited so long to read it. Victoria is a great heroine who sees becoming a vampire hunter as allowing her freedom to do what other women cannot do. She also has some interesting men in her life, starting with Phillip de Lacy (Rockley) who is looking for a wife, Maximillian Pesaro who doesn't think she should be carrying the stake for the Gardella family, and the mysterious Sebastian Vioget who lives in the slums of the city and may be helping the vampires against the Gardellas. I look forward to the next book in the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
A good vampire-hunter/regency romance read - different and compelling!
Kristen S. (SomethingSmarter) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
First in a series - Victoria learns she is the next in a long family tradition of vampire hunters (Venators), right before she is to make her debut in society. Will the potential for love interfere with her born duty?
Nancy H. (nancytoes) reviewed The Rest Falls Away (Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
A fun combination of historical (Regency), paranormal and romance.
Couldn't finish it.
First book in an excellent romance and adventure about vampire hunters with strong female lead. Loved this five book series - read them all!
