The Rest Falls Away - Book Review

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
(The Gardella Vampire Chronicles #1)

What is it about:
In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy of vampire slaying, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love.

What did I think of it:
Having read Northanger Castle, Gleason's contribution to the anthology Bespelling Jane Austen, I was very eager to read this book and I was glad to discover it was just as cool as I had hoped. Next to this being a story about vampires and vampire hunters, this book is about choices and I really liked how this theme was apparant throughout the story without it becoming preachy or forced. The Regency setting added to the story in my opinion and was well described. Victoria is a strong, though at times (too) stubborn character, but also very likeable. My favourite character in the book has to be Max, a fellow vampire hunter, his brooding demeanor was a nice contrast to Victoria's innocence. All in all a great start of a series and I will most certainly pick up the next book.

Why should you read it:
Regency Vampires!

Bespelling Jane Austen - Book Review (part 1)*

Bespelling Jane Austen by Mary Balogh, Colleen Gleason, Susan Krinard and Janet Mullany

What is it about:
What if Austen had believed in reincarnation and vampires? Join four bestselling romance authors as they channel the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen.

Today we'll review the first two stories:

Almost Persuaded by Mary Balogh
In this Regency tale of Robert and Jane, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh brings together former lovers who have seen beyond the veil of forgetfulness to their past mistakes, and are determined to be together in this life, and forever.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
A charming lovestory with a hint of the supernatural. Robert and Jane are two people you just can't help liking although I did want to slap Jane from time to time for not listening to her heart. And I fell totally in love with Robert's aunt who is a lovely and sweet character and gave the story just that extra bit of feeling and depth to make it a reread favourite.

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Northanger Castle by Colleen Gleason
Caroline's obsession with Gothic novels winds up being good training for a lifetime of destroying the undead with her newfound beau.

What did I think of it:
Now this is my kind of historical vampire story. Well written and full of action. Caroline is a great character: She's likeable (even though she's a bit too hasty in her conclusions from time to time) she isn't afraid to take action when she feels it's needed and she's funny! Although short, the story was well rounded and the whole regency vampire hunting idea was so cool I was very happy I had the first book in Colleen Gleason's 'Gardella Vampire Chronicles' next on my 'to be read pile' as this story sure made me hungry for more.

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Why should you read these stories:
If you like Jane Austen and/or Supernatural stories I think you'll like these two stories as well.

* We'll review the other two stories in a future post

And expect a review of The Rest Falls Away (book 1 in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles) by Colleen Gleason later this week.