The Rest Falls Away

Each generation of Gardella’s produces one amongst them who is called to shoulder the responsibility of becoming a Venator or what we call a vampire slayer. If the chosen one accepts, he or she commences training to hunt, combat and destroy the undead. Not all who are called acquiesce to this role for though this life brings much in adventure, it is also one of hard battle and sacrifice.

Victoria Gardella Grantworth makes a double debut. One is the expected entrance into society that a young woman of her class marks as that milestone into the marriage mart. The second is an introduction to the dangers that lurk for the innocent and the fight that must be waged against those who thirst for blood.

Under the guidance of Aunt Eustacia, herself the head of the Venators and in wary alliance with colleague Maximilian Pesaro, they must deal with the most powerful vampire in history, Lilith the Dark.

The Marquess of Rockley begins a courtship with the woman who captures his attention. Victoria’s after dusk activities must be kept secret but will a double life be possible once love enters the fray?

This is the first book in what promises to be a very exciting series. Many will associate this heroine with the popular television series of a youthful vampire slayer in contemporary times.

The spin on the vampire lore and those who do battle against these creatures is fresh for all of their similarities to what we may have seen before. Interesting explanations are given regarding Vampires and we see a definite hierarchy. Those battling on the side of good would have had further credibility had there been more descriptions or scenes of the actual training. Depictions of this were sparse and readers may feel that they must take things more or less on faith. The hiding of weaponry for accessibility amuses but is a stretch for actually convincing.

A regency setting with the societal norms, expectations and strictures add a fascinating flavor to the whole. Ms. Gleason is to be commended in offering us an interesting heroine, one who takes missteps along her journey giving us an authentic depiction of a young woman suddenly heaped with responsibility. However, readers might feel less forgiving regarding apparent lack of forethought when making decisions or plans of action.

The romance between Victoria and the Marquess of Rockley is by turns light-hearted and poignant. The author has a fine hand with spinning this thread and showing us the beauty of even the snags.

An attraction with Sebastian Vioget a potential enemy or ally as he wills it draws us even deeper into the story. One expects to learn more about this ambiguous but intriguing character soon.

The male Venator, Max also appears to hold secrets from his past. We wonder about his previous run ins with the villainess and look forward to uncovering the history in future accounts.

As you can see, the scene has been set and though we have learned much, questions have also been raised. One can’t help wondering what will happen after THE REST FALLS AWAY.

March 2007