ISBN-13: 9780451220073
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Published: January 2007
360pp
Series: The Gardella Vampire Chronicles
I love reading about vampires. There is just something mystique and attractive about them which I could not really explain. Besides being a fan of urban fantasy genre, another reason I picked up this series is due to the historical setting. I just love reading anything Regency.
Through generations, selected members of the Gardella family are chosen to continue the family legacy of vampire slaying. This time, the latest member to take up this role is Victoria Gardella. Besides having to behave like a demure young lady like every lady suppose to be, she has to keep her other self a secret from everyone else except Aunt Eustacia, a former Venator; and she acts as Victoria's guide when vampire slaying is concerned. Maximilian Pesaro is another vampire executioner but Victoria's personality seems to clashes with his as both have a streak of stubborness in them. Despite this, they made a good team and both vowed to locate the Book of Antwartha before Lilith, the Queen of vampires get ahold of it and create havoc to earth.
Although Victoria's heart is into vampire slaying, but deep inside she yearns for a marriage with Phillip de Lacy, Marquess of Rockley. Thus, when Phillip finally asks her to marry him, she is thrilled but she wonders how on earth she is supposed to keep this secret from him, now that they are to live together under the same roof.
I enjoyed reading this book so much that I am going to jump into the next instalment right after this. Victoria Gardella is one extraordinary heroine; I liked her attitude and also I find it entertaining regarding her exchanges with Max, Phillip and even Sebastian Vioget, a rather mysterious man who seems to have his own agenda. I was also amused by Victoria's mother and her two lady friends' witty behaviours as they fuss over Victoria's happiness like overly protective mother hens. There are a lot of action scenes but fans of romance genre will not be disappointed with this book as there is a fair share of romance element in it too. Needless to say, Colleen Gleason is one of my favourite authors now and I will definitely look out for her future releases.
Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?
Musings of a Bookish Kitty
Reading Adventures
Stainless Steel Droppings (Carl's interview with Colleen Gleason)
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Musings of a Bookish Kitty
Reading Adventures
Stainless Steel Droppings (Carl's interview with Colleen Gleason)
Stephanie's Confessions of a Book-a-holic
Posts
Great review, Melody! :)
I'd love to start reading this immediately now that the books in the series have arrived, but I have another book that I need to finish first. Maybe I could read them at the same time. Will see how...
Yeah for another Colleen Gleason fan! I just finished up The Bleeding Dusk (#3) and had to immediately start in on When Twilight Burns!!
I loved this one, too, Melody! Great minds think alike: I also gave it 4.5 stars. I have the 2nd in my TBR mountain, but who knows when I'll get to it.... *sigh*
I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much, Melody! And thanks for the lovely review. I really need to get started reading this series.
I have seen these books everywhere and I mean everywhere! I know a sign when I'm being beaten over the head with it. I'll go put al ILL (my library has two of them, just not the first one) in for the first book this weekend.
Alice - Thank you! :) Yes, maybe you should read the two books at the same time, hehe. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!
Stephanie - I'm so behind this series! But it's always better to be later than never, eh? ;)
Darla - Glad we share the same thoughts! I hope you'd read the 2nd book soon! :)
Nymeth - I had a great time reading this book! It's fun! I'm hoping you'd get into this series soon!
Jen - I know what you mean! I keep seeing this series popping up in the blogosphere, so I know they must be good! I hope you'd find the first book in your library.
I am reading the second book in this series at the moment!
I've added your link to my review.
Thanks, Marg! I'm glad you're reading the 2nd book too! :)
I love reading about vampires too and am now officially the only person who still hasn't found the time to start this series. Sounds great as you have started book two straight away.
Rhinoa - I've a few series on vampires that I haven't got around to reading them yet!! I'm enjoying the second book so far; and I hope you'll start reading this series soon. :)
I heard a lot about Colleen Gleason vamps books, but...you know me...right? *grin*. And yes, I notice Alice reading the series too *grin*
So all I'm gonna say is great review! You always write a great review and I don't think I seen any bad one :)
Happy Reading!
Not sure why I have such a mental block about this series, but I do. I need to just pick it up and give it a go. I have yet to hear anyone say a bad word about them. Not sure what my problem is...
You are right Melody, there's just something about vampires :)
So glad you enjoyed it! I am definitely planning to continue with the series but you know how it goes - the books pile up :)
Julia - Thank you! You know, I'm still hoping you'd change your mind about reading these vampire books, hehe. ;)
Debi - If that's the case, I urge you to give this series a go!!! :D
Iliana - I understand that feeling! Oh, the second book is so much better! I'm hoping you'd get to it soon! :)
Great review! I'm not much of a vampire or romance reader, but I found this series interesting enough to read the first two books. I think it was pretty compelling.
Thanks, Kim! I'm hooked to this series; and it seems like a lot of readers are thinking the same because I've been hearing nothing but raves about this series.
The series is addicting, isn't it? :-)
I hope you are well, Melody. I am trying to play catch up still. Go away for two weeks and suddenly I am big time way behind. I hope you are enjoying your week.
Indeed it is! :)
Oh, I understand that feeling! Take your time in settling down, Wendy. :)