Review: The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

Posted November 4, 2014 by Lorna in Lorna, Reviews, Urban Fantasy / 38 Comments

Review: The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
Series: The Gardella Vampire Hunters #1
Published by Avid Press
Published on: September 15, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 300
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Beneath the glitter of dazzling nineteenth century London Society lurks a bloodthirsty evil…

Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long ago taken control of the world.

In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, 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 dark, dangerous duty.

And when she comes face-to-face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make a choice between duty and love.



A few days ago I found this book, and it immediately jumped ahead of all the other books I have waiting. I had never even heard of this series, or this author, and since it’s a best selling series, that was kind of different for me. Reason? Because I really wish I had heard of this series before! It was just so, so good.

Victoria Gardella is a member of the ton, otherwise known as the high society of London. It’s the time of Jane Austin, she’s nineteen, and is getting read for her debut. She begins having horrific dreams. Her elderly aunt, Eustacia informs her of her destiny. The dreams come only to the members of the Gardella family that are to be Venators. Venators are the vampire hunters of the world, and are pretty rare considering how many vampires there are. Two generations of Gardellas have gone without a new Venator, not since Eustacia, so now Victoria will be one of the strongest ever. Her first test? Kill a vampire at her coming out ball.

Victoria was fascinating as a young woman brought up to be a debutante, and land a rich, and preferably titled husband. She’s beautiful, and once trained by her aunt’s lover, becomes a formidable fighter. The reader gets to go along for the ride, as she comes into her own as a successful Venator. Along the way, she works with Max, a bad tempered Venator, that helps train her on the streets. She also meets Sebastian, a handsome but shady character, one that owns a vampire friendly club. As far as falling in love, that involved another man entirely.

This story was so much fun-not that it was humorous, because it wasn’t. It was just a complete adventure, with great characters, and a good(adult)romance, served up in historical London. Victoria, sneaking around on the dangerous streets of London, was probably the best part of the story, at least it was for me. She manages to get into all kinds of situations, and when Lilith, the Queen of the Vampires shows up, the story ramps up even farther.

The world building was also one of the best parts of the book as well. Vampires in historical London, are not the romanticized ones that we usually read about. They are evil creatures, and they really aren’t given personalities in this book, with the exception of Lilith. Lilith is pure evil. The background of how vampires came to be, was uniquely imagined by the author, as well. There’s also different kinds of vampires. It all was very interestingly told, and absolutely was not an info dump.

This is the second vampire hunter book I have read this month, and it’s actually a toss up which one was better. I completely loved both of them, and they were both wonderful reads for me. I liked this one enough that I have already started the second book, about five minutes after I finished this one. The series has five books, and they are all out already, so no waiting!

It should be noted that this is a re-release, originally released in 2007


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I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.

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38 responses to “Review: The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason”

  1. Bookworm Brandee  

    Yay! I’m so glad you “dug up” a book that was so fabulous, Lorna. I met Gleason at a book con a year ago and I think I might have one of her books?? Now I’m going to go see if I can unearth it because if it’s this one, it just might move to the top of the pile for me. The Rest Falls Away sounds fresh, fun, and unique. Thanks for the great review!
    Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Early Review ~ Home ~ JA Huss**

  6. Colleen Gleason  

    So glad you enjoyed the read, Lorna! I am very happy these books, which came out in 2007/8 are getting new life.

    If anyone decides to take the plunge, there is an on-line read-along group right now (they are just starting chapter 8, and will read thru chapt 14 this week) on FB. I’m stopping in to answer questions and give away swag….sooo….come on over!

    http://facebook.com/groups/gardellahunters

    Thanks again for the great review.

  7. Lupdilup  

    I always get so excited to find new series that sound great and with such a great rating from a trusted source, these are always added to my wish list on amazon…And OMG! thank GOD they’re not all out on audible and I get chance to keep up a little bit…LOL
    I do hope they publish it soon that format tho..lol
    Great review 🙂
    Lupdilup recently posted…Beyond Shame Audiobook by Kit Rocha (review)

    • Lorna  

      I am surprised that they aren’t out on Audible since these are re-releases. Maybe soon though, hopefully for you 🙂 It really is a great read, and the second one is even better!

  12. Berls  

    This sounds so good! I love Regency England but I don’t think I’ve ever seen I combined with Urban Fantasy, which is just exciting. The two are so different, so I’m eager to see how she marries the two worlds. Sounds like lots of action and creative characters. Is the fifth book the last book? If it is, that’s a plus, because then the whole series is there to devour 🙂
    Berls recently posted…Pinching Pennies | October 2014

  17. Lori from Romancing the Dark  

    I read this series years ago when I first bought my Nook (pre-blogging days), i was just browsing through B&N and saw Victorian + Vampire Hunter and was instantly sold! It’s one of my favorite vampire series, I read the entire series in about a week. So glad you discovered the Gardella Vampire Chronicles and can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the rest of the books. I think Ms. Gleason has added some stories to this series if I’m not mistaken, I still have to check those out! Great review Lorna 🙂
    Lori recently posted…Cover Reveal: Surrender to the Chase by Amanda J. Greene

    • Lorna  

      Thanks Lori! I am glad you enjoyed them as much as I. The second review will post on Saturday. Unfortunately, I had to stop reading them for awhile. Too many books, not enough time 🙂

  18. Kim { Book Swoon }  

    I’m glad you discovered Colleen Gleason and loved this book so much! I’ve read her Gardella Vampire Hunters series and LOVED it. She also has a YA steampunk/paranormal mix series I’m enjoying called Stoker & Holmes. Yay! To new authors and books 🙂

  20. Chanzie from Mean Who You  

    Yay!!! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this series and will be carrying on with it. I can honestly say this is one of those series that just get better and better and really tugs at your heart the deeper in that you get. The final book will blow you away. I discovered this series in 2010 and it has been on my top favourite list since then!!!
    Chanzie recently posted…Tour Stop: Guest Post & Giveaway ~ Blood Curse (Branded #2) by Kat Flannery