The Rest Falls Away

by

Probably the last in the blogverse to read Colleen Gleason’s The Rest Falls Away, I’ve heard many rave reviews. And it certainly held up to the hype.

Victoria is a direct descendant of the Gardella vampire hunters, called Venators. There haven’t been many women Venators, but she willingly accepts her destiny as the next in line. But living a double life isn’t easy, a lady of the ton by day and vampire hunter by night. Dealing with suitors while trying to hide her secrets, Victoria soon finds herself in way over her head.

Gleason has created quite a few memorable characters. As a strong but feminine heroine, Victoria is easily likeable. And the men in her life are just as deftly drawn. The plot is suspenseful and engaging. The book was almost impossible to put down.

The Rest Falls Away has a classic take as far as vampire lore, but with a wonderful twist with Gleason’s creation of the Venators. I loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel!

The second in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Rises The Night, will be released on June 5th, and is now available for preorder through Amazon.com.

Thanks, Colleen! Ideas for the drawings were forming in my head as I read it.

* Side note: Maybe I missed something, but there was a detail that bothered me. I’m sure Colleen can explain. And maybe someone else has mentioned this. (Sorry if I missed it.) Max was constantly bothered that Victoria wanted to marry, and insisted that Venators remain monk-like. If this were the case, Venators (at least the Gardella line) would have died out long ago, as they wouldn’t be procreating. Is this just a double standard for the women? Or is it that he’s just so jealous?
Just wondering!

18 thoughts on “The Rest Falls Away”

  3. Thanks for the great review! And as for your question…

    Part of it is a double standard for women–after all, a woman has to carry the child for nine months. A male Venator (and male Venators are by far the norm) could impregnate a woman he’s either married to or not, and never see her again. (Not that that’s common, but it’s likely and possible to happen).

    But you’ll also find out more about the Venators in RISES THE NIGHT, and you’ll learn that other than Victoria and Eustacia, who are directly from the Gardella line, there are Venators from all branches of the family, all over the world.

    They sort of pop up here and there–like a genetic mutation (LOL)–and even those who are directly from the line don’t necessarily come from a Venator. Eg, Victoria herself was not borne by a Venator. And Aunt Eustacia’s brother was Victoria’s mother’s father (follow that) who was not a Venator either…he declined and the “call” was passed to Eustacia….

    By the way, Max…jealous??

    Also, notice that this was Max’s issue more than Eustacia’s–yes she was worried about it, but never tried to talk Victoria out of it. She understands life and love–she’s experienced it herself. Sure, Max has a point. But that’s not to say that it can’t be done.

    Make sense?

    Good question.

  4. Makes sense, yes. I wondered if that was the case. Though Max kept referring to Venators as a whole.. it seemed like it was more for Victoria’s benefit.
    And great! Looking forward to the next one!

  6. Between you, Christine, and Christine’s interview with Colleen in the romANTICS, I’m totally sold on this book. I will have to get it and read it after I finish Jaci Burton’s “Surviving Demon Island” which btw, rocks as well.

  12. I think it is so great when authors participate in discussions about their books. It definitely makes me more likely to go out and buy it too. 🙂

  13. Angela, wonderful review and such a good question. I’m glad you asked it. And loved that Colleen answered it for us. There is quite a bit of tension between Max and Victoria. I’m rooting for Max.

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