The Rest Falls Away
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!
February 20th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Interesting point, I never thought about that. Hopefully Colleen will give some insight.
Glad you enjoyed the book even after it was hyped.
February 20th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Me too! Since it’s usually not that way with me.
February 20th, 2007 at 10:29 am
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.
February 20th, 2007 at 10:46 am
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!
February 20th, 2007 at 11:18 am
I have never heard ot this book. Adding to my list right now! It sounds awesome!
February 20th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
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.
February 20th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
I still havent’ read it! I’m waiting for a peaceful weekend. *snort*
February 20th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
I haven’t read it yet either, and all these great reviews are making me drool!
February 20th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Excelllent review, Angela. And thanks for answering Colleen. That makes complete sense now.
February 20th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Well, good to know I wasn’t the last person to read it! LOL
February 20th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Amy – Jaci recently sent me SDI.. I’m looking forward to that one too!
February 21st, 2007 at 3:45 am
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.
February 22nd, 2007 at 2:07 am
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.
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Great review! I still need to get my hands on this book!
February 27th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I loved this book. I really thought it was great and I’m looking forward to the next one.
March 5th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
I read this yesterday afternoon and I really liked it. (now I will stop commenting all over your blog
)
March 5th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Hey, comment away! LOL
March 7th, 2007 at 10:29 am
[...] If you love to read or watch Sci Fi or Fantasy you should be reading SciFiChick’s blog. She is adding to my TBR pile in a big way. She is totally clued into what is new and happening in this genre. Over the weekend I bought author, blogger and fellow 13’ner Colleen Gleason’s book, The Rest Falls Away. I first heard about at SciFiChick’s (click here for her review). I read it in one afternoon and I thought it was very good. I expected things to happen that didn’t and was totally surprised at what did happen. All signs of a good book. I look forward to learning more about Victoria, Sebastion, Max, and even the maid, Verbana. I really liked her. The next book in the series comes out in June, I believe. If you like this type of book, get started with this series now. I feel that it will be successful for Colleen. [...]