As Shadows Fade

by Colleen Gleason

It just seems like a few months ago that Colleen's first book hit the blogosphere and already the Gardella Vampire Chronicles ends with book five, As Shadows Fade. Although I've been waiting with white knuckles for this book, it seems like the whole trip went just way too fast.

Most of you know that I'm not a romance reader and though these are found in the romance section of the bookstores they are so much more than romance. May I also insert that I think they are so much better than the Twilight series - better written and miles more interesting!

I'm sorry to see the story of Victoria, Sebastian and Max coming to an end. Others have reported that they liked how the series ends. I did too but I feel a little pang of sadness - for some of the characters, for the end of the series - probably both.

A comment concerning the cover: What is with that young, young boy standing behind Victoria? It can't be either Max or Sebastian! I picture those two as MEN, wiser and more self-assured than that BOY on the cover. That's my only complaint about this book. Oh, one more - it went too fast. Loved it!

Colleen so amply described a familiar feeling that I have never found the words to describe:

Victoria felt marginally better after her nap and a good meal, yet an angry, itchy sort of internal grumbling continued to nag at her.

When Twilight Burns - Drawing for a Free Copy

I am currently immersed in Colleen Gleason's 4th book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. It is such a good place to be. The first couple chapters have refreshed my memories of what has happened to Victoria, Max and Sebastian. It's good to be back with old friends, but my concern for them is at a fever pitch.

Colleen writes a tight story full of suspense, mystery and romance all rolled in together. And no, you don't get all those items at the expense of plot. I love these books!

I want to pass on the fun of reading this series. To WIN a copy of WHEN TWILIGHT BURNS leave a comment to this post indicating this is the book you want to win.

That's not all . . . I will draw 2 other names to win their choice of one of the four books in the series. So you have two chances to win WHEN TWILIGHT BURNS or one chance to win THE REST FALLS AWAY, BLEEDING DUSK, or RISES THE NIGHT.

To win, just leave a comment letting me know which book you would like to win. Three books will be given away so your chances are good.

The Bleeding Dusk

by Colleen Gleason

I received an unexpected, but delightful surprise in November when I opened a package and discovered an ARC of Colleen's latest book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I immediately sent off a thank-you email expressing my surprise and delight. Colleen emailed back and told me to be sure and read the acknowledgments. There, right after the illustrious name of Carl V, was my name! I had to sit down and do some deep breathing exercises. In the acknowledgments Colleen expressed her thanks to several blogging friends who have read and reviewed her books and sponsored contests. I was downright tickled to be mentioned.

Those of you who have been following the escapades of Victoria Gardella, vampire slayer will be happy to know that The Bleeding Dusk will be out and on shelves on Feb 5. We learn some pretty interesting things about Max and Sebastian, the two main men in Victoria's life. Desire puts her at the mercy of Sebastian, while loyalty binds her to Max, but can she trust either man? And what of the 3rd man lingering in the shadows?

I found myself a bit annoyed with Victoria. She's so young and impetuous and gets herself in some dangerous situations. Doesn't she have a brain to go along with that beautiful body? It's just a good thing she has others who aren't so full of themselves watching out for her best interests.

As with the first two books, there are a lot of suspenseful moments. I love that part, as well as the mystery surrounding the main characters. One of the good things about this series is the slow reveal of important aspects of the characters' lives. I look forward to the next book so I can get more insight into both Max and Sebastian. AND of course, I can't wait to read what further adventures await.

Rises the Night

by Colleen Gleason
By the cover you can tell that this book is a romance and those who know me well know that I don't care for romances. And yet I LOVED this book. LOVED it. I prefer to think that Gleason's vampire series belongs in the suspense/thriller genre. This is not total rationalization - Rises the Night is a gripping, page-turning, nail-biting read.

Victoria Gardella is a venator, whose job is to help rid the world of vampires. She never goes anywhere without several wooden stakes, a vial of salted holy water, and a silver cross. There are two men in her life, Max and Sebastian, who we met in the first book, The Rest Falls Away. These men are not only handsome, they are mysterious. I was constantly wondering about there loyalties and agendas.

Victoria faces some especially challenging and horrifying experiences. The action is non-stop and really quite terrifying. I am in love with this series. I mean to tell you, this book rocks! Gleason has a gift, her writing is beautiful and tight. The characters are complex, the story is rife with twists and turns.

Rises the Night will be released in stores on June 5. I know, I know that's another 6 long weeks of waiting. But to offset that bad news I have some really great news: You could win a free copy of this book before the release date. Keep watching my blog. I'm going to hold a drawing for a signed copy of Rises the Night. The drawing will be held on May 20. I'll get a post up announcing the contest in a week or two.

The Rest Falls Away

by Colleen Gleason
Rating 4.25/5
I received a free, signed copy from the Colleen for hosting a drawing for her book on my blog. Needless to say, I was was thrilled. This book will keep you reading and asking questions. Kailana over at Kailana's Written World have shared comments via email about the ending and some of the questions we have about certain characters.

The main character is Victoria Gardella, who learns just prior to her coming out party that she is a venator, or vampire killer. There are three men in her life. The complexity of these relationships and the drama between Victoria's daily prim and proper life versus her nightly adventures as a vampire killer and her destined meeting with the vampire leader create a building crescendo of intrigue and tension.

I've read only 2 vampire tales: Bram Stoker's Dracula and Stephanie Meyer's YA book, Twilight, so I'm by no means an expert, but I really like Gleason's creative takes on the vampire lore. According to Gleason, there have been vampires trying to take over the earth since the time of Christ. There have been venator's since that time who have taken on the dangerous responsibility of ridding the earth of vampires and protecting the unsuspecting masses. Some become venators through bloodline. Victoria is chosen through the Gardella bloodline.


I also liked the quote at the beginning of the book by Muriel Rukeyser: "I think there is choice possible to us at any moment, as long as we live. But there is no sacrifice. There is a choice, and the rest falls away."