Title: The Rest Falls Away(Gardella Vampire Chronicles #1)

Author: Colleen Gleason

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 2007

Genre: Vampire

Pages: 347

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre - Thriller; New Authors; Seriously Series; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it

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 taken over 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 enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love.

The first in a book series that has sat on my shelves for way too long.  If I had known the book was as good as it was, I would have read it years ago.  I love finding gems in my TBR stacks.  This book started with action and just never stopped.  I loved the action scenes in this one.  The writing is very clear and concise, yet beautifully constructed.  The characters are amazing.  I immediately connected to Victoria.  I loved the meeting with Eustacia.  Verbena was a surprising addition to the cast.  And of course, the men are all intriguing.  I flew through this novel in no time at all.  I couldn't wait to see what happened with the Book of Anwartha, the Marquess of Rockley, and Lilith.  I was a bit shocked at the ending, but realized that it completely makes sense for the overall storyline.  I can't wait to read to the next installment of Victoria Gardella's adventures as a Venator.

Gardella Vampire Chronicles:

• #1 The Rest Falls Away
• #1.5 Victoria Gardella
• #2 Rises the Night
• #3 The Bleeding Dusk
• #4 When Twilight Burns
• #5 As Shadows Fade
• #5.1 Max Stops the Presses
• #6 Roaring Midnight
• #7 Raging Dawn
• #8 Roaring Shadows