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Friday, June 11, 2010:
It's sad to say good-bye: part 3 of my interview with Joss Ware/Colleen Gleason
Ah, it's sad to see that our time together is coming to an end, and that for now, we must say good-bye to Colleen/Joss. I want to thank her for her fun interview - I had a blast putting it together. However I hope you'll stick around for the contest, and that you enjoy her books even half as much as I do :)
S~ You're one of those authors who can write the male POV very well, where > it doesn't sound like a woman's words coming out of a man's mouth. Is this something you have to always be conscious about or does it come rather naturally while you write?
C/J: I think it must come naturally when I write, because I don’t really think about it. (Thank you, by the way.)
I’m guessing it comes from hanging around a lot of guys all my life—and having a husband who is very male in his speech/thought. What I mean by this is, he doesn’t sort of try to couch his words or make them softer when he’s talking to me—he just says things like he would say them to his friends. (As you can imagine…that doesn’t always go over well. LOL.) We’re very open with each other about a lot of things—so I think I get a good sense of how the male mind works (at least, his), and not only does he tell me all about conversations with his friends (pleasant or other  wise), I also notice how they talk when they are together. Plus, my husband (fondly known as Music Man to those who follow me on Facebook), he and I talk a lot about the male perspective. S~ Okay, 'fess up: what do you find sexy in a man? Who are some of the actors/musicians out there that you find sexy?C/J: Oooh! Oooh! Love this question. I’m a chest/shoulders girl: love a good, solid male chest with just the right amount of muscle/hair. I like dark men, too. Oh, you mean things like…personality? Heh. I like a smart guy who listens to me and respects me—which is a theme you will see in all my books. No matter who the guy or the heroine is, he has to respect her and accept her strengths for what they are. As for actors/musicians who do it for me? Top on the list right now is Robert Downey, Jr. I just love him for a variety of reasons—partly because he’s not a pretty-boy. I don’t really like pretty boys; I like guys that have a rugged or lived-in look—that look like they’ve lived. His face is so expressive, too. I also love Matt Damon and Johnny Depp and will always love Sting too. S~ What about women? Which women in the public eye do you think exemplify sexiness and why?
C/J: I have a huge girl-crush on Angelina Jolie, and since Sherlock Holmes, I’ve really liked Rachel McAdams. I also like Scarlett Johanssen and Kate Winslett. S~ At what age would you let your kids read your books? 
C/J: I’ve told my 13 year old daughter that she can read the Gardellas or the Envy books…but I’m not necessarily encouraging her to do so. I know what I was reading when I was her age—and look how I turned out! ;-) It’s not the worry of her reading the books and their content as much as whether it would squick her out reading sex scenes written by her mother! LOL. S ~ Is there any writing trend out there that you wish would die a slow, painful yet final death?
C/J: Hmmm. Yes…the taking of classic works and adding a small percentage of words to make them paranormals. S ~ Does it ever seem strange to have such a connection with fans? Does the "fame" of being a writer ever seem surreal or have you come to terms with all the attention?
C/J: I love interacting with fans, and it doesn’t really feel weird as most of it is via Facebook or the web. I think if I were someone like JR Ward or Charlaine Harris, who drew hundreds to an event, that it would be surreal. For me, it’s still manageable and very enjoyable. S ~ I see that Colleen Gleason has a new historical vampire series set for 2011. Can you tell us a little more about that?C/J: Yes, I do. There will be three books coming from MIRA in April, May, and June of 2011. These are historical vampires in Regency England, but they are not part of the Gardella world. In fact, I’ve sort of been describing the series as JR Ward’s BDB meets Jane Austen’s world of propriety. But they are dark and sexy and I am really loving writing them! S ~ What has been the most exciting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published writer?
 C/J: Being able to take naps and call it working. Oh, seriously? Seeing my books in print and calling myself a novelist without flinching. It’s the best job in the world, and I feel so very fortunate to be able to make a living doing it. S ~ You've really written about some amazing guys in your books. Which hero has just really broken your heart?C/J: I think Simon in Embrace the Night Eternal, so far, is the one who’s broken my heart. But it’s repaired now that he’s found true love. But I’m working on some others who are bound to have their own angst. S ~ What characteristic about a book makes it memorable for you?
C/J: Typing THE END. (just kidding) I think it’s the specific dynamic between the hero and heroine—what finally “gels” between them, puts them in an equal, loving relationship. S ~ Any future pen names in the future or are you satisfied with the ones you have now?C/J: I think the ones I have are good. ;-) S ~ Any upcoming news you want to share with us before you go?C/J: Hmmm…nothing that I haven’t already said! Thank you so much for having me here!! S ~ Thank you Colleen/Joss for taking the time to answer my questions. It's been a real pleasure :) ****
I hope you enjoyed "chatting" with Joss as much as I did, and that it's whetted your appetite to read her books...if you haven't already done so, that is. Stay tuned later this afternoon for a chance to win Beyond the Night, Embrace the Night Eternal, and Abandon the Night. I've read all 3, and can't wait for more.
Labels: author interviews, Colleen Gleason, Joss Ware
posted by Stacy~ at 6/11/2010 07:03:00 AM
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Thursday, June 10, 2010:
Part 1: Awakening with author Joss Ware
I first met Colleen Gleason (aka Joss Ware) in the fall of 2008, when she came to an informal meet & greet in the Chicagoland area. Right from the start, I instantly liked her. She's the type of person who is fun to chat with, makes sure to include everyone in the conversation, and has a wonderfully vivid imagination. Colleen is just completely awesome. Since then, I've devoured her Gardella series, and now that she's created a new pen name, Joss Ware, I've become equally enamored with this creative, unique universe she's built for us to play in (though it's nice to know we can go home at any time LOL). When Colleen/Joss agreed to let me interview her, I was thrilled. She's definitely one of the most fascinating authors out there, and I always want to know what she's working on. Plus, if you follow her on Facebook, you know she can turn a simple visit to the coffee shop into the most fun experience. So here we go, this is my time with the rockin' Colleen Gleason/Joss Ware force of nature....
S~ You first came on the scene with your delightful Gardella vampire series, under the name Colleen Gleason. Any plans to have more Gardella stories, perhaps a spinoff? (I always liked the idea of a modern-day storyline set in the U.S.)
C/J: I would like to do more Gardellas in the future, if it makes sense. Obviously, as those who have read the Victoria series know, there is an opportunity for future books based on how that series ends. I'd also love to do a mini-series about one of Victoria's predecessors (who are mentioned in the other books--Catherine or Rosamunde).
But right now, I'm really busy with the Joss Ware series and also a new historical vampire series coming in 2011 from MIRA that I literally don't know when I'd get to another Gardella.
S~ I love the idea that the brilliant Joss Whedon inspired your Ware pen name, and what an inspiration he was for the Gardella series. What other writers have inspired your work?
C/J: I've always loved Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters for her combination of romance and suspense/paranormal--in particular, her mastery of subtlety. I think that's why the love triangle in the Gardella series (and hopefully the one that is beginning to evolve in the Joss Ware series) seemed to be so successful with readers.
S~ I am completely taken by the world of Envy, and how you've created it. How many books do you see writing about it?
C/J: Well, as of right now, I'm contracted through book 6, which I'm delighted about. I feel as though I could write more than 6, but I had originally planned for only 6...so it depends on the publisher and how I feel after the last book. I certainly am comfortable with expanding the "world" and characters and the storyline...there's so much I could do with it!
At the same time, like the Gardellas, I don't want to get into a situation where I feel as if the series has played itself out and is simply being continued for the sake of continuation. I feel like I ended the Gardellas in the right place--before it jumped the shark, so to speak. With the Envy books, there is a larger cast of characters, so I feel as if I could go further without getting into that potential rut.
S~ When you have a few minutes of free time, what do you find yourself reading: books similar to the genre you're writing in or something completely differerent? What are you reading right now?
C/J: I must confess that I rarely read in my genre. It's just a "thing" about me. I prefer to be blissfully ignorant of the other worlds and mythoses (is that a word?) in my genre so that I know that anything I do comes from my brain and isn't the result of leakage or influence from other works.
I like to read mysteries, historical romance, and contemporaries. Right now I'm reading Nora's SAVOR THE MOMENT. I just finished Kylie Brant's WAKING DEAD, and plan to read something by Liz Carlyle next.
S~ You also have written some erotic takes on classic tales under the name Colette Gale. Any upcoming stories you can share with us? What inspired you to write about these particular stories?
I wrote three books as Colette Gale, and I loved every single one of them because they were TOUGH to write. When I write erotica, I like to have lots of erotic scenes in them--pretty much in every chapter--or I feel like as a reader, if it's labeled erotica, that I've been cheated. :-)
The first book is the story of The Phantom of the Opera, based on the Webber play/movie--and explains why Christine didn't end up with the Phantom. (At least, in the movie. In my book, she does.)
The second book I did was MASTER, which is an erotic version of The Count of Monte Cristo. That book, unlike Phantom, follows Dumas's original story quite faithfully--but tells it from the perspective of Mercedes and Dantes, and all the things that happened behind the scenes. (wink, wink) Only the ending is different, because I couldn't stomach Dantes going off with Haydee, who was a girl half his age.
And the latest book came out in May of 2009, and it's for those who loved the BBC Robin Hood (before the horrible ending of Season Two). It's called BOUND BY HONOR and it develops the love triangle between Robin Hood, Nottingham and Maid Marian.
 At their cores, all three of the Gale books are love stories--but they are stories whose romantic development is told chiefly through sex scenes. I love them all, but I don't have any plans to write a fourth one. They are a *lot* of work for me!
S~ What are the challenges in writing that keep you motivated? What do you love most about the writing process?
C/J: The things I love most about the writing process is starting a new project (oh, joy!!) and typing THE END at the end of it. LOL. The process for me is usually push and pull...sometimes it flows really well, and sometimes it's like yanking teeth.
But the thing I love about the process is getting into characters' heads, learning about new things, and torturing my heroes. Love to torture my heroes.
Motivation comes from the simple fact that there is no other job in the world I'd rather be doing, so in order to keep this one, I have to actually do it!
S~ What's the most interesting type of research you've ever done for a story? Have you ever visited any of the locations that you've written about?
C/J: I've never been to Italy, despite the fact that one and a half Gardella books take place there (but I am finally getting the chance to go in October!), but I've been to the UK. I've also been to Las Vegas for the Envy books.
As far as interesting research…one of the things that I found fascinating was when I was doing research for the third Gardella book, The Bleeding Dusk. There’s a “Door of Alchemy” in the book, and I learned about this actual portal when I was looking into interesting facts about 19th century Rome. The door as it’s portrayed in Dusk is an actual piece of architecture, and except for the vampire aspect, its legend and description are true
S~ What might people be surprised to learn about you?
C/J: That I don’t read vampire novels. ;-)
S~ What are some of the things you are passionate about?
C/J: Food. Reading. Politics (but let’s not go there here). My children and husband.
S~ Do you tend to play music when you write? Does it change based on what story you're writing? What should people be listening to right now?
C/J: I do play music while I’m writing; often to drown out whatever’s going on around me. I write quite often in public places, and when I do that, I usually wear foam earplugs and put my headset on over them, and then play music.
I listen to a lot of things over and over so that it tends to become more like white noise. I like the Harry Potter soundtracks for that, and I also listen to some chant-like music as well. Sometimes I do listen to rock and roll or pop, but not very often. I’m not really listening as much as creating white noise.
*****
So that is just a taste of my time spent with C/J. Part 2 will be up later today, and I'll finish the interview tomorrow morning. This will be topped off with a contest to win the first 3 Awakening Heroes books! Be warned, it's a bit more of a challenge, but nothing you guys can't handle :) Labels: author interviews, Colleen Gleason, Joss Ware
posted by Stacy~ at 6/10/2010 07:15:00 AM
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Sunday, May 03, 2009:
Gardellas: The end of the series...
Colleen Gleason is an evil genius, and I love her for it. Not only did she play into my deep love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which I consider to be one of my all-time favorite t.v. shows evah, she also managed to create a wonderfully effective way to extend the characters' journey to get to their HEA. I believe the series was all the stronger for it. However knowing it was going to end, I totally dragged my feet about reading the fifth, and last, installment. It was also very evident even before this book who Victoria would end up choosing as her man. This didn't bother me, but I was pretty much in the other camp through most of the series, and was saddened that my guy didn't have a happier ending. Don't get me wrong - I totally got why Illa Gardella chose the man she did, and I know a huge number of fans couldn't have agreed more, and rightfully so. He was probably the more perfect foil for her, and had the strength to accomplish the most difficult tasks, ones that ended up breaking my heart, but had to be done for the good of the world (and to make the series even more effective). Victoria, or maybe I should have said her heart, chose wisely. Of course that doesn't mean I wanted the other guy to suffer. I genuinely loved him. He was my favorite from the beginning, but it was clear that he would not be the one that stole Victoria's heart. It's hard to put into words exactly why, but there was just something missing in the connection between him and Victoria. In the end he still made a great sacrifice for her, but he wasn't quite the hero Victoria deserved. Yet instead of becoming less worthy of her throughout the series, he became moreso as his love for her grew. And that was one of the reasons it was so sad to see him lose, because he is a very worthy hero, just not Victoria's hero. It's like if you take strawberry and vanilla ice cream - together they taste really good, but not quite as good as chocolate and vanilla do. Strawberry and vanilla is still a good combination, but just not as perfect as chocolate and vanilla. Of course if you don't like these flavors, it's a moot point, but I think you know where I'm going with this. So. The last book is over. Victoria vanquished the evil and finds true love, although their lives will never be easy, as Victoria is THE vampire slayer and evil never dies (at least not according to those "Halloween" movies). But, really, that's IT? No more? I remember a visit from Colleen last summer where we talked about the idea of contemporary Venators. Why couldn't someone from Victoria's lineage come to the states? Wouldn't that be wonderful? I'm thinking it would be. Colleen, can you get on that? Which series did you hate to see come to an end? Labels: Colleen Gleason, Gardellas
posted by Stacy~ at 5/03/2009 10:47:00 AM
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Monday, August 18, 2008:
Hangin' with Colleen Gleason
I found out a few weeks ago that Colleen Gleason (author of the fab Gardella series) was going to be at Borders for an informal booksigning on Friday, August 15th, not too far from my house, and of course I just had to go. I invited pal Michelle Buonfiglio, who recently moved to the area, and of course she was thrilled to get the opportunity to hang out with me, because you know, who wouldn't? Michelle and I decided to meet not far from her house since she's still not too familiar with the area, so while I was waiting for her, I sat outside reading book 4, "When Twilight Burns", which is soooo, soooo good. Anywayz, I'm getting right to the yummy goodness of Victoria rolling around on the ground, gettin' dirty with...nah, I won't spoil it for ya...when Michelle scares the ever-living hell out of me as she beeps to get my attention. The book almost went flying but thank God I had the presence of mind to hold on to it for dear life. Who cares about my cell phone as long as the book survives. Disaster avoided. We were on our way. And, it turns out DIK chick Shannon is also a local girl, so we made plans to meet up at one of my absolute favorite places, the Cheesecake Factory, before the signing. Shannon beat us there, and I got her text as we were waiting in line for a table. I knew from a picture at her blog what she looked like, yet then she comes along with this cute, short hairstyle that made me all jealous since I'm ready to hack off all my hair myself. Moving on. I did have a great time eating and laughing and talking with her and Michelle, and learned about a lot more books that I need to get. Thanx to Shannon, I'm ready to dip my toes in the urban fantasy pool even more deeply than I had before. Colleen and me (Note: gosh do I look stoned or what??? This is why I don't like getting my picture taken) We got to Borders a bit late, but since it was not an official signing, it was all good. We met Colleen's good friend Kelly, who lives in the area, and Kristan (?), who came all the way down from Wisconsin. It was so relaxing just to sit down and talk about books. We talked about some of our faves like JD Robb and Judith McNaught, and what ongoing series (other than Colleen's) we were reading. Both Michelle and Colleen got me to consider Eloisa James' latest series (starting with "The Desperate Duchess") even though EJ is a hit or miss author for me. Still, I am getting the first 3 books in the series. Colleen also mentioned that she would like to continue the Gardella series, so you just never know what may happen after book 5, "As Shadows Fade", which has another gorgeous cover, btw. I'm all for more Gardellas. And Venators. Like I mentioned earlier, Shannon intrigued me with her comments on urban fantasy, especially her thoughts on Kim Harrison's series, so I picked up "Dead Witch Walking". And I grabbed my second ever SEP book, "It Had to Be You", because I just can't start in the middle of that series . I also decided to give Colette Gale's "Unmasqued" a try, especially after hearing about a new take on the Robin Hood legend. I know I'm not the only one imagining Richard Armitage here. Colleen and Michelle Buonfiglio I didn't get a picture of Shannon (I forgot, though Michelle got a group picture so maybe I'll steal it from her if I get a chance) but I do want to bless her for introducing me to Seattle's Best hot chocolate. OMG, it is ambrosia! Creamy, rich, delicious, with white chocolate shavings sprinkled on top. Definitely one of the most heavenly creations known to man. I am forever indebted to her for this discovery. It was 10:30 and Colleen had to leave since she was driving to Indiana the next day, so we said our good-byes, then Shannon, Michelle and I started making fun of some of the art covers and book titles. You just can't help it - some of them are just hideous. I think we (okay, Michelle) also scared off a bunch of shoppers away from the romance section. It was a wonderful night, spent with new and existing friends, eating and talking and just having a great time together. And if ever you get the opportunity, I would definitely recommend going to a booksigning. Definitely one of this summer's highlights :) Labels: booksignings, Colleen Gleason, Michelle Buonfiglio
posted by Stacy~ at 8/18/2008 05:28:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008:
"The Bleeding Dusk" by Colleen Gleason
 Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Signet (February 5, 2008) ISBN-10: 0451223268 ISBN-13: 978-0451223265 The undead of Rome are racing to unravel an ancient mystery – and only one woman can stop them...
As Rome prepares for its Carnivale, the new leader of the city's vampire hunters – Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy – must prove herself as never before. For, to gain access to the secrets of a legendary alchemist, Rome's vampires have allied themselves with creatures as evil and bloodthirsty as they are.
Reluctantly, Victoria must turn to the enigmatic Sebastian Vioget for help, just as Maximilian Pesaro arrives to assist his fellow slayers – no matter what the sacrifice. Desire puts her at the mercy of Sebastian, while loyalty binds her to Max, but can she trust either man? Especially when a seductive vampire begins luring her into the shadows...
Normally I wouldn't read the next book in a series so soon after finishing the previous installment, but Colleen Gleason has me hooked on her vampire world and I just can seem to help myself. I had both the 2nd and 3rd books with me when I went to San Fran, not really sure if I'd get a chance to read them, but finding myself making the time (it helps when your roommate is just as much of a reader as you are - thanx LadyB!) May contain spoilers**** In this third episode of the Gardella series, Max has gone to visit Lilith, queen of the vampires, eager to find a way to rid himself of the permanent bites she's left on him. Of course it can be done, at a price, one he's not sure he's willing to pay... Meanwhile in Rome, Victoria gets some unexpected, and not necessarily welcome, guests when her mother and mum's two best friends show up, concerned about Victoria and bemoaning her lack of a husband. Victoria is not sure how she's going to evade her mother and continue to hunt at the same time, but this is the least of her worries. As the Illa Gardella, she's got a new problem to be concerned about: in the form of several be-headed bodies. To top it off, it's Carnivale. What better time for the vampires to come out to play? Victoria also realizes that there is something of her Aunt Eustasia's that is missing, something vital, and the last person to be near her was Sebastian Vioget, a secretive and seductive Frenchman who confuses Victoria as much as he attracts her. Unable to locate him, she turns on his dangerous grandfather Beauregard to relay her message, barely surviving the encounter unscathed. But instead of Sebastian, she unexpectedly runs into fellow Venator Max Pesaro, a man who confuses her even more, yet is also responsible for her most recent heartbreak. But new trouble, mixed with old, is brewing, and all their attentions are taken up with this latest threat. Just when Victoria thinks she can trust the men in her life, secrets are revealed, destinies, lost, and someone is bitten by a vampire, someone who will willingly drink the blood offered in return.... My thoughts: Sebastian or Max? Max or Sebastian? The gap between the two is much closer than it was after reading book 2, yet with Sebastian still in the lead. Despite his untrustworthy ways, Seb has strong feelings for Victoria, possibly stronger than he imagined they could be, and this may turn out to be his salvation. Whereas Max keeps his thoughts and feelings close to his sleeve, not revealing what's really in his heart. I love the still waters that run deep, but come on, I need a little something more to go on here, Max baby. I want to see the unrequited song and dance, pretty please. I find myself wavering between irritation and amusement over all the men that fall at Victoria's feet. It's enough to give a girl a mighty ego, and I might have to hate her but then something happens to bring Victoria crashing down to reality, and she becomes real again. I love that she's confident, but when she gets too big for those britches, something happens to put her in her place. I get such a kick out of Victoria's mum and her BFFs, who are delightfully air-headed and obsessed with parties and dresses and gossip, so much so that the thought of vampires is truly more a gothic novel than a distinct possibility. Poor Victoria. Once again Ms. Gleason is not going to make things simple in order to give us our Happy Ending. I love the history of the Venators, the mythology of it all. I love that Gleason has created a world where there are consequences and conditions, and sticks with the basic foundation of that world, creating rules and prophesies that are not easily shattered in a convenient fashion. No. Oh no. Oh, okay. The ending of this book wasn't nearly as heart-wrenching as what happens in "Rises The Night", but it was still painful to watch. Bad things happen to good people, and vice versa. It's a messy existence, that of a Venator, and even they can't be victorious all the time.
I am as hooked as ever on this series, wishing it never had to end. I already have the 4th installment, and I figure, why wait? No reason, as far as I can tell. And since Colleen is going to be in town for a booksigning this Friday, it's perfect timing to get completely caught up. So off I go, to get lost in the Gardella series once again.... Rating: ****1/2 out of ***** Colleen Gleason is at RomanceNovel.TV today! Labels: Colleen Gleason, reviews, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 8/12/2008 04:42:00 AM
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Sunday, August 10, 2008:
"Rises the Night" by Colleen Gleason
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Signet (June 5, 2007)
ISBN-10: 045122146X
ISBN-13: 978-0451221469 The glorious nineteenth-century city of Rome gives rise to a new threat from the Immortal Undead...
Victoria Gardella has been a vampire slayer for just over a year, balancing her life as a peer of Society with the dangerous role that takes her out on moonlit streets, stake in hand.
As Victoria races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced, she is accompanied by the unlikely Sebastian Vioget, a man as tempting as he is untrustworthy. But when Victoria discovers that she has been betrayed by one of her most trusted allies, the truth will challenge all her powers as a Venator – and as a woman. It took me awhile to pick up this book after reading "The Rest Falls Away", which had quite the emotional ending. Yet I chose this one for my flight to San Fran, and I was glad I did. This series is addicting. After a difficult year, Victoria is back on the streets, eagerly seeking out vampires to stake. While she'd been away, she'd spent the time in mourning, and in training, honing her Venator skills. She is more than ready to get back to fighting, and finds a new danger than what she's used to. She also has not seen Sebastian since the night of the fire, and she can't forget the untrustworthy Frenchman and his seductive charm. But as usual, he manages to show up when she least expects it, only this time she's not the only one surprised. There is unfinished business between them that Victoria is not completely sure she wants to deal with, yet it's difficult to resist him. Max is another story. The brooding Venator has returned to Italy, and Victoria is glad of it. She doesn't need his disapproving looks or comments interfering with her slaying. But her Aunt Eustasia is worried; she hasn't heard from him in months, and has no idea where he actually is. After a series of events, and with the uncertainty of Max's whereabouts, Victoria decides to go to Italy, where she talks vampires with Lord Byron and tries to navigate the sophisication of Italian society. She also discovers more about the world of the Tutela, humans who are vampire sympathizers and obsessed with immortal life. And while in Rome, she also finds Max, who is not happy to see her. Not one bit. While in Italy, Victoria discovers a great threat: Akvan's Obelisk, an object that has the power to control the undead for anyone who gets their hands on it. Now her problem is wondering who she can trust while trying to prevent the obelisk from falling into the wrong hands.... My thoughts: Victoria is wiser now, more tragic, yet also more realistic about her expectations of her role as a Venator, and the responsibilities and limitations that go along with it. Having lost someone she loves, she knows she cannot walk away from her calling, and will do whatever she must to protect the world from demons, vampires, and unscrupulous humans. I really began to respect her more here, and sometimes I forget how young she is to have so many burdens and suffer such tragedy. Sometimes she's impulsive, and headstrong, but I believe her heart is always in the right place. Okay, I admit it: I'm totally drawn in by Sebastian, and despite the fact that Victoria doesn't fully trust him, there is an attraction, and an affection there between them that cannot be denied. I can't help it, it's the whole "luscious French accent, let me see your vis bulla, I'm-too-sssexy to fight vampires" attitude Sebastian had going on right from the start. I'm into it, though I have a feeling that Ms. Gleason is going to throw me a curveball with Max. Well, I'm willing to be convinced. Bring it on. Much like how I enjoyed that Dracula appeared on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", I thought it was cool to see Dr. John Polidori and Lord Byron in Victoria's world. I dig it when legend and/or actual history is exhibited into a work of fiction. Just makes the story that much more interesting, especially after reading up on Polidori and how he died at a young age. Does make you wonder, no? NOOOOO!!!! I know there was a reason for it and it sometimes sacrifices have to be made, especially the most difficult kind, but, but, how could you???? And if you've read the book, you know exactly what I'm talking about - a betrayal of the worst kind. This is why I can't let myself consider Max, at least not at this point. That HURT. I hated Max, absolutely completely felt such rage that reason didn't come into it. Didn't matter if he was devastated by what he had to do, I wanted Victoria to stake him. No, I wanted to stake him myself.
Just like at the end of book #1, my heart was heavy and very sad, yet also hopeful (since I had book #3 already in my possession). To me, this is a sign of a clever and adept writer because I am conpletely drawn in and cannot wait for more. My emotions are engaged, and I don't feel that I'm being strung along just for the hell of it. I give Ms. Gleason credit because I was all vampired out, but my extreme love of BtVS tempted me to pick up this series and actually read it, and I've had absolutely no regrets, and I'm nowhere feeling burned out or bored by yet another vampire storyline. This series is strongly compelling, interesting, jolly fun, and grabs your attention right from the start. I don't find myself flipping through pages waiting to get to the good stuff because it's all good stuff. And I want more of it. Much, much more. Rating: ****1/2 out of ***** Labels: Colleen Gleason, reviews, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 8/10/2008 12:01:00 AM
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Saturday, June 28, 2008:
"The Rest Falls Away" by Colleen Gleason (2007)
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Signet (January 2, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0451220072
ISBN-13: 978-0451220073 The first in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles...
Beneath the glitter of dazzling 19th-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 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. I picked up the first of the three books in this series quite some time ago, then the 2nd, and finally the 3rd, but they sat languishing in my tbr pile, sadly ignored. Having read numerous vampire stories, I just felt burnt out, and though the premise to the story sounded intriguing (plus I'm a huge fan of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), it wasn't until this past week I finally felt ready to read it. Plus I'm a lurker, sometimes poster at the lovely Colleen Gleason's blog, and I wanted to be able to talk about the books instead of just wonder about them. When we first meet Victoria, she has already accepted her destiny as a Venator (someone who hunts vampires) and is training with her elderly Aunt Eustacia and fellow Venator Max Pesaro in the ways of this long-standing family tradition. Her new life is made up of white lies and clever manuveuring as she tries to balance her social life with her new responsibilities, and this is made even more complicated when she catches the eye of eligible bachelor Phillip de Lacey, Marquess of Rockley. But Victoria is determined to have it all, and accepts the marriage proposal, promising her aunt that she will not be giving up her night job, she just plans to enjoy her life to the fullest, which includes a husband who loves her. Of course things never work out the way she planned, as Phillip is a very protective suitor, and ends up following Victoria to a seedy establishment crawling with vampires. See, while some people believe in vampires, Phillip is not one of them, and is unaware of the dangers in following Victoria when she sneaks around at night, which causes Victoria to question her decision to involve Phillip in her life. Maybe Max is right; Venators are meant to be alone. Meanwhile vampire queen Lilith has not forgotten that the Venators, with the assistance of mysterious Frenchman Sebastian Vioget, have taken something she wants very, very badly, and she's none too happy about it. She is gathering her forces, planning her revenge, and no one is safe from her vengeance.... My thoughts: I must admit I don't know why I wanted so long to read this one. While there were similarities to Buffy, this book is original enough not to feel like a re-cap of a beloved series yet still retains a hint of some of my favorite elements of the show. Victoria is older (19/20) when she comes into her new role, and she's not one bit conflicted about accepting what is to happen. In fact she embraces her new life, probably not as captivated by society and the endless parties as many young women of her age and station would be, and takes to her lessons with a genuine interest. She's not one bit intimidated by long-time Venator Max, whom she first meets in a rather interesting way. Max seems to find her frivolous and flighty, yet is grudgingly proven wrong when Victoria steps up and gets the slaying done. I enjoyed their sparring, and felt they were on equal ground there. Having got a heads-up on Max's crankiness, I found him more amusing than irritating, and loved how Victoria could get to him so easily. ***Spoilers***Without giving too much away, I must say I liked Phillip quite a bit, felt he would be the perfect man for Victoria if she weren't a vampire slayer, but I knew from the beginning he wasn't going to end up with her in the end. It reminded me of Buffy's Riley - a truly great guy but just not able to compete with her calling. It was very sad, because he was rather special, and I mourned. It hurt to let him go. ***end of spoilers*** Sebastian. Whoa. Now, I haven't made my choice by any means, as I didn't feel like there was enough Max time to give me sufficient evidence to pick one over the other, but so far, I'm liking Sebastian quite a bit. He's a bit naughty, and super mysterious, and with those eyes and accent, I totally get his appeal. Come on, who wouldn't get a little breathless when witnessing his viewing of Victoria's vis bulla, not once but twice? Of course Victoria coulda felt a little more guilty about that, but she's only a human. A Venator, yes, but human all the same. If I had any issues with the story, it was that Victoria seemed to be a little lacking in emotion. Not cold, exactly, but I didn't feel her happiness at being in love and engaged, or believe she suffered much in trying to juggle her dual identities. She seemed easily able to separate herself from the emotional toll such an existence must have lead her to feel at times. She's easily able to fool her mother, doesn't really have any female friends to turn to outside of her aging aunt, and appears not to need much sleep. But still, I genuinely liked Victoria, maybe even because she wasn't overly emotional and didn't spend her time wringing her hands over what to do. It isn't until the end we see beyond the tough shell inside to her vulnerable heart. As much as I cannot wait to delve into book #2, I find myself not ready to move on after the ending to "The Rest Falls Away". It really got to me and I need time before I am able to continue the series. Not that it's bad in any way, it just hit me hard, and since I love emotional stories, that is actually a very good sign that it affected me so strongly. I do love that. RatingL **** 1/2 out of ***** Labels: Colleen Gleason, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 6/28/2008 06:17:00 PM
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008:
...you're gonna really like this book. Yes, I am late to the party, and that's my own damn fault. I had the books for quite some time, and have brought them on a few trips, but never cracked open the pages. My bad, because now that I've started it, I don't want to stop. Now the question is: Max or Sebastian? Have you ever read a book way after the fact and wondered what took you so long? Which book was it? Labels: Colleen Gleason, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 6/24/2008 05:40:00 AM
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