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The Gardella Vampire Hunters #2
Rises The Night
The saga of Victoria Gardella continues as the glorious nineteenth-century city of Rome gives rise to a new threat from the immortal undead....
Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy 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. She has learned brutal and heartbreaking lessons about the sacrifices that must be made in order to save humanity from the evil that secretly preys upon it, but she has not wavered in her vow to fight on.
Now, in Italy, a powerful vampire is amassing the power to control the souls of the dead. As Victoria races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced, her unlikely companion is Sebastian Vioget--a man as tempting as he is untrustworthy.
But when Victoria discovers 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.
Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy 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. She has learned brutal and heartbreaking lessons about the sacrifices that must be made in order to save humanity from the evil that secretly preys upon it, but she has not wavered in her vow to fight on.
Now, in Italy, a powerful vampire is amassing the power to control the souls of the dead. As Victoria races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced, her unlikely companion is Sebastian Vioget--a man as tempting as he is untrustworthy.
But when Victoria discovers 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.
334 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2007
294 people are currently reading
1886 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
101 books1,663 followersAward-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
March 30, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I had a great time reading this book and thought it was even better than the first book in the series. I have had the first three books from this series sitting in my review pile unread for a couple of years. I am so glad that I am finally reading the series because I am really enjoying it. I ended up reading most of the book in a single day simply because I didn't want to put it down.
This is the second book in the Gardella Vampire Hunter series and the series really does need to be read in order. This book really assumes that the reader knows everything that happened in the first book and picks up shortly after that installment ends. Victoria has been through a lot and seems stronger now as a result. I really felt for her as she struggled to find herself again. I thought that the opening scene of the book really did a fantastic job of illustrating how dark her world has become.
I really liked seeing how much Victoria has grown in this book. Everything she has been through has really changed her and she seems to have a harder edge in this book. She doesn't worry as much about society and actually has a lot more freedom in that area. She is both physically and mentally strong which she proves many times in this story. It was really wonderful to get to know some of the other characters a bit better. Sebastian was great in this book. I was never quite sure if he should be trusted but I really wanted him to prove to be trustworthy. I was never quite sure if I liked his character in the first book but I loved him in this one.
This book really had everything I hoped to find when I started reading. There is a whole lot of excitement and action spread throughout the book to really keep things moving forward. I love that the vampires in this book are definitely the enemy and are not romanticized. There was enough mystery in the story to really keep me guessing until the very end and a few shocking scenes that made me doubt everything I thought I knew. The chemistry between the characters was also really well done and a bit of a surprise.
I do recommend this series to others. It really was one of those books that are just really hard to put down. I can't wait to start the next book in the series so that I can find out what is in store for Victoria next!
I received a review copy of this book from Avid Press via Edelweiss.
Initial Thoughts
Honestly, this was great! I liked it even more than the first book. Victoria looks at life differently now and has a much harder edge. She has been through a lot and has come out stronger than she was before. I liked getting to see some of the characters just a bit differently. I was never quite sure if Sebastian should be trusted but I really wanted to trust him. There was lots of action, some pretty scary moments, and quite a bit of chemistry between characters to keep me turning the pages of this one.
I had a great time reading this book and thought it was even better than the first book in the series. I have had the first three books from this series sitting in my review pile unread for a couple of years. I am so glad that I am finally reading the series because I am really enjoying it. I ended up reading most of the book in a single day simply because I didn't want to put it down.
This is the second book in the Gardella Vampire Hunter series and the series really does need to be read in order. This book really assumes that the reader knows everything that happened in the first book and picks up shortly after that installment ends. Victoria has been through a lot and seems stronger now as a result. I really felt for her as she struggled to find herself again. I thought that the opening scene of the book really did a fantastic job of illustrating how dark her world has become.
I really liked seeing how much Victoria has grown in this book. Everything she has been through has really changed her and she seems to have a harder edge in this book. She doesn't worry as much about society and actually has a lot more freedom in that area. She is both physically and mentally strong which she proves many times in this story. It was really wonderful to get to know some of the other characters a bit better. Sebastian was great in this book. I was never quite sure if he should be trusted but I really wanted him to prove to be trustworthy. I was never quite sure if I liked his character in the first book but I loved him in this one.
This book really had everything I hoped to find when I started reading. There is a whole lot of excitement and action spread throughout the book to really keep things moving forward. I love that the vampires in this book are definitely the enemy and are not romanticized. There was enough mystery in the story to really keep me guessing until the very end and a few shocking scenes that made me doubt everything I thought I knew. The chemistry between the characters was also really well done and a bit of a surprise.
I do recommend this series to others. It really was one of those books that are just really hard to put down. I can't wait to start the next book in the series so that I can find out what is in store for Victoria next!
I received a review copy of this book from Avid Press via Edelweiss.
Initial Thoughts
Honestly, this was great! I liked it even more than the first book. Victoria looks at life differently now and has a much harder edge. She has been through a lot and has come out stronger than she was before. I liked getting to see some of the characters just a bit differently. I was never quite sure if Sebastian should be trusted but I really wanted to trust him. There was lots of action, some pretty scary moments, and quite a bit of chemistry between characters to keep me turning the pages of this one.
April 13, 2010
Colleen Gleason's series, The Gardella Vampire Chronicles, is not your average paranormal romance. It's heavier on the paranormal rather than the romance and is multi-layered, textured, and a cut above the pack. Her stories are so much more then girl meets vamp, vamp bites girl, struggle ensues (i love him, but I shouldn't), vamp saves girl from outside evil and they all live happily ever after.
The big thing, and the thing that might drive average paranormal romance readers crazy in this series, is that each book will not necessarily tie up with a happily ever after. In fact, more likely than not, a story arch is continuing throughout the entire series and a reader finds they'll have to wait to get a little romance, if that's what they're looking for.
That isn't to say that romance, and even a bit of sex, isn't there, but it isn't a necessity. No, these stories rely on the art of the storytelling.
In the end, it's my gut feeling that if these books were marketed a bit different, they might find the audience it justly deserve.
But then again, I could be wrong on that, because despite the art of the storytelling and the excellent world building I find in her books, it's the romance (or hope of it!) that keeps me coming back.
Rises the Night is the second in Colleen Gleason's Gardella series. In the first, The Rest Falls Away, Victoria has just discovered she is the next in a long line of vampire slayers, Venators in Gleason's world. She's young, practically baby faced in her immaturity. By the end of the first book however, things are taking a turn. She, with the help of those around her, have defeated Lilith the evil Vamp queen, and, Victoria has lost a husband in the fray. (See, she thought she could have love and keep her job separate. Wrong, wrong, wrong Victoria!)
In Rises the night, Victoria emerges from her year of mourning, better, stronger faster. She wears the pants now, literally, and can hold her own in the martial arts. She's on the trail of some Vamps and the loyal group who protect them called the Tutela. A trail that leads her, her beloved Aunt- ex venator Eustacia-, her servants and, of all people, Sebastian- the ambiguous man who once seduced Victoria in a carriage only to promptly ditch her when she needed him most, straight to the foot of Rome where prophecy has it, the golden age of the Venators will end.
But first, they discover the Tutela are up to something. It seems Lilith's son, Nedas, is after an object, an object that would create a zombie-like army that he can control. Once in Rome, Victoria finds she must place herself in the heart of the dark Tutela to get close to Nedas so that she can stop him. But she quickly learns the danger is far greater than she assumed- for both her and her loved ones- and that someone she once trusted is there, already in the middle of them.
In Gleason's world, the Vamps are not the sexy heroes. They are the bad guys, (as well they should be!) Spawned by Judas the betrayer, they are dark, malicious, twisted and not the least bit of a turn on. I like this. I like when I can hate a bad guy because they're, well, bad. I don't like having to admire a bad guy's certain qualities because there's something charming about him. I can hate them. And I do indeed loathe the vamps in Rises the Night.
Another favorite part of Rises the Night, besides seeing Victoria's growth, is MAX! Max, my sexy, venator-by-choice, Max! The book really didn't start for me until he showed up. And the ending?? What a nail-biter! Max, it would seem, can't decide which side he's on, much like Sebastian, but one of them is not what he seems and other is exactly who his character has proven him to be- at least to us, the readers, if not to Victoria!
The big thing, and the thing that might drive average paranormal romance readers crazy in this series, is that each book will not necessarily tie up with a happily ever after. In fact, more likely than not, a story arch is continuing throughout the entire series and a reader finds they'll have to wait to get a little romance, if that's what they're looking for.
That isn't to say that romance, and even a bit of sex, isn't there, but it isn't a necessity. No, these stories rely on the art of the storytelling.
In the end, it's my gut feeling that if these books were marketed a bit different, they might find the audience it justly deserve.
But then again, I could be wrong on that, because despite the art of the storytelling and the excellent world building I find in her books, it's the romance (or hope of it!) that keeps me coming back.
Rises the Night is the second in Colleen Gleason's Gardella series. In the first, The Rest Falls Away, Victoria has just discovered she is the next in a long line of vampire slayers, Venators in Gleason's world. She's young, practically baby faced in her immaturity. By the end of the first book however, things are taking a turn. She, with the help of those around her, have defeated Lilith the evil Vamp queen, and, Victoria has lost a husband in the fray. (See, she thought she could have love and keep her job separate. Wrong, wrong, wrong Victoria!)
In Rises the night, Victoria emerges from her year of mourning, better, stronger faster. She wears the pants now, literally, and can hold her own in the martial arts. She's on the trail of some Vamps and the loyal group who protect them called the Tutela. A trail that leads her, her beloved Aunt- ex venator Eustacia-, her servants and, of all people, Sebastian- the ambiguous man who once seduced Victoria in a carriage only to promptly ditch her when she needed him most, straight to the foot of Rome where prophecy has it, the golden age of the Venators will end.
But first, they discover the Tutela are up to something. It seems Lilith's son, Nedas, is after an object, an object that would create a zombie-like army that he can control. Once in Rome, Victoria finds she must place herself in the heart of the dark Tutela to get close to Nedas so that she can stop him. But she quickly learns the danger is far greater than she assumed- for both her and her loved ones- and that someone she once trusted is there, already in the middle of them.
In Gleason's world, the Vamps are not the sexy heroes. They are the bad guys, (as well they should be!) Spawned by Judas the betrayer, they are dark, malicious, twisted and not the least bit of a turn on. I like this. I like when I can hate a bad guy because they're, well, bad. I don't like having to admire a bad guy's certain qualities because there's something charming about him. I can hate them. And I do indeed loathe the vamps in Rises the Night.
Another favorite part of Rises the Night, besides seeing Victoria's growth, is MAX! Max, my sexy, venator-by-choice, Max! The book really didn't start for me until he showed up. And the ending?? What a nail-biter! Max, it would seem, can't decide which side he's on, much like Sebastian, but one of them is not what he seems and other is exactly who his character has proven him to be- at least to us, the readers, if not to Victoria!
February 4, 2017
Oh, sure, just STAKE ME IN THE HEART why don't you!
I talk about the love interests and romance portions of the book in the spoiler below. The plot stuff is your average plot stuff. Pretty good, but I have no complaints or urgent thoughts about it.
This is turning out to be quite an interesting vampire series. I probably would have given this book a full four stars if not for the I mentioned in the above spoiler, so this gets 3.5.
I talk about the love interests and romance portions of the book in the spoiler below. The plot stuff is your average plot stuff. Pretty good, but I have no complaints or urgent thoughts about it.
This is turning out to be quite an interesting vampire series. I probably would have given this book a full four stars if not for the I mentioned in the above spoiler, so this gets 3.5.
March 28, 2017
4.5 Stars
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Edelweiss. This has not influenced my review.*
I went into this book fully expecting to have my heart ripped out after how painful the first book in the series was. Instead, I ended up on this rollercoaster of deceit, lies, subterfuge, and betrayal... and I loved it. Seriously, if ever there were a book that perfectly compares to a rollercoaster, it's this one. Right from the beginning I was hooked, then everything kept building up and my anticipation built right up with it, and then suddenly there were all these twists and turns and loops as betrayals popped up everywhere until I didn't know who to trust or which way was up. I don't even know how to organize my review or explain why I loved it so much---it was just so good!
I think, however, that this book had three main things going for it...
1) The book was juicy. There was still that underlying pain from the events of Book 1, and those events were not forgotten or overlooked, something I appreciated, but this book was also filled with romance and suitors and sexual tension and all the head games Sebastian played. I know we live vicariously through every character we read about, but it felt like more with Victoria because the romantic aspects were the kinds of things you would sit around talking about with your girlfriends. One relationship in particular (I'm using the term loosely) was so realistic and well-written that I swear I could feel the tension myself. I mean, I hated *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* in Book 1, but even I couldn't help but see why Victoria was attracted to him this time.
2) The book was funny! But not in an obvious way. It was my favorite kind of humor, the kind that built up as things continually got worse and more absurd and crazier until finally there was just kind of chaos and the character herself even reached that moment of, "If I don't laugh, I'll cry," because of course he would show up here and of course that particular thing would happen and of course it would happen at the worst time possible because that's just how life has been going. But Victoria also got more and more sarcastic in this book, apparently the events of the first book made her more jaded and less naive, and I loved her more with each thought and remark. I think I felt a bit distanced from her in Book 1, but this time she was so relatable.
3) As I mentioned briefly, this book was full of deceit, lies, intrigue, subterfuge, and betrayal. It was like every character was playing on the same board, but they were all playing a different game. And I couldn't figure out who was on the same team, but it didn't matter since they were all too busy keeping secrets and lying to work together anyway. Just when I thought I could trust someone, he'd turn around and prove me wrong, or vice versa.
There was also still some emotion in the book, though it wasn't heart-squeezing in the way the last one was. I felt for Victoria and her pain, but for me, a lot of the emotion actually came from putting myself into another character's head. *MAJOR SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Also, one issue I had with the first book was that it took a while to really get going, but I didn't have that problem with this one. Yes, it was slow-paced, but it was deliciously slow-paced, the kind that sucks you in and wraps you up in it. As I mentioned already, I was hooked from the very start. And the historical-flavored writing has grown on me. I loved the writing style and the amazing way with words that Colleen Gleason has, especially when it comes to portraying emotions and sexual tension.
Wow, ok, I didn't mean for my review to get this long, but there were just a lot of great things about this book. So I'll just wrap this up by saying I loved the twists and turns, I loved the characters, I loved the writing, and I look forward to seeing what will happen next!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Hunters series. Anyone who likes historical fantasy with lots of emotion, lots of twists and turns, and a kickass female protagonist.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Edelweiss. This has not influenced my review.*
I went into this book fully expecting to have my heart ripped out after how painful the first book in the series was. Instead, I ended up on this rollercoaster of deceit, lies, subterfuge, and betrayal... and I loved it. Seriously, if ever there were a book that perfectly compares to a rollercoaster, it's this one. Right from the beginning I was hooked, then everything kept building up and my anticipation built right up with it, and then suddenly there were all these twists and turns and loops as betrayals popped up everywhere until I didn't know who to trust or which way was up. I don't even know how to organize my review or explain why I loved it so much---it was just so good!
I think, however, that this book had three main things going for it...
1) The book was juicy. There was still that underlying pain from the events of Book 1, and those events were not forgotten or overlooked, something I appreciated, but this book was also filled with romance and suitors and sexual tension and all the head games Sebastian played. I know we live vicariously through every character we read about, but it felt like more with Victoria because the romantic aspects were the kinds of things you would sit around talking about with your girlfriends. One relationship in particular (I'm using the term loosely) was so realistic and well-written that I swear I could feel the tension myself. I mean, I hated *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* in Book 1, but even I couldn't help but see why Victoria was attracted to him this time.
2) The book was funny! But not in an obvious way. It was my favorite kind of humor, the kind that built up as things continually got worse and more absurd and crazier until finally there was just kind of chaos and the character herself even reached that moment of, "If I don't laugh, I'll cry," because of course he would show up here and of course that particular thing would happen and of course it would happen at the worst time possible because that's just how life has been going. But Victoria also got more and more sarcastic in this book, apparently the events of the first book made her more jaded and less naive, and I loved her more with each thought and remark. I think I felt a bit distanced from her in Book 1, but this time she was so relatable.
3) As I mentioned briefly, this book was full of deceit, lies, intrigue, subterfuge, and betrayal. It was like every character was playing on the same board, but they were all playing a different game. And I couldn't figure out who was on the same team, but it didn't matter since they were all too busy keeping secrets and lying to work together anyway. Just when I thought I could trust someone, he'd turn around and prove me wrong, or vice versa.
There was also still some emotion in the book, though it wasn't heart-squeezing in the way the last one was. I felt for Victoria and her pain, but for me, a lot of the emotion actually came from putting myself into another character's head. *MAJOR SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
Also, one issue I had with the first book was that it took a while to really get going, but I didn't have that problem with this one. Yes, it was slow-paced, but it was deliciously slow-paced, the kind that sucks you in and wraps you up in it. As I mentioned already, I was hooked from the very start. And the historical-flavored writing has grown on me. I loved the writing style and the amazing way with words that Colleen Gleason has, especially when it comes to portraying emotions and sexual tension.
Wow, ok, I didn't mean for my review to get this long, but there were just a lot of great things about this book. So I'll just wrap this up by saying I loved the twists and turns, I loved the characters, I loved the writing, and I look forward to seeing what will happen next!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Hunters series. Anyone who likes historical fantasy with lots of emotion, lots of twists and turns, and a kickass female protagonist.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
April 14, 2018
I really couldn't help it. As soon as I finished The Rest Falls Away, I immediately began reading book 2, and literally could not put it down-as in, I read it until 6 am. I am so happy I found this series. If you haven't read the first book, there is going to be a big spoiler coming up. Just a heads up.
It's a year later, and Victoria's mourning is officially over as far as the ton(high society) is concerned. Now she is a very rich widow, and can pretty much do as she pleases. And what pleases her, is hunting vampires on the streets of early 1800's London. As a Venator, otherwise known as a vampire hunter, she has much more strength then a normal woman. As before, she puts herself into all kinds of dangerous situations, involving evil humans, vampires, and even a demon. Lilith's son, Nedas, is plotting to raise the dead in order to massacre as many human's as he can, just because he is the embodiment of evil. With his mother being the ancient queen of the vampires (dating back to biblical times), how could he not be evil? To make matters worse, Max, her fellow Venator, is missing. So Victoria must go to Italy to try and get to Nedas before he can unleash his evil. The Tutela, the human society that is made up of vampire protectors is featured this time. It's a secret society, and Victoria has to infiltrate it as a regular society woman. Danger at every turn.
This book was a complete roller coaster ride of a story. Adventure, danger, blood thirsty vampires, and even a romance of sorts, made this book a non stop read for me. Victoria is really coming into her own as a Venator. She has fears, but you wouldn't know it by her actions. She takes the cake as a Type A vampire hunter for sure. She lets nothing stop her, even when something really should. Sebastian is back for this book as well. As the handsome. sometimes really shady, man most interested in Victoria for his own purposes, Victoria would as soon slap him upside head, as sleep with him. Their sparring banter is fraught with sexual innuendo, and that was one of the fun parts of the book for me. Will they or won't they? I am not telling!
As with the last book, I found this book to be a major page turner, stay up all night read. I didn't think it was possible, but I think perhaps this book is even more exciting then the first one. My only problem now is, I can't wait to read the next one, but I have other book obligations, so it's going to be awhile before I can get back to this series. It's definitely going to be an impatient wait for me.
I highly recommend this series to all adult Urban Fantasy/historical fans. Even if you don't read historical fiction, please don't write this one off, as it is totally worth the read!
Originally published in 2007 (RabidReads.com)
It's a year later, and Victoria's mourning is officially over as far as the ton(high society) is concerned. Now she is a very rich widow, and can pretty much do as she pleases. And what pleases her, is hunting vampires on the streets of early 1800's London. As a Venator, otherwise known as a vampire hunter, she has much more strength then a normal woman. As before, she puts herself into all kinds of dangerous situations, involving evil humans, vampires, and even a demon. Lilith's son, Nedas, is plotting to raise the dead in order to massacre as many human's as he can, just because he is the embodiment of evil. With his mother being the ancient queen of the vampires (dating back to biblical times), how could he not be evil? To make matters worse, Max, her fellow Venator, is missing. So Victoria must go to Italy to try and get to Nedas before he can unleash his evil. The Tutela, the human society that is made up of vampire protectors is featured this time. It's a secret society, and Victoria has to infiltrate it as a regular society woman. Danger at every turn.
This book was a complete roller coaster ride of a story. Adventure, danger, blood thirsty vampires, and even a romance of sorts, made this book a non stop read for me. Victoria is really coming into her own as a Venator. She has fears, but you wouldn't know it by her actions. She takes the cake as a Type A vampire hunter for sure. She lets nothing stop her, even when something really should. Sebastian is back for this book as well. As the handsome. sometimes really shady, man most interested in Victoria for his own purposes, Victoria would as soon slap him upside head, as sleep with him. Their sparring banter is fraught with sexual innuendo, and that was one of the fun parts of the book for me. Will they or won't they? I am not telling!
As with the last book, I found this book to be a major page turner, stay up all night read. I didn't think it was possible, but I think perhaps this book is even more exciting then the first one. My only problem now is, I can't wait to read the next one, but I have other book obligations, so it's going to be awhile before I can get back to this series. It's definitely going to be an impatient wait for me.
I highly recommend this series to all adult Urban Fantasy/historical fans. Even if you don't read historical fiction, please don't write this one off, as it is totally worth the read!
Originally published in 2007 (RabidReads.com)
June 8, 2019
A bit better than the first book. This series could have been more likable if Victoria wasn't portrayed as naive and immature . She is the weakest character in the series. The romance part was just meh. I do not see her as The Gardella, she's more as hormone driven brat who thinks very highly for herself. The side characters were much more interesting and intriguing; Max and Sebastian are two main leads that could end up with Victoria though there are countless other admirers and I'm sure there will be in the later books, which is off putting. I like Colleen Gleason writing and the plot and setting is interesting enough. I wish she had given Victoria a bit maturity and a backbone. I have a fondness for bad boys but whatever it is between Victoria and Sebastian, and I wouldn't call it romance, it's unappealing and at times offensive.
June 27, 2017
Rises the Night was disappointing. I did not have high expectations for this series after the meh first book, but it did have the smallest spark of potential that I was hoping Gleason would ignite. She did not. This sequel ignored all of the things that worked for me in the first book: Max - by far the best character in the first book - was largely absent and a bit of mess upon his return. I also not expect a romance to be at the forefront of the story, especially after The Rest Falls Away’s ending. It did not help that the romance was dreadful. I did not ship Victoria with her new love interest, not in the slightest. I liked him marginally - a lot more than I like Victoria, to be honest - but their relationship had no chemistry. Victoria was weirdly angsty and seemed to make dramatic decisions for the sake of it. Their, uhm, physical relations, *cough*, were also just… ugh. I had no time for their drama.
The plot was also disheartening. It was messy and disjointed, like the author was making it up as she wrote it. I did like the Italian setting, but Victoria’s decisions just pissed me off. She is so impulsive and dramatic. She gets in everyone’s way and then blames them, over and over again. It drives me insane. Should people clue her into their plans? Probably, but you can understand why they don’t: Victoria would just ignore them and do whatever she wanted anyway, compromising their mission. If she just did what was asked of her every now and again, it would be okay. Or at least take a breath and think things through.
I do love that this series’ vampire lore is more ‘traditional’ than a lot other contemporary vampire stories. It has all of the religious mythology tied in with the whole silver and stakes thing. The execution is just not there though. There is no personality, no real oomph, to these creatures. While this sequel did attempt to engage a discussion about the humanness of vampires - and whether they deserve to be killed just because of what they are - it still fails to bring the vampire characters within this series to life (pardon the pun). I don’t know if it because I have already read a few good vampire stories now that my expectations are too high, but I just find Gleason’s vampires a tad dull.
I have a copy of the third book in this series so I do plan to continue on with this series for at least one more book; mainly because it would be nice to be able to finally cross this series off my TBR. My enthusiasm for this series is quickly waning though so we’ll see if I continue past that or not.
The plot was also disheartening. It was messy and disjointed, like the author was making it up as she wrote it. I did like the Italian setting, but Victoria’s decisions just pissed me off. She is so impulsive and dramatic. She gets in everyone’s way and then blames them, over and over again. It drives me insane. Should people clue her into their plans? Probably, but you can understand why they don’t: Victoria would just ignore them and do whatever she wanted anyway, compromising their mission. If she just did what was asked of her every now and again, it would be okay. Or at least take a breath and think things through.
I do love that this series’ vampire lore is more ‘traditional’ than a lot other contemporary vampire stories. It has all of the religious mythology tied in with the whole silver and stakes thing. The execution is just not there though. There is no personality, no real oomph, to these creatures. While this sequel did attempt to engage a discussion about the humanness of vampires - and whether they deserve to be killed just because of what they are - it still fails to bring the vampire characters within this series to life (pardon the pun). I don’t know if it because I have already read a few good vampire stories now that my expectations are too high, but I just find Gleason’s vampires a tad dull.
I have a copy of the third book in this series so I do plan to continue on with this series for at least one more book; mainly because it would be nice to be able to finally cross this series off my TBR. My enthusiasm for this series is quickly waning though so we’ll see if I continue past that or not.
February 3, 2021
Lieta di aver avuto ragione: nonostante alcuni elementi che non mi avevano convinto nel primo libro, ero piuttosto sicura che la situazione potesse migliorare, e in effetti...
Molti dei difetti che avevo elencato in Cacciatori di vampiri sono scomparsi o sono stati attenuati:
- il linguaggio, per fortuna e con mio enorme sollievo, è molto più consono all'epoca;
- spariti i siparietti comici inutili, e quelli che restano sono maggiormente legati alla narrazione ;
- i dialoghi sono decisamente migliorati, così come lo stile narrativo generale (questo libro è pieno di verve, praticamente non ci si annoia mai; qualche momento un po' più "lento" si registra all'inizio, ma francamente è trascurabile, visto che poi tutto il resto dell'azione scivola via in un fiato);
- sulle scene stile Wuxia mi sono un po' rassegnata, ma almeno in questo libro c'è un'incidenza minore di combattimenti eccezionali, quindi il tutto è molto più accettabile...
... quindi, a questo punto, non ci resta che parlare di lei: Victoria!
Ragazza mia, non ci siamo proprio. Se è migliorata rispetto al primo libro è solo perché il trio di uomini affascinanti si è forzatamente ridotto a un duo. Così invece di fare la trottola, si limita a oscillare, il che potrebbe essere considerato un miglioramento in effetti, se non fosse che non le restituisce alcuno spessore. Per non parlare del fatto che l'altezzosa Victoria, con tutti i suoi proclami da "Io sono la Cacciatrice più figa del mondo, etc etc...", non solo è terribilmente indecisa in fatto di sentimenti, ma è anche particolarmente distratta, o ingenua, o superficiale, rispetto a quello che la circonda .
In questo libro confermo il mio amore imperituro - sebbene sicuramente destinato all'infelicità (mia) - nei confronti di Sebastian. Lo si ama anche quando lo si odia, se se ne intuisce la complessità oltre la maschera di affascinante opportunista e di implacabile seduttore. Sebastian ha un animo diviso tanto quanto quello di Max.
Già, il povero Max. Non riesco a innamorarmene come dovrei, sono respinta dal cliché, ma in questo libro, alla fine, non potevo non fare il tifo per lui. Per il solo fatto che ho provato nei suoi confronti una pena enorme ogni volta che si è dovuto scontrare con l'infantile testardaggine di Victoria, che è talmente incurante della sofferenza e dei sacrifici di chi le sta di fronte (Max, appunto) al punto da mettere quasi in pericolo e rendere vani i suoi sforzi.
4 stelle convinte, stavolta, e andiamo avanti.
Molti dei difetti che avevo elencato in Cacciatori di vampiri sono scomparsi o sono stati attenuati:
- il linguaggio, per fortuna e con mio enorme sollievo, è molto più consono all'epoca;
- spariti i siparietti comici inutili, e quelli che restano sono maggiormente legati alla narrazione ;
- i dialoghi sono decisamente migliorati, così come lo stile narrativo generale (questo libro è pieno di verve, praticamente non ci si annoia mai; qualche momento un po' più "lento" si registra all'inizio, ma francamente è trascurabile, visto che poi tutto il resto dell'azione scivola via in un fiato);
- sulle scene stile Wuxia mi sono un po' rassegnata, ma almeno in questo libro c'è un'incidenza minore di combattimenti eccezionali, quindi il tutto è molto più accettabile...
... quindi, a questo punto, non ci resta che parlare di lei: Victoria!
Ragazza mia, non ci siamo proprio. Se è migliorata rispetto al primo libro è solo perché il trio di uomini affascinanti si è forzatamente ridotto a un duo. Così invece di fare la trottola, si limita a oscillare, il che potrebbe essere considerato un miglioramento in effetti, se non fosse che non le restituisce alcuno spessore. Per non parlare del fatto che l'altezzosa Victoria, con tutti i suoi proclami da "Io sono la Cacciatrice più figa del mondo, etc etc...", non solo è terribilmente indecisa in fatto di sentimenti, ma è anche particolarmente distratta, o ingenua, o superficiale, rispetto a quello che la circonda .
In questo libro confermo il mio amore imperituro - sebbene sicuramente destinato all'infelicità (mia) - nei confronti di Sebastian. Lo si ama anche quando lo si odia, se se ne intuisce la complessità oltre la maschera di affascinante opportunista e di implacabile seduttore. Sebastian ha un animo diviso tanto quanto quello di Max.
Già, il povero Max. Non riesco a innamorarmene come dovrei, sono respinta dal cliché, ma in questo libro, alla fine, non potevo non fare il tifo per lui. Per il solo fatto che ho provato nei suoi confronti una pena enorme ogni volta che si è dovuto scontrare con l'infantile testardaggine di Victoria, che è talmente incurante della sofferenza e dei sacrifici di chi le sta di fronte (Max, appunto) al punto da mettere quasi in pericolo e rendere vani i suoi sforzi.
4 stelle convinte, stavolta, e andiamo avanti.
December 16, 2015
After a long year of mourning, Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy is back to patrolling the streets of London, making sure that vampires can no longer feed on the innocent. She soon discovers that vampires plan to seize Akvan's Obelisk, an artifact that will allow the holder to control the dead. Victoria finds herself traveling to Italy where she tries to infiltrate a group of vampire supporters in order to find out who has the Obelisk. But there are too many people in the group who may blow her cover and alert the vampires that a slayer is in their midst.
This story picks up about a year after the first book ends. Victoria has decided that she is ready to pick up the stake and continue her role as Venator. Max has returned to Italy and no one has heard from him in months. Sebastian Voiget appears back in London about the time Victoria finds a token that will allow her to insinuate herself into the world of the Tutela, a society of people who admire vampires.
I liked the action parts of this story where Victoria would have to save a group of people from the evil vampires. Unfortunately, that was only part of the book. The rest of the book had Sebastian continually showing up wherever Victoria would be. Sometimes he would help her, sometimes he would just leave her to fight on her own. I don't understand her attraction to him at all. The last 50 pages of the book were excellent and make the book worth reading. It also made me want to jump right into the next book in the series. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This story picks up about a year after the first book ends. Victoria has decided that she is ready to pick up the stake and continue her role as Venator. Max has returned to Italy and no one has heard from him in months. Sebastian Voiget appears back in London about the time Victoria finds a token that will allow her to insinuate herself into the world of the Tutela, a society of people who admire vampires.
I liked the action parts of this story where Victoria would have to save a group of people from the evil vampires. Unfortunately, that was only part of the book. The rest of the book had Sebastian continually showing up wherever Victoria would be. Sometimes he would help her, sometimes he would just leave her to fight on her own. I don't understand her attraction to him at all. The last 50 pages of the book were excellent and make the book worth reading. It also made me want to jump right into the next book in the series. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
March 17, 2017
*4.5 Stars*
Gah! This series...I just love it!
***
I was an instant fan of this series following the stellar first installment. Vampire hunters in Regency-era England? Yes, please. Rises the Night picks up almost a year after the end of book 1 - that heartbreaking ending. Rises the Night is every bit as exciting and fascinating, with intrigue, a new evil on the rise, and questionable loyalties.
This installment finds Victoria investigating and attempting to locate a new threat to humanity. No one has heard from Max in almost a year so Victoria relies on aid from Sebastian despite not knowing for certain if he's trustworthy.
There is danger almost at every turn - the introduction of new characters for whom it was thrilling to try to determine their allegiance, and the simmering sexual tension between Victoria and Sebastian hit the boiling point. There were also more than a few surprises, some of which left me bereft. Actually, I'm still feeling that way and am quite certain that I'll continue this series soon as I'm more that eager to know what is lying in wait for our heroine next.
As long as I'm rambling, I appreciated the change in locale for this installment. Rome and Venice allowed Victoria even more freedom as a woman and I also liked the description of the cities. Victoria also learns more about the Venators, which provided a little more history about the venerable group of hunters she's a part of. I also liked the lore used regarding this newest evil.
Overall, I'm simply enthralled. I'm anxious to learn, experience, immerse myself even more in this series!
Gah! This series...I just love it!
***
I was an instant fan of this series following the stellar first installment. Vampire hunters in Regency-era England? Yes, please. Rises the Night picks up almost a year after the end of book 1 - that heartbreaking ending. Rises the Night is every bit as exciting and fascinating, with intrigue, a new evil on the rise, and questionable loyalties.
This installment finds Victoria investigating and attempting to locate a new threat to humanity. No one has heard from Max in almost a year so Victoria relies on aid from Sebastian despite not knowing for certain if he's trustworthy.
There is danger almost at every turn - the introduction of new characters for whom it was thrilling to try to determine their allegiance, and the simmering sexual tension between Victoria and Sebastian hit the boiling point. There were also more than a few surprises, some of which left me bereft. Actually, I'm still feeling that way and am quite certain that I'll continue this series soon as I'm more that eager to know what is lying in wait for our heroine next.
As long as I'm rambling, I appreciated the change in locale for this installment. Rome and Venice allowed Victoria even more freedom as a woman and I also liked the description of the cities. Victoria also learns more about the Venators, which provided a little more history about the venerable group of hunters she's a part of. I also liked the lore used regarding this newest evil.
Overall, I'm simply enthralled. I'm anxious to learn, experience, immerse myself even more in this series!
February 4, 2015
Gah. It would have been a great book if it wasn't for the heroine's abominable taste in men, and the fact she turns into a doormat when hormones are involved. It was infuriating and severely dampened my enjoyment.
It's been obvious since the first book that Sebastian is a spineless little worm who runs away at the first sign of trouble, but in this book he ups his game. Now, I like a literary bad boy as much as the next person, but he is not a bad boy. Again, he runs and hides when things get dicey and Victoria could use his help, with only one exception notable in that it proved the rule. He also willfully and overtly withholds important information from Victoria that would not only help her do her job better, but would also keep her safe. Any information he has conveniently comes too late to do much good. And finally, as if all that weren't enough to cement his uselessness and untrustworthiness, when push comes to shove he sides against Victoria, only to claim her as property (more than once). Yet, he's apparently made of Teflon, as Victoria waives off his many betrayals, saying she doesn't expect more of him. True, but then why is he her love interest? After the latest and greatest betrayal, why does she kiss him?! And even Max considers him someone she can trust - since when?!! If it comes down to endangering himself saving her, or saving his own skin, he will always choose the latter, as he only thinks of his own interests. It's predictable even to Victoria, but in no way does that mean she can trust him.
Another annoying question is why Max hates Victoria so aggressively. I thought in the first book that it was a combination chauvinistic attitude and jealousy that he has to share Aunt Eustacia's attentions with her, and he clearly hero worships Aunty. But in this book, when she is so warmly greeted by the other Venators, and when it was clear that she would not have had to prove herself before they would have treated her as family, it brings Max's odd behavior into sharp relief. There has to be more to it than his seeming hatred for everyone who isn't Eustacia. And after the events of this book, I don't think his attitude toward Victoria will change anytime soon. I'm assuming that the reason Max and Sebastian dislike each other so intently will be revealed later in the series, and that it will have a significant impact on Victoria.
I like the good v. evil struggle in this series, but the interpersonal relationships are aggravating and confusing to me. I'm going to read the next book because I want to see what comes next, but I will probably not continue beyond that if Victoria rekindles her romance with Slimy Little Toad, aka Sebastian.
It's been obvious since the first book that Sebastian is a spineless little worm who runs away at the first sign of trouble, but in this book he ups his game. Now, I like a literary bad boy as much as the next person, but he is not a bad boy. Again, he runs and hides when things get dicey and Victoria could use his help, with only one exception notable in that it proved the rule. He also willfully and overtly withholds important information from Victoria that would not only help her do her job better, but would also keep her safe. Any information he has conveniently comes too late to do much good. And finally, as if all that weren't enough to cement his uselessness and untrustworthiness, when push comes to shove he sides against Victoria, only to claim her as property (more than once). Yet, he's apparently made of Teflon, as Victoria waives off his many betrayals, saying she doesn't expect more of him. True, but then why is he her love interest? After the latest and greatest betrayal, why does she kiss him?! And even Max considers him someone she can trust - since when?!! If it comes down to endangering himself saving her, or saving his own skin, he will always choose the latter, as he only thinks of his own interests. It's predictable even to Victoria, but in no way does that mean she can trust him.
Another annoying question is why Max hates Victoria so aggressively. I thought in the first book that it was a combination chauvinistic attitude and jealousy that he has to share Aunt Eustacia's attentions with her, and he clearly hero worships Aunty. But in this book, when she is so warmly greeted by the other Venators, and when it was clear that she would not have had to prove herself before they would have treated her as family, it brings Max's odd behavior into sharp relief. There has to be more to it than his seeming hatred for everyone who isn't Eustacia. And after the events of this book, I don't think his attitude toward Victoria will change anytime soon. I'm assuming that the reason Max and Sebastian dislike each other so intently will be revealed later in the series, and that it will have a significant impact on Victoria.
I like the good v. evil struggle in this series, but the interpersonal relationships are aggravating and confusing to me. I'm going to read the next book because I want to see what comes next, but I will probably not continue beyond that if Victoria rekindles her romance with Slimy Little Toad, aka Sebastian.
September 9, 2011
My ratings system is as follows. One star is GOOD. The book is entertaining, easy to read and you don't want to stop reading because something about the book is compelling you not to. Two stars is GREAT! This time the story is not only entertaining, but highly creative, unique, easy to read and hard to put down. Three stars is EXCELLENT. Here the book has all aspects of one and two stars, but now the book is thought and emotionally provoking. Four is AWESOME. This is the read that is not only creative, original and emotionally and utterly captivating, but you are overwhelmed at how talented and skilled the author is in telling you their story. Literary brilliance. Five is PHENOMENAL. This is the book that has all the components of the previous four ratings but leaves that lasting impression. It's the book that changes dramatically your point of view and your interpretation of experiences you or others around you endure.
June 30, 2010
Great book, exciting story and caracters, fantasic story line, the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it broke my heart. It would be hard to read this again, though good enough to read several times. Victoria has her family torn and ripped from her, he beliefs crushed, it left me with a feeling of no hope for her. I need a break before going on in this story, what a great author, she really drove the story home !
May 27, 2022
Band zwei von Das Buch der Vampire hat mich bereits zu Anfang überrascht und in seinen Bann gezogen.
Ganz anders, als Band eins, ist die Story jetzt angenehmer geschrieben und leitet direkt ins Geschehen ein. Es hat nunmehr ein Zeitsprung von einem Jahr stattgefunden und wir begleiten Victoria nun zurück in ihr Leben als Vampirjägerin, nachdem wir im Prolog ein prägendes Erlebnis mit ihr hatten. Doch bereits im ersten Kapitel beginnt die Geschichte um geheime Organisationen, Pläne und Intrigen. Dabei wird an Emotionen, Spannung und Erotik nicht gespart und Hui es geht echt hoch her mit allem davon.
Tatsächlich hat mir Victoria nun auch viel besser gefallen, als im Vorgänger. Auch wenn sie stellenweise immer noch etwas zu hitzig reagiert, so scheinen ihre Handlungen nun doch überlegte zu sein. Und auch Sebastian, wie auch Max haben mir echt gut gefallen. Plottwists waren vorhanden und haben mich stellenweise wirklich sprachlos zurückgelassen. Interessant ist es auch den Sohn Lilliths einzubringen und uns mehr in die Welt der Vampire einzuweisen.
Jedoch empfand ich kleine Dinge immernoch als störend, wie dieses gesellschaftliche Gehabe, obwohl man stellenweise grade mitten im Kampf ist 😅 Daher gibt es einen Stern Abzug, aber im Großen und Ganzen doch ein angenehmer Vampirroman der alten Schule.
Ganz anders, als Band eins, ist die Story jetzt angenehmer geschrieben und leitet direkt ins Geschehen ein. Es hat nunmehr ein Zeitsprung von einem Jahr stattgefunden und wir begleiten Victoria nun zurück in ihr Leben als Vampirjägerin, nachdem wir im Prolog ein prägendes Erlebnis mit ihr hatten. Doch bereits im ersten Kapitel beginnt die Geschichte um geheime Organisationen, Pläne und Intrigen. Dabei wird an Emotionen, Spannung und Erotik nicht gespart und Hui es geht echt hoch her mit allem davon.
Tatsächlich hat mir Victoria nun auch viel besser gefallen, als im Vorgänger. Auch wenn sie stellenweise immer noch etwas zu hitzig reagiert, so scheinen ihre Handlungen nun doch überlegte zu sein. Und auch Sebastian, wie auch Max haben mir echt gut gefallen. Plottwists waren vorhanden und haben mich stellenweise wirklich sprachlos zurückgelassen. Interessant ist es auch den Sohn Lilliths einzubringen und uns mehr in die Welt der Vampire einzuweisen.
Jedoch empfand ich kleine Dinge immernoch als störend, wie dieses gesellschaftliche Gehabe, obwohl man stellenweise grade mitten im Kampf ist 😅 Daher gibt es einen Stern Abzug, aber im Großen und Ganzen doch ein angenehmer Vampirroman der alten Schule.
March 28, 2020
4.5 stars. Review to come.
February 21, 2011
Synopsis: In Italy, a powerful vampire named Nedas is amassing the power to control the souls of the dead by activating Akvan's Obelisk. Nedas is Lilith's created son. Lady Victoria Gardella de Lacy-a vampire slayer for just over a year-races to Italy to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced. She is accompanied by 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.
Backstory: Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy is a slayer (Venator) and a member of a long line of Gardellas. Her grandmother, Eustacia, is the current leader of the Gardellas, a position that will fall to Victoria once she dies. Victoria lost her husband Phillip to Lilith's vampires. He was turned into a vampire within one month of their marriage and is now no-longer part of the undead. Victoria grieves for her lost love, but knows that she must also go back to her job as slayer. One month after his death, Victoria finds herself wandering the streets of London looking to kill a vampire. Instead, she breaks up a would be rapists attempt at harming another, and it's the first time she's ever attacked another mortal in the line of searching for vampires.
A year later, Victoria finds two and knows that something must be brewing. She finds a small medallion in the former Silver Chalice once run by the mysterious Sebastian Vioget, and takes it to her Aunt Eustacia for further research. It evenutally leads her south to Italy where a group calling itself the Tutela's, those who risk their lives to keep the vampires safe and happy with willing blood, and giving themselves and others over to the vampires.
Sebastian is definitely the mystery in this 2nd installment of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. He continually shows up when he is least expected. His passion for Victoria is serious stalking material. But we really don't know what he's truly up to. He knows alot about vampires, and later is it discovered that his grandfather is a vampire.
Victoria, in the meantime, has many unanswered questions. Like why is Sebastian helping her? Is it for love or is he leading her into a trap? And, what happened to Maxmilan Pesaro? After Lilith, the queen of the vampires left London for Romania, he disappeared as well. The only one who truly believes in Max, is Eustacia. We do know that Lilith has some sort of thrall on him and her bites will not heal.
As Victoria arrives in Italy, she uses the ficticious name of Emmaline Withers to make her way undetected by the vampires. She once again finds herself in deep kimchee when she is attacked by 5-6 vampires after being brought to a meeting of the Tutela's. Barely escaping with her life, yet again, she and Eustacia and troupe travel to Roma where the Gardella Consilium is located and where she bumps into an engaged to be married Max.
We also learn that there is also a prophecy in play that basically states that the golden age of the Venator shall end at the foot of Roma. Does it refer to the Venators at whole, or a certain person?
Ms Gleason puts Victoria literally through the wringer. She doesn't know who she can trust any longer. So called friends from London, turn out to be Tutela members who will do anything for their vampire masters, including killing Victoria. Sebastian continues to drive her sexual urges, only to find that he drugs her to keep her out of the way from trying to stop Nedas from causing world wide devastation.
In the end, Max does what Victoria never saw coming, he kills his mentor and friend Eustacia in order to remain loyal and next to Nedas so he could destroy the Obelisk. Victoria, kills Nedas without her vis bulla and has both Max and Sebastian trying to keep her from harm.
Eustacia believed that the prophecy was about her, and thus allowed Max to kill her, and allow Victoria to live and carry on the family name. We also learn that Max was sent to kill Nedas by Lilith herself to break the thrall that she has on him. And, if we want to know more, we need to pick up the next book in the series, The Bleeding Dusk, and read more!
I am truly enjoying this series and love the fact that Ms Gleason has used not only London, but also Italy as a settings for her story. Victoria, when she is left to her own devices, is an honest to goodness awesome heroine to read about. Yes, her love life is truly messed up, and you have no clue who she will evenutally end up with...Max, or Sebastian....or could it be another?
Two Thums Up!
Backstory: Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy is a slayer (Venator) and a member of a long line of Gardellas. Her grandmother, Eustacia, is the current leader of the Gardellas, a position that will fall to Victoria once she dies. Victoria lost her husband Phillip to Lilith's vampires. He was turned into a vampire within one month of their marriage and is now no-longer part of the undead. Victoria grieves for her lost love, but knows that she must also go back to her job as slayer. One month after his death, Victoria finds herself wandering the streets of London looking to kill a vampire. Instead, she breaks up a would be rapists attempt at harming another, and it's the first time she's ever attacked another mortal in the line of searching for vampires.
A year later, Victoria finds two and knows that something must be brewing. She finds a small medallion in the former Silver Chalice once run by the mysterious Sebastian Vioget, and takes it to her Aunt Eustacia for further research. It evenutally leads her south to Italy where a group calling itself the Tutela's, those who risk their lives to keep the vampires safe and happy with willing blood, and giving themselves and others over to the vampires.
Sebastian is definitely the mystery in this 2nd installment of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. He continually shows up when he is least expected. His passion for Victoria is serious stalking material. But we really don't know what he's truly up to. He knows alot about vampires, and later is it discovered that his grandfather is a vampire.
Victoria, in the meantime, has many unanswered questions. Like why is Sebastian helping her? Is it for love or is he leading her into a trap? And, what happened to Maxmilan Pesaro? After Lilith, the queen of the vampires left London for Romania, he disappeared as well. The only one who truly believes in Max, is Eustacia. We do know that Lilith has some sort of thrall on him and her bites will not heal.
As Victoria arrives in Italy, she uses the ficticious name of Emmaline Withers to make her way undetected by the vampires. She once again finds herself in deep kimchee when she is attacked by 5-6 vampires after being brought to a meeting of the Tutela's. Barely escaping with her life, yet again, she and Eustacia and troupe travel to Roma where the Gardella Consilium is located and where she bumps into an engaged to be married Max.
We also learn that there is also a prophecy in play that basically states that the golden age of the Venator shall end at the foot of Roma. Does it refer to the Venators at whole, or a certain person?
Ms Gleason puts Victoria literally through the wringer. She doesn't know who she can trust any longer. So called friends from London, turn out to be Tutela members who will do anything for their vampire masters, including killing Victoria. Sebastian continues to drive her sexual urges, only to find that he drugs her to keep her out of the way from trying to stop Nedas from causing world wide devastation.
In the end, Max does what Victoria never saw coming, he kills his mentor and friend Eustacia in order to remain loyal and next to Nedas so he could destroy the Obelisk. Victoria, kills Nedas without her vis bulla and has both Max and Sebastian trying to keep her from harm.
Eustacia believed that the prophecy was about her, and thus allowed Max to kill her, and allow Victoria to live and carry on the family name. We also learn that Max was sent to kill Nedas by Lilith herself to break the thrall that she has on him. And, if we want to know more, we need to pick up the next book in the series, The Bleeding Dusk, and read more!
I am truly enjoying this series and love the fact that Ms Gleason has used not only London, but also Italy as a settings for her story. Victoria, when she is left to her own devices, is an honest to goodness awesome heroine to read about. Yes, her love life is truly messed up, and you have no clue who she will evenutally end up with...Max, or Sebastian....or could it be another?
Two Thums Up!
July 21, 2014
หลังจากการสูญเสียของวิกตอเรีย นักล่าแวมไพร์ก็ใช้เวลาไปกับการไว้ทุกข์ให้กับสามีของเธอ หนึ่งปีผ่านไป ... วิกตอเรียตามล่าแวมไพร์เหมือนกันอย่างที่หล่อนเคยทำ และนั่นทำให้หล่อนได้เบาะแสของสมาคมมนุษย์ที่บูชาเทิดทูนเหล่าแวมไพร์ จนโยงไปถึงเรื่องราวของเนดัส แวมไพร์ชั่วร้ายที่วางแผนจะสร้างกองทัพวิญญาณคนตายขึ้นมาเพื่อครองโลก
วิกตอเรียเดินทางไปอิตาลีเพื่อหาเบาะแสเกี่ยวกับเรื่องนี้ หล่อนทำงานคนเดียวที่นั่น และเกือบจะเอาชีวิตไม่รอดด้วยซ้ำ เมื่อเซบาสติยงยื่นมือมาช่วยหล่อน ความสัมพันธ์ที่ครุมเครือระหว่างสองคนก็บังเกิดขึ้น แม้ว่าวิกตอเรียจะยังอาลัยฟิลลิปอยู่ แต่ทุกครั้งที่อยู่ใกล้ชิดกับเซบาสเตียน ความปราถนาระหว่างคนทั้งคู่ก็เป็นเรื่องที่ห้ามไม่ได้
แม็กซ์หายตัวไปไร้การติดต่อเป็นเวลาหนึ่งปีแล้ว ล่าสุดมีคนบอกว่าเห็นเขาอยู่ที่อิตาลี เมื่อภารกิจนำพาให้วิกตอเรียได้พบกับแม็กซ์อีกครั้ง คราวนี้เขาเปลี่ยนไป เย็นชา และไม่สนใจหล่อนเช่นเคย วิกตอเรียคิดว่าต้องมีสาเหตุเปลี่ยนเขาให้เป็นเช่นนี้ แม็กซ์บอกความจริงกับวิกตอเรียว่าที่เขาทำแบบนี้ก็เพราะว่���เขาทำข้อตกลงกับลิลลิธให้ปล่อยเขาจากการครอบงำถ้าเขาเข้าร่วมกับทูเทลลา(กลุ่มมนุษย์ที่สนับสนุนและปกป้องแวมไพร์)
เมื่อเนดัสวางแผนที่จะใช้โอเบลิสก์สร้างกองทัพปิศาจของเขาขึ้นมาจากวิญญาณคนตาย วิกตอเรียจึงต้องเข้าไปขัดขวางโดยมีเซบาสติยงเป็นกองหนุน ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างทั้งคู่ก้าวหน้าจนกระทั่งวิกตอเรียตัดสินใจมีอะไรกับเขา เมื่อหล่อนเข้าไปถึงโรงโอเปร่า สถานที่ที่ใช้ในการปลุกวิญญาณตาย วิกตอเรียพบแม็กซ์ และเขาสังหารคุณยายยูสเตเซียของเธอ แม็กซ์หักหล่อนหล่อน ! แต่ดูเหมือนว่าจะมีเหตุผลให้เขาทำแบบนั้นใช่หรือเปล่า
แม็กซ์แฝงตัวเข้ามาในทูเทลลาโดยหวังที่จะทำลายโอเบลิสก์ และเขาก็ทำได้ในที่สุดโดยอาศัยการเสียสละของคนที่เขารักและไว้ใจ คุณยายยูสเตเซีย นั่นทำให้เขาตัดสินใจจบชีวิตลง แต่วิกตอเรียกลับช่วยชีวิตของแม็กซ์ออกมาได้สำเร็จในตอนท้าย เขาจึงตัดสินใจหายตัวไป และวิกตอเรียได้ขึ้นเป็นผู้นำของนักล่าแวมไพร์ในที่สุด .. เล่มนี้ปวดตับมาก ครึ่งเล่มแรกไม่ค่อยมีประเด็นรักๆใคร่ๆนอกจากเซบาสติยงที่ดูเหมือนไม่มีจุดประสงค์ชัดเจนว่าต้องการอะไรในตัววิกตอเรีย เนื้อเรื่องต่อยอดจากเล่มที่แล้วโดยลิลลิธยังไม่ถูกกำจัดและเล่มนี้มีศัตรูใหม่เพิ่มเข้ามา ซึ่งทำให้รู้สึกว่าการเป็นนักล่าแวมไพร์นี่มันช่างท้อแท้เหลือเกิน ฝ่ายศัตรูมีเป็นกองทัพ แต่ฝ่ายนางเอกขาดแคลนคน แถมนางเอกยังเป็นเด็กใหม่เสียอีก พาลเอาคนอ่านรู้สึกท้อตามและไม่อยากอ่านเอาง่ายๆ ตอนจบที่คุณคุณยายยูสเตเซียเสียสละตัวเองเพื่อให้แม็กซ์ได้รับความไว้วางใจพอที่จะเข้าร่วมกับเดนัสและมีโอกาสทำลายโอเบลิสก์อีก โอ๊ย ! ไม่ได้ซึ้งกับการเสียสละของตัวละครเลยนะ แต่ระเหี่ยใจมากกว่าว่า ทำเพื่อ ?
วิกตอเรียเดินทางไปอิตาลีเพื่อหาเบาะแสเกี่ยวกับเรื่องนี้ หล่อนทำงานคนเดียวที่นั่น และเกือบจะเอาชีวิตไม่รอดด้วยซ้ำ เมื่อเซบาสติยงยื่นมือมาช่วยหล่อน ความสัมพันธ์ที่ครุมเครือระหว่างสองคนก็บังเกิดขึ้น แม้ว่าวิกตอเรียจะยังอาลัยฟิลลิปอยู่ แต่ทุกครั้งที่อยู่ใกล้ชิดกับเซบาสเตียน ความปราถนาระหว่างคนทั้งคู่ก็เป็นเรื่องที่ห้ามไม่ได้
แม็กซ์หายตัวไปไร้การติดต่อเป็นเวลาหนึ่งปีแล้ว ล่าสุดมีคนบอกว่าเห็นเขาอยู่ที่อิตาลี เมื่อภารกิจนำพาให้วิกตอเรียได้พบกับแม็กซ์อีกครั้ง คราวนี้เขาเปลี่ยนไป เย็นชา และไม่สนใจหล่อนเช่นเคย วิกตอเรียคิดว่าต้องมีสาเหตุเปลี่ยนเขาให้เป็นเช่นนี้ แม็กซ์บอกความจริงกับวิกตอเรียว่าที่เขาทำแบบนี้ก็เพราะว่���เขาทำข้อตกลงกับลิลลิธให้ปล่อยเขาจากการครอบงำถ้าเขาเข้าร่วมกับทูเทลลา(กลุ่มมนุษย์ที่สนับสนุนและปกป้องแวมไพร์)
เมื่อเนดัสวางแผนที่จะใช้โอเบลิสก์สร้างกองทัพปิศาจของเขาขึ้นมาจากวิญญาณคนตาย วิกตอเรียจึงต้องเข้าไปขัดขวางโดยมีเซบาสติยงเป็นกองหนุน ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างทั้งคู่ก้าวหน้าจนกระทั่งวิกตอเรียตัดสินใจมีอะไรกับเขา เมื่อหล่อนเข้าไปถึงโรงโอเปร่า สถานที่ที่ใช้ในการปลุกวิญญาณตาย วิกตอเรียพบแม็กซ์ และเขาสังหารคุณยายยูสเตเซียของเธอ แม็กซ์หักหล่อนหล่อน ! แต่ดูเหมือนว่าจะมีเหตุผลให้เขาทำแบบนั้นใช่หรือเปล่า
แม็กซ์แฝงตัวเข้ามาในทูเทลลาโดยหวังที่จะทำลายโอเบลิสก์ และเขาก็ทำได้ในที่สุดโดยอาศัยการเสียสละของคนที่เขารักและไว้ใจ คุณยายยูสเตเซีย นั่นทำให้เขาตัดสินใจจบชีวิตลง แต่วิกตอเรียกลับช่วยชีวิตของแม็กซ์ออกมาได้สำเร็จในตอนท้าย เขาจึงตัดสินใจหายตัวไป และวิกตอเรียได้ขึ้นเป็นผู้นำของนักล่าแวมไพร์ในที่สุด .. เล่มนี้ปวดตับมาก ครึ่งเล่มแรกไม่ค่อยมีประเด็นรักๆใคร่ๆนอกจากเซบาสติยงที่ดูเหมือนไม่มีจุดประสงค์ชัดเจนว่าต้องการอะไรในตัววิกตอเรีย เนื้อเรื่องต่อยอดจากเล่มที่แล้วโดยลิลลิธยังไม่ถูกกำจัดและเล่มนี้มีศัตรูใหม่เพิ่มเข้ามา ซึ่งทำให้รู้สึกว่าการเป็นนักล่าแวมไพร์นี่มันช่างท้อแท้เหลือเกิน ฝ่ายศัตรูมีเป็นกองทัพ แต่ฝ่ายนางเอกขาดแคลนคน แถมนางเอกยังเป็นเด็กใหม่เสียอีก พาลเอาคนอ่านรู้สึกท้อตามและไม่อยากอ่านเอาง่ายๆ ตอนจบที่คุณคุณยายยูสเตเซียเสียสละตัวเองเพื่อให้แม็กซ์ได้รับความไว้วางใจพอที่จะเข้าร่วมกับเดนัสและมีโอกาสทำลายโอเบลิสก์อีก โอ๊ย ! ไม่ได้ซึ้งกับการเสียสละของตัวละครเลยนะ แต่ระเหี่ยใจมากกว่าว่า ทำเพื่อ ?
January 30, 2013
This is the second book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. There are a total of five books in this series. If you enjoyed the first book, you will enjoy this one. The world broadens some and Victoria is less care free than in the first book.
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T READ BOOK 1 IN THIS SERIES.
Victoria is recovering from her husband’s untimely end in Book 1. Things between her and Sebastian are heating up. She ends up going to Rome in an attempt to uncover a new vampire cult involving Lilith’s son. Supposidly Lilith’s son has recoved an ancient artifact that can raise masses of the dead. Max has disappeared for a long time (8 months) and Victoria is surprised to find he is heavily involved in all of the intrigue in Rome.
The book was a fun and engaging read. Victoria is taking on more responsibilities as a Venator, although she still makes some immature decisions. Instead of acting blindly with vengeance she is finally learning to consider how her actions affect the bigger picture. Victoria is less happy go lucky and a bit more mature as a result of dealing with her husband’s death; she’s grown up a lot.
Sebastian is in the book a lot. He is just as sexy and mysterious as ever. You can just never tell exactly which side he is playing. We learn a lot more about his history and background in this book.
As I mentioned in my review of the first book, think of this series as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Pride and Prejudice. The whole book is very Victorian in tone, but there is a lot of fighting and a good chunk of romance as well. There is also a lot of intrigue and mystery throughout the story.
The book is well written and easy to read. The main mystery is solved in this book, but new storylines and questions are opened.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will continue reading the series. It’s not spectacular but it is a very entertaining and fun read. I enjoy the characters, the setting, the witty banter, and the intrigue. Recommended to those who enjoy historical vampire hunter types of books.
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T READ BOOK 1 IN THIS SERIES.
Victoria is recovering from her husband’s untimely end in Book 1. Things between her and Sebastian are heating up. She ends up going to Rome in an attempt to uncover a new vampire cult involving Lilith’s son. Supposidly Lilith’s son has recoved an ancient artifact that can raise masses of the dead. Max has disappeared for a long time (8 months) and Victoria is surprised to find he is heavily involved in all of the intrigue in Rome.
The book was a fun and engaging read. Victoria is taking on more responsibilities as a Venator, although she still makes some immature decisions. Instead of acting blindly with vengeance she is finally learning to consider how her actions affect the bigger picture. Victoria is less happy go lucky and a bit more mature as a result of dealing with her husband’s death; she’s grown up a lot.
Sebastian is in the book a lot. He is just as sexy and mysterious as ever. You can just never tell exactly which side he is playing. We learn a lot more about his history and background in this book.
As I mentioned in my review of the first book, think of this series as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Pride and Prejudice. The whole book is very Victorian in tone, but there is a lot of fighting and a good chunk of romance as well. There is also a lot of intrigue and mystery throughout the story.
The book is well written and easy to read. The main mystery is solved in this book, but new storylines and questions are opened.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will continue reading the series. It’s not spectacular but it is a very entertaining and fun read. I enjoy the characters, the setting, the witty banter, and the intrigue. Recommended to those who enjoy historical vampire hunter types of books.
January 30, 2023
Rises the Night, the second book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles is just as good, if not better than the first, The Rest Falls Away.
Possible Spoilers below...
This book starts off with an emotional and angry Victoria, fresh from the loss of her husband prowling the streets of London in search of something to kill. When she does just that, and realizes it was blood on her hands and not ash, she takes out her Vis Bulla and spends a year grieving and learning to cope with the rage and loss inside her.
A year later, shes back on the streets, but after the destruction of the book, Lilith has retreated to her mountain hide away and taken all of the vampires with her. Max went back to Italy, and Sebastian is still missing. What's a girl to do?
Return to society of course.
Victoria comes out of mourning and accepts an invitation from the Starcasset siblings to visit their estate in the country. If she can't kill vampires she might as well enjoy her nights... right?
This series is packed with action and emotion, some romance, and a few surprises along the way.
It is a definite page turner and one you'll want to read again!
Victoria has finally grown up some in this book. She is no longer the immature young girl she'd been in book one; she understands the severity of her duty, her calling to serve the greater good, even if that means giving up the life she wanted. She's determined and much stronger.
The men in this book are just as tempting as they had been in the first, adding a few more to the mix when she attracts the eye of some new handsome men. Sebastian is even more appealing, and Max of course is just as hard and controlled.
I love this series and think everyone should read it at least once!
I've read it multiple times and now I've listened to it on audible, it just adds that little bit the characters are missing when you can't create the accent in your own mind!
Possible Spoilers below...
This book starts off with an emotional and angry Victoria, fresh from the loss of her husband prowling the streets of London in search of something to kill. When she does just that, and realizes it was blood on her hands and not ash, she takes out her Vis Bulla and spends a year grieving and learning to cope with the rage and loss inside her.
A year later, shes back on the streets, but after the destruction of the book, Lilith has retreated to her mountain hide away and taken all of the vampires with her. Max went back to Italy, and Sebastian is still missing. What's a girl to do?
Return to society of course.
Victoria comes out of mourning and accepts an invitation from the Starcasset siblings to visit their estate in the country. If she can't kill vampires she might as well enjoy her nights... right?
This series is packed with action and emotion, some romance, and a few surprises along the way.
It is a definite page turner and one you'll want to read again!
Victoria has finally grown up some in this book. She is no longer the immature young girl she'd been in book one; she understands the severity of her duty, her calling to serve the greater good, even if that means giving up the life she wanted. She's determined and much stronger.
The men in this book are just as tempting as they had been in the first, adding a few more to the mix when she attracts the eye of some new handsome men. Sebastian is even more appealing, and Max of course is just as hard and controlled.
I love this series and think everyone should read it at least once!
I've read it multiple times and now I've listened to it on audible, it just adds that little bit the characters are missing when you can't create the accent in your own mind!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
Book 2 in the Gardella Vampire chronicles. This book is good, but I didn’t think it was as good as her first. Maybe because I felt this is a little darker in nature. I marked down the stars simply because I was having a little trouble following the story line, the different characters, and the new vampire “object” which would help the vampires rule the world (this time it’s Akvan’s Obelisk, and the bad guy is Lilith’s son- Nedas). This book reminded me of The Empire Strikes Back , because it is darker, however, I wish that it was as good as the movie (which is my favorite Star Wars movie).
We find Victoria one year after the death of her husband. She travels to Italy to accomplish two things: to find Max (who has gone missing shortly after returning to his homeland), and to find out about a rising threat to humans- the Tutela (which is a group of mortals who socialize, aid, and feed the vampires all in the hopes of becoming an immortal themselves). Victoria’s aunt, Eustacia, also goes to Italy, but keeps herself separate from Victoria since Eustacia is a known Venator and Victoria is not (at least by Nedas and his vampires). Eustacia introduces Victoria to the Consilium, which is an actual location, a small church, which has a hidden underground gathering area where Venators go to learn, train, and meet. Can Victoria bring down Nedas and the Tutela? And can she save Max? The biggest question is- does Max want to be saved?
We find Victoria one year after the death of her husband. She travels to Italy to accomplish two things: to find Max (who has gone missing shortly after returning to his homeland), and to find out about a rising threat to humans- the Tutela (which is a group of mortals who socialize, aid, and feed the vampires all in the hopes of becoming an immortal themselves). Victoria’s aunt, Eustacia, also goes to Italy, but keeps herself separate from Victoria since Eustacia is a known Venator and Victoria is not (at least by Nedas and his vampires). Eustacia introduces Victoria to the Consilium, which is an actual location, a small church, which has a hidden underground gathering area where Venators go to learn, train, and meet. Can Victoria bring down Nedas and the Tutela? And can she save Max? The biggest question is- does Max want to be saved?
November 14, 2014
3.8
Ever read a book and know that it's not going in the direction that you want/like? That there is a character that is more of a hindrance than a help to the main character? That the inclusion of the character is killing you enjoyment and some of the plot?
Yet.
You are somehow still interested enough, curious enough, to find out what happens?
Well, come on down, you'll find out here, in this installment!!!
Can you tell that I still want Sebastian to die a crazy, horrible, painful death?
Let's put it this way; I dislike him so much that
This installment sees a harder Victoria but one that still retains her vulnerability and naivete about certain things.
There is betrayal of the worst kind, even if it all makes sense, and some more grieving for Victoria to do. While the story still has action there is more mystery than anything else.
I'm going to read the next because I need to know what happens with Max, who somehow became the most interesting and fucked up character in the book.
Hopefully the next book sees Victoria acting more with her head than her heroic (and not always well though out) instincts.
Ever read a book and know that it's not going in the direction that you want/like? That there is a character that is more of a hindrance than a help to the main character? That the inclusion of the character is killing you enjoyment and some of the plot?
Yet.
You are somehow still interested enough, curious enough, to find out what happens?
Well, come on down, you'll find out here, in this installment!!!
Can you tell that I still want Sebastian to die a crazy, horrible, painful death?
Let's put it this way; I dislike him so much that
This installment sees a harder Victoria but one that still retains her vulnerability and naivete about certain things.
There is betrayal of the worst kind, even if it all makes sense, and some more grieving for Victoria to do. While the story still has action there is more mystery than anything else.
I'm going to read the next because I need to know what happens with Max, who somehow became the most interesting and fucked up character in the book.
Hopefully the next book sees Victoria acting more with her head than her heroic (and not always well though out) instincts.
September 19, 2015
Rises the night was entertaining, but a step down from the first book. Rises the night was all over the place story-wise and seemed to move at a snails pace so I found it hard to stay interested at times. Another disappointment is Victoria. In the first book, I related to her struggles a lot and forgave a lot of her mistakes because she was young and still trying to balance a normal life with her duties. I was hoping that after the events of the last book, she would've returned a much stronger character. But in a lot of ways, she seems weaker than she did before and not very good at her job. Her relationship with Sebastian is another thing that holds her back. I find him entertaining and their scenes together are pretty hot, but at the same time her infatuation with can border on annoying at times. I don't even know if I can really call him a love interest because all I can really see when they're around each other is lust.
I wish there had been more scenes between Max and Victoria though. I find their bickering and arguing pretty amusing.
There were some good twists and turns at the end that leave me excited for the next book.
I wish there had been more scenes between Max and Victoria though. I find their bickering and arguing pretty amusing.
There were some good twists and turns at the end that leave me excited for the next book.
August 21, 2011
"Rises The Night" is the second book in Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Chronicles series.
Victoria has grown up a lot from where "The Rest Falls Away" leaves the readers off at. The characters in this series are all interesting and though they may not be unique characters (I find myself comparing Victoria, Max, and Sebastian to Mac, Jericho, and V'Lane from Karen Marie Moning's Fever series [which I loved] often), they are definitely likeable.
One thing that didn't bother me as much in the first book as it did in the second book was the annoying excess of religious imagery. I know it needs to be there, but there's a reason I'm an atheist; that kind of crap drives me crazy. Nevertheless, I skip over that part because I care more about the characters than I do about the fact that it seems to me that Gleason is trying to make me a theist. And I digress.
Overall, I rate "Rises The Night" four stars because I always seem to have a hard time getting into these books, but once I do I love them.
* * * *
Victoria has grown up a lot from where "The Rest Falls Away" leaves the readers off at. The characters in this series are all interesting and though they may not be unique characters (I find myself comparing Victoria, Max, and Sebastian to Mac, Jericho, and V'Lane from Karen Marie Moning's Fever series [which I loved] often), they are definitely likeable.
One thing that didn't bother me as much in the first book as it did in the second book was the annoying excess of religious imagery. I know it needs to be there, but there's a reason I'm an atheist; that kind of crap drives me crazy. Nevertheless, I skip over that part because I care more about the characters than I do about the fact that it seems to me that Gleason is trying to make me a theist. And I digress.
Overall, I rate "Rises The Night" four stars because I always seem to have a hard time getting into these books, but once I do I love them.
* * * *
September 7, 2011
So much better than the first book! I don't know if I'm more frustrated with Victoria, Sebastian, or Max. But I have a feeling my faith with at least two of them will be restored, though I'm guessing that that one of the big questions of the series is: who will Victoria end up with? Sebastian shows a bit more empathy, though there is still plenty of his sarcastic, cocky humor. While the 'darkly brooding' Max is absent for a good bit of the first half of the book, he more than makes up for it in the second half.
This second installment of the Gardella Vampire series gives a lot more insight into each of the main characters. You learn much more about both of the men, which is a relief. On the other hand, it also opens the floodgates to a whole new set of questions.
Victoria also starts coming into her own heritage, so to speak. Her confidence in herself in the first book seemed a little premature, but she proves herself here. Can't wait to see how this series plays out!
This second installment of the Gardella Vampire series gives a lot more insight into each of the main characters. You learn much more about both of the men, which is a relief. On the other hand, it also opens the floodgates to a whole new set of questions.
Victoria also starts coming into her own heritage, so to speak. Her confidence in herself in the first book seemed a little premature, but she proves herself here. Can't wait to see how this series plays out!
December 31, 2009
*Whew* The author was not afraid to go places that a lot of authors would not take their characters. I loved that it was so difficult to tell who was good and who was bad in this book.
I can't give away my shocking moment without spoiling the book. So, I won't. But, I did gain a lot of admiration for the author when something major happened near the end of the book. WOW. :)
I will definitely be continuing this series. Love the love triangle. Love the characters. Love the historical angle. Love the book :)
I can't give away my shocking moment without spoiling the book. So, I won't. But, I did gain a lot of admiration for the author when something major happened near the end of the book. WOW. :)
I will definitely be continuing this series. Love the love triangle. Love the characters. Love the historical angle. Love the book :)
June 13, 2015
I've never actually been grateful to have a book end at 95% of the file before. There was probably an excerpt for the third title (or possibly the first) in some of the remaining space, but I didn't look to see.
This book didn't start out badly, and for a while it seemed like it might be a bit better than the first one. By about 75%, however, Victoria was really wearing on me. When I started this I would have predicted that this could make a reasonable "filler" series while I wait for new titles by my favorite authors. That seems extremely unlikely now. Extremely.
This book didn't start out badly, and for a while it seemed like it might be a bit better than the first one. By about 75%, however, Victoria was really wearing on me. When I started this I would have predicted that this could make a reasonable "filler" series while I wait for new titles by my favorite authors. That seems extremely unlikely now. Extremely.
December 20, 2009
This installment is frustrating and thrilling. Victoria's tendency to be stubborn and impetuous leads to numerous close calls, and make me want to shake the woman. But the results are nail-biting scenes that had me frantically worrying about the final outcome. Others are right--it seems this series does get better and better!
December 29, 2008
The two men in Victoria's life are infuriating. They both kind of love her and they both betray her while somehow continuing to save her at every turn. Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2018
5.0 - Voto
"Prima che potesse protestare ancora, la spinse contro la parete, e le sue dita premettero contro le spalle di lei attraverso il tessuto sottile della tunica. La sua bocca discese sopra quella di Victoria, affamata e calda, scuse, desiderio e addio tutti mescolati dentro quelle labbra sensuali e quella lingua energica e abile. Lei per un momento restituì il bacio, il suo respiro correva veloce tra loro, poi allontanò la sua bocca."
Non so neanche da dove iniziare. Questo secondo capitolo della serie dei Gardella, La condanna del vampiro, mi ha lasciata con un sapore dolce amaro in bocca. Un sentimento contrastante di odio e amore verso i personaggi, quelle stesse persone che hanno dovuto combattere con i loro fantasmi del passato, e del presente, fingendo quello che in realtà non sono e tutto per la loro sopravvivenza: per incontrare la morte o per evitarla.
Il libro inizia così come ci aveva lasciati il primo capitolo, con la morte di Philip e la sconfitta della regina dei vampiri, Lilith. Victoria si trova molto combattuta dopo i fatti precedentemente accaduti, è indecisa se continuare a essere la cacciatrice, o restituire la sua vis bulla, una piccola croce fatta con l’argento della Terra Santa e immersa nell’acqua santa di Roma: l’amuleto di forza che portavano i Cacciatori. Si troverà immersa in situazioni più grandi di lei, tra Roma e Venezia, e dovrà far fronte al Tutela, un’associazione segreta che protegge gli interessi dei vampiri e procura loro innocenti per soddisfare la loro sete. In pratica: le prostitute dei non morti.
Il compito più grande di Victoria sarà quello di trovare e distruggere Nedas, figlio di Lilith, e l’obelisco di Akvar, un oggetto potentissimo in grado di rendere i vampiri invisibili ai cacciatori. Tuttavia, l’ostacolo più grande sarà combattere con i suoi princìpi più grandi e radicati: l’amore e la lealtà.
Nel primo capitolo ho amato la protagonista, Victoria, ma in questo secondo libro… non so. Credo che a volte la testardaggine, o determinazione che dir si voglia, debba esser messa da parte. È una di quelle protagoniste con le palle, determinata a far valere le sue ragioni, Cacciatrice indiscussa, in quanto deriva dal ramo diretto dell’albero genealogico dei Gardella, ma qui ha davvero dato il meglio e il peggio di sé.
E Max, colui che ho amato fin dal primo istante, che ho sperato fino all’ultimo rubasse un bacio a Victoria, un uomo tutto d’un pezzo, con sani principi e regole ferree, si trova a dover combattere contro chi più ama al mondo, contro i suoi vecchi demoni e le sue paure più profonde, fino al momento in cui si trova davanti a una scelta che cambierà le sorti di tutti. Ecco… in quel preciso istante l’ho odiato con tutta me stessa.
Ci troviamo poi di fronte al mio protagonista preferito, Sebastian, quel trombamico (si può dire?) dai folti e ricci capelli color miele, ciglia folte e muscoli d’acciaio, ottimo amatore e doppiogiochista incallito. Lui pensa solo a salvarsi la pelle, a far sì che non si debba mai trovare in mezzo a situazioni imbarazzanti a livello politico, e a prendere il meglio da tutto e tutti. In questo caso non saprei dire se l’ho amato o odiato, ma una cosa è certa: vorrei che molte situazioni fossero capitate in modo diverso.
Leggendo La condanna del vampiro vi troverete immersi in una Londra degli inizi dell’Ottocento, tra pizzi, merletti e regole sociali assurde, ma leggerete e divorerete quelle pagine ricche di colpi di scena, di amori e conflitti, che vi faranno odiare e amare di minuto in minuto i personaggi stessi.
Maljka - per RFS
"Prima che potesse protestare ancora, la spinse contro la parete, e le sue dita premettero contro le spalle di lei attraverso il tessuto sottile della tunica. La sua bocca discese sopra quella di Victoria, affamata e calda, scuse, desiderio e addio tutti mescolati dentro quelle labbra sensuali e quella lingua energica e abile. Lei per un momento restituì il bacio, il suo respiro correva veloce tra loro, poi allontanò la sua bocca."
Non so neanche da dove iniziare. Questo secondo capitolo della serie dei Gardella, La condanna del vampiro, mi ha lasciata con un sapore dolce amaro in bocca. Un sentimento contrastante di odio e amore verso i personaggi, quelle stesse persone che hanno dovuto combattere con i loro fantasmi del passato, e del presente, fingendo quello che in realtà non sono e tutto per la loro sopravvivenza: per incontrare la morte o per evitarla.
Il libro inizia così come ci aveva lasciati il primo capitolo, con la morte di Philip e la sconfitta della regina dei vampiri, Lilith. Victoria si trova molto combattuta dopo i fatti precedentemente accaduti, è indecisa se continuare a essere la cacciatrice, o restituire la sua vis bulla, una piccola croce fatta con l’argento della Terra Santa e immersa nell’acqua santa di Roma: l’amuleto di forza che portavano i Cacciatori. Si troverà immersa in situazioni più grandi di lei, tra Roma e Venezia, e dovrà far fronte al Tutela, un’associazione segreta che protegge gli interessi dei vampiri e procura loro innocenti per soddisfare la loro sete. In pratica: le prostitute dei non morti.
Il compito più grande di Victoria sarà quello di trovare e distruggere Nedas, figlio di Lilith, e l’obelisco di Akvar, un oggetto potentissimo in grado di rendere i vampiri invisibili ai cacciatori. Tuttavia, l’ostacolo più grande sarà combattere con i suoi princìpi più grandi e radicati: l’amore e la lealtà.
Nel primo capitolo ho amato la protagonista, Victoria, ma in questo secondo libro… non so. Credo che a volte la testardaggine, o determinazione che dir si voglia, debba esser messa da parte. È una di quelle protagoniste con le palle, determinata a far valere le sue ragioni, Cacciatrice indiscussa, in quanto deriva dal ramo diretto dell’albero genealogico dei Gardella, ma qui ha davvero dato il meglio e il peggio di sé.
E Max, colui che ho amato fin dal primo istante, che ho sperato fino all’ultimo rubasse un bacio a Victoria, un uomo tutto d’un pezzo, con sani principi e regole ferree, si trova a dover combattere contro chi più ama al mondo, contro i suoi vecchi demoni e le sue paure più profonde, fino al momento in cui si trova davanti a una scelta che cambierà le sorti di tutti. Ecco… in quel preciso istante l’ho odiato con tutta me stessa.
Ci troviamo poi di fronte al mio protagonista preferito, Sebastian, quel trombamico (si può dire?) dai folti e ricci capelli color miele, ciglia folte e muscoli d’acciaio, ottimo amatore e doppiogiochista incallito. Lui pensa solo a salvarsi la pelle, a far sì che non si debba mai trovare in mezzo a situazioni imbarazzanti a livello politico, e a prendere il meglio da tutto e tutti. In questo caso non saprei dire se l’ho amato o odiato, ma una cosa è certa: vorrei che molte situazioni fossero capitate in modo diverso.
Leggendo La condanna del vampiro vi troverete immersi in una Londra degli inizi dell’Ottocento, tra pizzi, merletti e regole sociali assurde, ma leggerete e divorerete quelle pagine ricche di colpi di scena, di amori e conflitti, che vi faranno odiare e amare di minuto in minuto i personaggi stessi.
Maljka - per RFS
March 25, 2021
A VERY SPOILER ALERT
Ci sono cascata di nuovo decidendo di dare una seconda possibilità alla saga e ammetto che è migliorata lievemente. Grazie al cielo sono spariti quei siparietti comici che mi avevano dato tanto ai nervi nel primo ([spoiler]fosse sparito anche quello di Kritanu e Eustacia in stile guardone sarebbe stato meglio[/spoiler]) in favore di una narrazione un po' più decente, lo stesso linguaggio è migliorato diventando un po' più lineare con il periodo storico così come la trama (continuo a vederci dietro la brutta copia di Buffy lo stesso anche se un po' meno). Detesto i protagonisti pieni di se, convinti di saper fare tutto loro e che pensano e agiscono come se esistessero soltanto loro fregandosene di lavoro di squadra, strategia, sentimenti altrui. E Victoria è proprio questo tipo di personaggio che non riesco a mandar giù, con il suo egoismo, ego smisurato, ingratitudine, mancanza di coerenza e oscillazioni continue ora verso questo ora verso quel personaggio di sesso maschile. Decidi una buona volta! Fortunatamente gli spasimanti sono stati ridotti a due (Sebastian Vioget e Maxmilliam Pesaro, dotato ognuno in questo capitolo di una storia passata pesantuccia e piena di segreti e mistero), non voglio pensare se ce ne fossero stati di più il caos che si sarebbe generato! In ogni caso Victoria non è in grado di fare nulla di concreto, conta sulle sue pessime (diciamolo apertamente) capacità e si rifiuta di vedere al di là del suo naso. Ho perso il conto delle volte in cui è finita nei guai durante tutta la narrazione: dalla prima riapparizione dei vampiri a Londra, seguendo il party a casa della sua amica Gwendolyn, la prima riunione del tutela a cui ha partecipato (senza alcun piano! Tanto lei è una cacciatrice in grado di badare a se stessa, pfui!), lo spettacolo a teatro ... fino ad arrivare alla scena finale in cui molla Max nelle mani vampire.
Su Sebastian non mi voglio nemmeno esprimere, o finirebbe male. Il prosciutto sugli occhi regna supremo in questa saga oltre che almeno una morte importante per Victoria. Ancora una stella, non me la sento proprio di dare di più viste tutte le imprecazioni che la mia bocca ha sbottato durante la lettura.
Ci sono cascata di nuovo decidendo di dare una seconda possibilità alla saga e ammetto che è migliorata lievemente. Grazie al cielo sono spariti quei siparietti comici che mi avevano dato tanto ai nervi nel primo ([spoiler]fosse sparito anche quello di Kritanu e Eustacia in stile guardone sarebbe stato meglio[/spoiler]) in favore di una narrazione un po' più decente, lo stesso linguaggio è migliorato diventando un po' più lineare con il periodo storico così come la trama (continuo a vederci dietro la brutta copia di Buffy lo stesso anche se un po' meno). Detesto i protagonisti pieni di se, convinti di saper fare tutto loro e che pensano e agiscono come se esistessero soltanto loro fregandosene di lavoro di squadra, strategia, sentimenti altrui. E Victoria è proprio questo tipo di personaggio che non riesco a mandar giù, con il suo egoismo, ego smisurato, ingratitudine, mancanza di coerenza e oscillazioni continue ora verso questo ora verso quel personaggio di sesso maschile. Decidi una buona volta! Fortunatamente gli spasimanti sono stati ridotti a due (Sebastian Vioget e Maxmilliam Pesaro, dotato ognuno in questo capitolo di una storia passata pesantuccia e piena di segreti e mistero), non voglio pensare se ce ne fossero stati di più il caos che si sarebbe generato! In ogni caso Victoria non è in grado di fare nulla di concreto, conta sulle sue pessime (diciamolo apertamente) capacità e si rifiuta di vedere al di là del suo naso. Ho perso il conto delle volte in cui è finita nei guai durante tutta la narrazione: dalla prima riapparizione dei vampiri a Londra, seguendo il party a casa della sua amica Gwendolyn, la prima riunione del tutela a cui ha partecipato (senza alcun piano! Tanto lei è una cacciatrice in grado di badare a se stessa, pfui!), lo spettacolo a teatro ... fino ad arrivare alla scena finale in cui molla Max nelle mani vampire.
Su Sebastian non mi voglio nemmeno esprimere, o finirebbe male. Il prosciutto sugli occhi regna supremo in questa saga oltre che almeno una morte importante per Victoria. Ancora una stella, non me la sento proprio di dare di più viste tutte le imprecazioni che la mia bocca ha sbottato durante la lettura.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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