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The Gardella Vampire Hunters #1.5
Victoria Gardella: Vampire Slayer
(Formerly published in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance)
A short story introducing readers to the Gardella Vampire Chronicles.
Join Victoria as she navigates her way through balls and Society even as she works to rid the world of dangerous, bloodthirsty vampires.
For those who are familiar with the series, this story would have appeared halfway through The Rest Falls Away. It was formerly published in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance.
A short story introducing readers to the Gardella Vampire Chronicles.
Join Victoria as she navigates her way through balls and Society even as she works to rid the world of dangerous, bloodthirsty vampires.
For those who are familiar with the series, this story would have appeared halfway through The Rest Falls Away. It was formerly published in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2010
67 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
105 books1,689 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 23, 2011
Not having read any of the books in Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire series, I can't say how this one ties in or if it adds anything to the characters, but I can say that I enjoyed it. The downside to it is that it's a very, very short story. In fact, I feel like the characters were just starting to hit their groove when the story was over. Which says to me that it did a pretty darn good job of whetting my appetite for more.
I've also decided that thanks to Colleen Gleason I now want to read many books involving a masquerade ball and semi-anonymous meetings in dark corners. Be they sexy or otherwise. There's something about the idea that makes me smile.
So. To me, this was an intriguing introduction to the life of Victoria Gardella. Intriguing enough that I want to see how things turn out for her and her bevy of men.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
I've also decided that thanks to Colleen Gleason I now want to read many books involving a masquerade ball and semi-anonymous meetings in dark corners. Be they sexy or otherwise. There's something about the idea that makes me smile.
So. To me, this was an intriguing introduction to the life of Victoria Gardella. Intriguing enough that I want to see how things turn out for her and her bevy of men.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 29, 2016
Rather fun bit of historical romance with a paranormal twist. Similar idea to The Parasol Protectorate.
January 19, 2020
I rate short stories and novellas considerably higher. (That said, I didn't feel this one was terrible to begin with. It did at least intrigue me enough to the point that made me rush to read reviews of this series to spoil myself lmao.)
I'll also be completely honest here; the edition I shelved isn't actually the one I read: This short story is included in both
and
; can you imagine my slight disappointment when I originally thought I'd be reading two exclusive short stories, only to find out they are the same story and not really exclusive? lmao That said, I appreciate the freebie, and like I mentioned, it did get my attention so now I'm not short of vampire series to consider reading if/when the time comes ahaha.
I'll also be completely honest here; the edition I shelved isn't actually the one I read: This short story is included in both
and
; can you imagine my slight disappointment when I originally thought I'd be reading two exclusive short stories, only to find out they are the same story and not really exclusive? lmao That said, I appreciate the freebie, and like I mentioned, it did get my attention so now I'm not short of vampire series to consider reading if/when the time comes ahaha.August 24, 2021
can you imagine discovering you are one in a long line of vampire slayers? Okay now that you have your head wrapped around that try to imagine you live in the 18th century. Now, where do you suppose a good slayer hides her stakes? Of course in her garder that her Aunt, also vampire slayer and instructor to you on the fine points of hunting without being detected, gave to you. You are just coming into your powers so you need all the help you can get. Add in the small (?) fact that you are also having your coming out, a young woman being introduced to London High Society.
Got your attention? You'll really enjoy this story.
Got your attention? You'll really enjoy this story.
February 15, 2020
It got my interest enough I want to read the series.
October 12, 2024
Unfortunately I found this book not so good. Story-line could have been better.
July 24, 2018
Gardella kicks vampire butt in this first meeting the book puts an odd twist on your typical vampire slayer idea the book was slightly confusing at first and wasn't really my style. I just found out it was a series and may try to read the others, but this book was not a good introduction for the character.
September 16, 2011
This is a prequel story for the Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Gleason. There are five books in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. This was a fun short story read that convinced me that I should definitely check out the rest of this series.
Victoria Gardella is just your typical Victorian lady, well kind of, she is also a Venator sworn to hunt down and slay vampires. In this story she is attending a masquerade ball dressed as Mary Antoinette. While there she must try to win the affections of an attractive eligible bachelor and hunt down unwanted vampire guests. All in a Mary Antoinette costume that is absolutely impossible to hide weapons in. Ends up she has a bit of competition in the vampire slaying business in the form of the Max Presario an insufferable and gorgeous fellow Venator.
This was a fun introduction to Victoria. Definitely a lighter read. Victoria is funny and witty, there is wonderful banter between the characters that was entertaining and just plain fun.
Gleason has created a Victorian world full of vamps that while, not completely unique, is still a lot of fun to read about. If you love stories set in Victorian times with a bit a of humor and some good vamp fights this is the read for you. It kind of reminded me of Buffy but set in the Victorian era.
The action scenes are well done, the love triangle set up nicely. There are a number of mysterious and gorgeous men introduced in this book; I wanted to learn more about all of them. All in all I thought this was an excellent intro to a world I want to learn more about.
Overall a fun read. Victoria is a wonderful character and the men who inhabit her life are mysterious and intriguing. Reading this short story made me want to learn more about Victoria as well as the Venator lable and exactly what it means. If you love humorous Victorian stories studded with wonderful fight scenes and mysterious characters you should give this story a read through to see if you want to read more. Personally I am sold on this series and want to start reading it ASAP.
Victoria Gardella is just your typical Victorian lady, well kind of, she is also a Venator sworn to hunt down and slay vampires. In this story she is attending a masquerade ball dressed as Mary Antoinette. While there she must try to win the affections of an attractive eligible bachelor and hunt down unwanted vampire guests. All in a Mary Antoinette costume that is absolutely impossible to hide weapons in. Ends up she has a bit of competition in the vampire slaying business in the form of the Max Presario an insufferable and gorgeous fellow Venator.
This was a fun introduction to Victoria. Definitely a lighter read. Victoria is funny and witty, there is wonderful banter between the characters that was entertaining and just plain fun.
Gleason has created a Victorian world full of vamps that while, not completely unique, is still a lot of fun to read about. If you love stories set in Victorian times with a bit a of humor and some good vamp fights this is the read for you. It kind of reminded me of Buffy but set in the Victorian era.
The action scenes are well done, the love triangle set up nicely. There are a number of mysterious and gorgeous men introduced in this book; I wanted to learn more about all of them. All in all I thought this was an excellent intro to a world I want to learn more about.
Overall a fun read. Victoria is a wonderful character and the men who inhabit her life are mysterious and intriguing. Reading this short story made me want to learn more about Victoria as well as the Venator lable and exactly what it means. If you love humorous Victorian stories studded with wonderful fight scenes and mysterious characters you should give this story a read through to see if you want to read more. Personally I am sold on this series and want to start reading it ASAP.
July 7, 2011
This review was first posted @ The Australian Bookshelf
This is a short story, designed to be a bit of a taster for the Gardella Vampire Chronicles and it definitely left me hungry for more! I ‘listened’ to this on my Kindle using the ‘text to speech’ feature and so I was able to get through the story in one day during a car trip to and from work. Having never read any of the books in this series I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. Victoria Gardella is a vampire slayer in London, 1819 and Gleason provides a nice introduction to the Victorian society. Victoria is being courted by Phillip, the Marquess of Rockley who is unaware of her nocturnal occupation. At a ball, Victoria senses the presence of the undead and she takes it upon herself to hunt them down, while trying to keep her date happy and completely oblivious to what she is up to.
I quite enjoyed this short story and I enjoyed Gleason’s writing style and the historical romance aspect to the story which gives the vampire genre a nice spin. I will certainly check out some of her other titles and perhaps make a dive into The Gardella Vampire Chronicles in the future.
This is a short story, designed to be a bit of a taster for the Gardella Vampire Chronicles and it definitely left me hungry for more! I ‘listened’ to this on my Kindle using the ‘text to speech’ feature and so I was able to get through the story in one day during a car trip to and from work. Having never read any of the books in this series I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. Victoria Gardella is a vampire slayer in London, 1819 and Gleason provides a nice introduction to the Victorian society. Victoria is being courted by Phillip, the Marquess of Rockley who is unaware of her nocturnal occupation. At a ball, Victoria senses the presence of the undead and she takes it upon herself to hunt them down, while trying to keep her date happy and completely oblivious to what she is up to.
I quite enjoyed this short story and I enjoyed Gleason’s writing style and the historical romance aspect to the story which gives the vampire genre a nice spin. I will certainly check out some of her other titles and perhaps make a dive into The Gardella Vampire Chronicles in the future.
July 12, 2012
"Victoria Gardella (Gardella Vampire Chronicles #1.5)" is a free sampler short story which serves as an introduction to the writing, setting and characters in the 5 books comprising the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. As such, it fulfills its purpose, but I did come away feeling somewhat short-changed by its short length.
Victoria Gardella is your average Victorian lady - pays attention to what she's wears, considers proposals from worthy suitors, has a penchant for slaying vampires at lavish masquerade balls.
The writing was great. The story kept my attention but the short story itself was sub-par. I'll probably forget about it in a few weeks. I felt as if I knew what was going to happen - everything turned out exactly as I expected. It's not the most interesting vampire short story I've read. It also doesn't compel me to want to read the books.
Book Details:
Title Victoria Gardella (Gardella Vampire Chronicles #1.5)
Author Colleen Gleason
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Victoria Gardella is your average Victorian lady - pays attention to what she's wears, considers proposals from worthy suitors, has a penchant for slaying vampires at lavish masquerade balls.
The writing was great. The story kept my attention but the short story itself was sub-par. I'll probably forget about it in a few weeks. I felt as if I knew what was going to happen - everything turned out exactly as I expected. It's not the most interesting vampire short story I've read. It also doesn't compel me to want to read the books.
Book Details:
Title Victoria Gardella (Gardella Vampire Chronicles #1.5)
Author Colleen Gleason
Reviewed By Purplycookie
September 30, 2012
I believe this story was at one time part of an anthology, but has since been released on its own. I got it for free.
The actual Victoria Gardella part of the book consists of the short story as well as a snippet of The Rest Falls Away, and takes up less than half of the book. The rest is sneak peeks of a book from one of Ms. Gleason's other series and from two other authors as well.
I enjoyed the short story (and it was pretty short--taking up only 26%), and going to try the first book in the series, of which I believe this story falls somewhere in the middle of. (I'm quite intrigued by what little I saw of Sebastian, btw) I'm also considering trying out the other Gleason series sampled in this book.
(Rating this three stars because the actual story was so short.)
The actual Victoria Gardella part of the book consists of the short story as well as a snippet of The Rest Falls Away, and takes up less than half of the book. The rest is sneak peeks of a book from one of Ms. Gleason's other series and from two other authors as well.
I enjoyed the short story (and it was pretty short--taking up only 26%), and going to try the first book in the series, of which I believe this story falls somewhere in the middle of. (I'm quite intrigued by what little I saw of Sebastian, btw) I'm also considering trying out the other Gleason series sampled in this book.
(Rating this three stars because the actual story was so short.)
November 14, 2011
This short story is a great introduction to the Gardella Vampire Chronicles series by Colleen Gleason. It highlights the difficulties that Victoria Gardella faces as a young lady making her debut into London society whilst trying to keep her life as a vampire hunter secret. We are also introduced to 3 of her potential love interests who you will see more of in the books.
I have already read and enjoyed the first book in the series The Rest Falls Away and enjoyed the fact that this is historical with a paranormal twist. If you're already a fan of the series I'm sure you'll enjoy this short story and if you've yet to discover the series this is a great way to get a free taster to see if you want to read more. I'm looking forward to continuing with this series and following Victoria's adventures.
I have already read and enjoyed the first book in the series The Rest Falls Away and enjoyed the fact that this is historical with a paranormal twist. If you're already a fan of the series I'm sure you'll enjoy this short story and if you've yet to discover the series this is a great way to get a free taster to see if you want to read more. I'm looking forward to continuing with this series and following Victoria's adventures.
June 23, 2011
I suppose if I read the series, I might get more out of this.
It isn't a bad short story, but it doesn't offer anything new. All the standard tropes are there.
1. possible love triangle
2. heroine desired by every male
3. heroine only girl who can kick ass
There are parts of the story I liked, in particular, the ones involing Victoria's mother. But I can't say I desire to pick up the other in the series. I'm not sorry I read it, though. It was diverting. It was free, so I'm not complaining.
It isn't a bad short story, but it doesn't offer anything new. All the standard tropes are there.
1. possible love triangle
2. heroine desired by every male
3. heroine only girl who can kick ass
There are parts of the story I liked, in particular, the ones involing Victoria's mother. But I can't say I desire to pick up the other in the series. I'm not sorry I read it, though. It was diverting. It was free, so I'm not complaining.
June 30, 2011
It's been a long while since I read the Gardella Vampire Chronicles books and it felt very good, going back to this world and reading about loved characters once more.
The story is short and only gives us another glimpse into Victoria's life, but it made me nostalgic and I may have to read the books again after this.
Hmm, then again, maybe I'll start her new series and read The Vampire Voss instead...
The story is short and only gives us another glimpse into Victoria's life, but it made me nostalgic and I may have to read the books again after this.
Hmm, then again, maybe I'll start her new series and read The Vampire Voss instead...
Read
September 19, 2012http://www.amazon.it/Victoria-Gardell...
Il prequel della saga dei Gardella ambientato nella Londra del 1819-1820 in un'atmosfera a metà tra urban fantasy e romanzo gotico... quindi molto "ottocentesco" non solo come ambientazione, ma anche come stile di scrittura... almeno questa è la mia impressione anche se leggendo e traducendo in contemporanea potrebbe anche essere solo una mia sensazione, dovuta al tipo di personaggi e di ambientazione...
Il prequel della saga dei Gardella ambientato nella Londra del 1819-1820 in un'atmosfera a metà tra urban fantasy e romanzo gotico... quindi molto "ottocentesco" non solo come ambientazione, ma anche come stile di scrittura... almeno questa è la mia impressione anche se leggendo e traducendo in contemporanea potrebbe anche essere solo una mia sensazione, dovuta al tipo di personaggi e di ambientazione...
April 21, 2012
Well that was disappointing. At only 27% into the "book" the story was over and the rest was just "sneak peeks" at other books. And it's neither a prequel nor a story falling between two books. It's a "previously unrelated incident" from the series. In other words, a scene that was cut from the middle of book one. But it was free and at least I didn't waste too much time reading it as it was so very short.
December 12, 2013
This was the first I've read in the series and I am not so sure about it. I realize it was a half step, and maybe if I'd read the first book I would have liked this better. There really wasn't much plot going on in this snippet. There seemed to be a lot of introductions to future plot points but I missed a climax to this story.
March 12, 2012
When I downloaded it to my kindle, I didn't realize it was a short story. I was irked because there were several bits and pieces of other books, and I felt like it was a big commercial. Now that I have learned that it is a short story, I'm going to give it a try with the first volume of the series.
June 22, 2013
This is a cute little bit about Victoria Gardella at a Masquerade Ball. Its time frame is about the 5 or 6 chapter of the 1st book: 'The Rest Fall Away'.
Victoria is hunting vampires which is complicated by having to keep Phillip out of the way. Of course Max is there to keep an eye on her and is as sarcastic as ever.
Victoria is hunting vampires which is complicated by having to keep Phillip out of the way. Of course Max is there to keep an eye on her and is as sarcastic as ever.
January 9, 2011
If you haven't read the Gardella Vampire's series then this is a perfect introduction to what the 5 books hold. Non Stop action and romance you'll feel like your part of!
If you have read the series, then this is just reminder of how amazing the books were and worth the short read!
If you have read the series, then this is just reminder of how amazing the books were and worth the short read!
October 16, 2010
It reads more like a deleted scene from the first book in the Chronicles than a real short story. One scene, one occasion, all the characters drop by for an obligatory face time, showing their trademark personality. Not one new thing is added to the story as a whole.
April 16, 2012
I am giving this a 3 star rating only because it was lot shorter then I thought it would be, even for a short story. For me it was something that could have went in the book and you didn't miss out on much without it in there. Just a fast glimpse into one of her nights at a ball.
July 9, 2015
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
I enjoyed the characters, and their world and hope I get the chance to read the story again and/or to read more within the series.
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
I enjoyed the characters, and their world and hope I get the chance to read the story again and/or to read more within the series.
October 11, 2010
2.5 stars
I think this was just an outtake from the first book. Nothing that great.
I think this was just an outtake from the first book. Nothing that great.
Want to read
June 18, 2011Free from Amazon.com for those who have Kindle, or Kindle for the PC.
Want to read
August 7, 2011Free Kindle Bk on 6/18/11.
June 21, 2011
This was a really short, short story. It was interesting, and definitely left me wanting to read more!
July 4, 2013
Amazon/Kindle freebie @ 6/23/11
June 25, 2011
Nice little introduction to Victoria Gardella. I am anxious to read the first book as a result!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews