The Rest Falls Away (The Gardella Vampire Hunters, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jan 05, 2011 Katyana rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ass-kicking-women, fantasy, historical, vampires

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was a fun intro to the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the 1800s.

By itself, I would say the book was moderately entertaining. I like the world it is building, and thought this was a good introduction to the characters. Victoria, our heroine, was admittedly a bit TSTL in the beginning (not totally, but definitely a little) - charging into a big confrontation alone because, hey, you're a badass baby vamp slayer who has been in training for A WHOLE MONTH is maybe not the best plan. This book was a fun intro to the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the 1800s.

By itself, I would say the book was moderately entertaining. I like the world it is building, and thought this was a good introduction to the characters. Victoria, our heroine, was admittedly a bit TSTL in the beginning (not totally, but definitely a little) - charging into a big confrontation alone because, hey, you're a badass baby vamp slayer who has been in training for A WHOLE MONTH is maybe not the best plan. But I like that she took her duty seriously, and I like that she was constantly struggling to find a balance between her life and her duty.

I think she did a lot wrong, though. I found the Rockley arc (particularly the ending) to be a bit off-putting. I don't understand why she wouldn't just tell him the truth right from the outset, when he was telling her he wanted to know. She insisted she couldn't tell him, but promised to find a balance that included him, he agreed, they married. Now, firstly... the book had already established the magical memory-erasing medallion. So, tell him. Tell him his choice is to accept it and accept her, or refuse to accept it and have his memory wiped. Hello? How is that not an obvious solution? And if Victoria was too wrapped up to see that, someone else should have pointed it out to her. Eustacia admitted she knew all along that Victoria would have to tell Rockley. Give the guy the opportunity to step up, or step out. If you don't, you are just dooming him to be a victim.

And that's not to say I was in love with Rockley, but he was a sweet guy, and didn't deserve to end up like he did. Moreover, I am already rolling my eyes in frustration over all the emo drama this is sure to cause Victoria in the aftermath (in later books).

Max is... really irritating. He was frankly a giant asshole throughout this book. I get that he's got Past Drama that has left scars. But that's just not an excuse to me. He was an absolute asshole the entire time. And as I said in one of the status update comments: he can be protective without being belittling. I get that he has a Thing for her, and is behaving like a toddler about it ("if he pulls your hair, it means he likes you!"), but seriously, grow the fuck up already.

Sebastian is pretty yummy, but I don't trust him at all. I find it pretty fishy that he led Victoria right into some of her closest scrapes. I need to know that he wasn't setting her up before I really take an interest.

That said, I hit up the lovely Amazon for the rest of the series, and plan to continue on. I like the world, and am looking forward to seeing where it goes. ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 20, 2009 Steph rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: year-read-2010, author-웃, series-i-love, series-ended, series-book1

The Rest Falls Away lays the foundation for the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. We meet Miss Victoria Anastasia Gardella Bellissima Grantworth, coming out to London society. At the same time she learns from her great-aunt that she is a vampire hunter. Not just any vampire hunter, but one destined to have great powers and be the leader one day for she is the only other female of the Gardella line to accept the responsibility of Venator, vampire hunter.

While trying to appease her mother's wishes ...more

Like · see review

Jun 22, 2010 Angi rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a lot different then what I have been reading lately. I enjoyed the fact it was based in the early nineteenth century and the twist at the end..... very interesting. I look forward to the next one.

Like · see review

Sep 30, 2010 Crissa rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2011

It's been a while since I've read a historical series, so it took me a few chapters to get into this book. However, once I got my feet wet, I was thoroughly addicted! I've already started book two and I am excited that this series is complete so no crazy cliff hangers!! If you like action, vampires, hot, hot men and a little bit of romance...this book is for you! ...more

Like · see review