From Publishers Weekly
A promising, enthusiastic beginning to a new paranormal historical series, Gleason's major label debut follows the adventures of a conflicted young vampire hunter in Regency England. Victoria Gardella is a young upper-class lady on the verge of her debut; however, just before her society introduction, she learns that she is the last in a long line of vampire hunters—Venators—and must soon choose whether to embrace her destiny. Her decision is complicated by a reunion with her preadolescent love, Phillip, now marquess of Rockley; her desire for romance doesn't mesh well with her new training schedule, much less with her moonlight patrol duties. Matters are made more difficult by the arrival of the queen of the vampires, Lilith, who seeks a mystical tome that will put a demonic army at her disposal. Though it might seem familiar to fans of Teresa Medeiros's Regency vamp series, Gleason quickly establishes an alluring world all her own. Her Buffyesque lead (Gleason has acknowledged the inspiration) is similarly afflicted, but the change of setting makes an intriguing, witty and addictive twist. (Jan.)
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Bookring order under construction

Cherie
MaplesFlowers, TN, USA
Shawnna, TN, USA
NeedSun, ON, Canada
cathepsut, Egypt
CandyDarling, Finland

RELEASE NOTES:

to CheriePie, the beginning of a bookring!

This arrived today along with another RABCK from Aileen. Thank you sweetie!! :) I shall start on this shortly. It looks quite interesting...

Going in, I wasn't quite sure how I'd feel about the concept of vampires as completely evil creatures, without any redeeming qualities or social values. During the time this story takes place, in 19th century England, vampires are vicious creatures, killing their victims when feeding from them. This concept is unlike the contemporary vampire we read about today in so many other paranormals: able to live undetected among society, feed willingly from their victims by just taking small quantities of blood, and without killing. I guess you could say I've developed quite a liking for the little fellas ;-) so having to look at them in a negative light felt a little off to me at first. That said, I came to look at it as more of an evolution, and was convinced by the end of the story that the vampires of today have adapted their survival skills to be better able to escape the wrath of the vampire hunter!

So once over that, I totally loved the story. The time period and characters were very well drawn so I felt as if I were transported back in time. The life of a debutante, full of balls and all that frou-frou, would normally bore me to tears, but here, the author seems to use it more as a contrast to Victoria's secret life as a vampire hunter. Running around to balls and teas, while sneaking around hunting vampires after midnight—assuming they were polite enough to wait until then to be hunted. :-D Othertimes, they were rude enough to appear at various social functions and balls, attempting to mingle with society, until Victoria or Max would have to dash out after the "blood sucking creature" to bring them to justice before they took the life of their intended victim out on the patio or in the gardens away from other guests. You just never knew where they'd turn up next!

I also enjoyed how the author continued to surprise me throughout the story: hardly anything that happened was ever expected! Particularly the ending! I'm anxiously looking forward to the next book in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Rises the Night, due out in June 2007.


I'm waiting to hear back from Aileen on whom this should go to next, since I'd already contacted MaplesFlowers about it before I noticed NeedSun was inserted.

UPDATE 20-FEB-2007: Mailed to MaplesFlowers on 2/20/07 via Media Mail.

What a surprise I received upon opening the envelope! I had totally forgotten about this book. It does look very enticing, but I do have a book or 2 in front of it, so I will read like mad and try to get to it asap. Thanks for sending it on, Cherie, and thanks to Aileen for sharing it! :o)

I really enjoyed this book! It reminded me of the regency romances that I used to read years ago, but obviously with a paranormal twist. I can't wait to read the sequel. I'll be sending this on to Shawnna next. Thanks again for sharing it!

This arrived today. Not too sure what is happening with Shawnna now that she is feeling better. Rowenne, will you be updating the bookring order?

Thanks very much for sending this book to me and for including me in the ring.

This was a very interesting book with a different slant on vampires. I would have rated it higher but there was one disconnect that bothered me throughout the book. If someone who has read it can enlighten me, I would much appreciate it.

Victoria was the chosen because she was the direct descendant from the first Gardella. If the chosen has to be a direct descendant, why was Victoria discouraged from marrying and having children. If the chosen never have children, there won't be any more direct descendants. I suppose it could be a huge family tree, it just seemed really strange to me.

I have already PM Cathepsut for her address. Once I get it, I'll send the book on. I did notice that Shawnna hasn't received it yet. Rowenne, please PM me if you decide she should be next.

Thanks again for sharing this book with me. I definitely enjoyed it.

Edit April 30: sent by air today to Cathepsut
Edit Sept 9: Lost in the mail and replaced by Cathesput.