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The Gardella Vampire Hunters #6
Roaring Midnight
From NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason, the long-awaited spin-off of the international bestselling Gardella Vampire Chronicles. Amid the glitzy age of Jazz, when gangsters and bootleggers control the cities, there lies another, more insidious threat....the undead. The Undead. Macey Gardella is a typical young woman of the Roaring she works a job, has her own flat, and loves to dance the Charleston. But when a mysterious man named Sebastian Vioget informs her she belongs to a family of vampire hunters, Macey is stunned and disbelieving. Yet, strange and frightening things begin to happen, and when Macey comes face-to-face with one of the fanged creatures, she has no choice but to believe Sebastian. And when she learns his own soul depends on her willingness to carry forth the family legacy and hunt the undead, Macey capitulates and joins the fight. As she begins to learn about her new life, Macey meets the handsome newspaper reporter known as Grady--who seems to know more about vampires than he should. When he begins to ask too many questions, she has to juggle her strong attraction to him with the need for secrecy. Slipping into speakeasies and sampling bootlegged whiskeys, dodging gangster gunfire and trying to keep her nosy landlady from finding the stakes in her flat, Macey Gardella must navigate through a world of stunning violence, passionate romance, and dark betrayal... PRAISE FOR THE GARDELLA VAMPIRE "Sophisticated, sexy, surprising!" --JR Ward "Gleason is really on a roll." -- Publishers Weekly "Deliciously dark and delightfully entertaining." --Chicago Tribune "[Victoria Gardella] stakes the undead with the best of them." -- The Detroit Free Press "The sophistication and intelligence of [Gleason's] storytelling are evident on each page of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles." --Romantic Times BookClub "An intelligent new spin on the vampire genre." --All About Romance
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2013
66 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
107 books1,683 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 86 reviews
January 13, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really enjoyed this book! A few years ago, I read the first five books in The Gardella Vampire Hunters series and loved them. As soon as I discovered that there was a spin-off series set during the Jazz Age, I made a mental note to circle back and read those books just as soon as I had the opportunity. Since I have a bit of flexibility in my reading schedule and a trial membership to Kindle Unlimited, it seemed that this would be the perfect time to get started reading these books.
Macey is the many times great granddaughter of Victoria from the initial 5 books and knows little about her family. She lives a simple life of working as a librarian during the day, renting her own room, and occasionally going out with friends in the evening. She comes across a book about venators (vampire hunters) and soon a whole new world opens up to her. She soon needs to make a decision about whether she wants to continue with life as she knew it before or if she wants to join the ranks of those fighting evil.
I liked Macey right away, probably not as much as Victoria, but that’s okay. This book was exciting and there was enough action to keep me glued to the pages. I felt bad for Macey because the situation that she found herself in was not of her making. The book did have the beginning of what I suspect will develop into a full fledged love triangle but I could be wrong. The 20’s Chicago setting was well done and I love the fact that Al Capone himself played a role in the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. You could probably start with this book since it is the first in the spin off series but I would recommend starting with the first book in the original series, The Rest Falls Away, if at all possible. Trust me, they are great and you don’t want to miss them! I cannot wait to read more of this exciting series!
Initial Thoughts
Oh, this was fun! I really enjoyed the first 5 books in this series and have wanted to read this spin off series for several years. I liked the 20's setting and enjoyed getting to know this new cast of characters, along with one more familiar one. There was plenty of action and some twists that kept me glued to the pages. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Book Source: Kindle Unlimited
I really enjoyed this book! A few years ago, I read the first five books in The Gardella Vampire Hunters series and loved them. As soon as I discovered that there was a spin-off series set during the Jazz Age, I made a mental note to circle back and read those books just as soon as I had the opportunity. Since I have a bit of flexibility in my reading schedule and a trial membership to Kindle Unlimited, it seemed that this would be the perfect time to get started reading these books.
Macey is the many times great granddaughter of Victoria from the initial 5 books and knows little about her family. She lives a simple life of working as a librarian during the day, renting her own room, and occasionally going out with friends in the evening. She comes across a book about venators (vampire hunters) and soon a whole new world opens up to her. She soon needs to make a decision about whether she wants to continue with life as she knew it before or if she wants to join the ranks of those fighting evil.
I liked Macey right away, probably not as much as Victoria, but that’s okay. This book was exciting and there was enough action to keep me glued to the pages. I felt bad for Macey because the situation that she found herself in was not of her making. The book did have the beginning of what I suspect will develop into a full fledged love triangle but I could be wrong. The 20’s Chicago setting was well done and I love the fact that Al Capone himself played a role in the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. You could probably start with this book since it is the first in the spin off series but I would recommend starting with the first book in the original series, The Rest Falls Away, if at all possible. Trust me, they are great and you don’t want to miss them! I cannot wait to read more of this exciting series!
Initial Thoughts
Oh, this was fun! I really enjoyed the first 5 books in this series and have wanted to read this spin off series for several years. I liked the 20's setting and enjoyed getting to know this new cast of characters, along with one more familiar one. There was plenty of action and some twists that kept me glued to the pages. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Book Source: Kindle Unlimited
August 19, 2013
DNF at 75%
I hate DNFing a book, but I've been trying to read this book for a month and I can never seem to find the interest to continue, so it's time to just give it up, really. It's not even so bad as to be entertainingly so. The book was just...meh.
Apparently, this is part of a series. I didn't read the previous one, but the premise of a 1920s swinger/Jazz era vampire story was interesting. I did not get lost, despite not knowing the background. I picked up bits and pieces of the vampiric family/plot throughout the way, and I don't think reading the previous books is a prerequisite to starting this one. Ultimately, this book just was neither enjoyable enough nor attractive enough for me to want to finish or continue the series.
The setting is interesting; it's 1920s Chicago, we've got flappers, we've got speakeasies, we've got your knowing and overly suspicious douchebag (to me) of a reporter, Grady. He's kind of a overbearing asshole, and the kind of guy who's far too smooth and glib talker for me to trust, but Macey falls into insta-love with him anyway, and trusts him far too much for my liking.
The world of the 1920s is well-portrayed. I love the little details, the clothing, the people, the places. The environment is particularly well-described.
I don't dislike the main character. Macey is ok...she's got some smarts, despite being a small-town girl in a big city. She's a librarian, she's not too well-educated, but this is the 20s, after all, and I forgive her for her lack of book smarts. Macey is just a forgettable character. I can't really tell you what her personality is like because it feels like there is none.
The book is too plot-driven, and not character-driven. There's no development of strengths, of weaknesses, it's ok if you want a book that doesn't require you to think. There are far better urban fantasies out there.
The book is about Macey's discovery that she's a vampire hunter. I DNFed at 75%, and I don't care enough to to flip a few pages to find out what happens at the end.
I hate DNFing a book, but I've been trying to read this book for a month and I can never seem to find the interest to continue, so it's time to just give it up, really. It's not even so bad as to be entertainingly so. The book was just...meh.
Apparently, this is part of a series. I didn't read the previous one, but the premise of a 1920s swinger/Jazz era vampire story was interesting. I did not get lost, despite not knowing the background. I picked up bits and pieces of the vampiric family/plot throughout the way, and I don't think reading the previous books is a prerequisite to starting this one. Ultimately, this book just was neither enjoyable enough nor attractive enough for me to want to finish or continue the series.
The setting is interesting; it's 1920s Chicago, we've got flappers, we've got speakeasies, we've got your knowing and overly suspicious douchebag (to me) of a reporter, Grady. He's kind of a overbearing asshole, and the kind of guy who's far too smooth and glib talker for me to trust, but Macey falls into insta-love with him anyway, and trusts him far too much for my liking.
The world of the 1920s is well-portrayed. I love the little details, the clothing, the people, the places. The environment is particularly well-described.
I don't dislike the main character. Macey is ok...she's got some smarts, despite being a small-town girl in a big city. She's a librarian, she's not too well-educated, but this is the 20s, after all, and I forgive her for her lack of book smarts. Macey is just a forgettable character. I can't really tell you what her personality is like because it feels like there is none.
The book is too plot-driven, and not character-driven. There's no development of strengths, of weaknesses, it's ok if you want a book that doesn't require you to think. There are far better urban fantasies out there.
The book is about Macey's discovery that she's a vampire hunter. I DNFed at 75%, and I don't care enough to to flip a few pages to find out what happens at the end.
August 13, 2017
What ... wait ... HOW DID I NOT KNOW THERE WAS A NEW GARDELLA BOOK COMING OUT?!?
August 1, 2016
Unfortunately Macey's trilogy is significantly weaker than Victoria Gardella books. Too many issues with pacing, writing, plot with predictable revelations and MC doing silly mistakes. Even romantic storyline didn't work for me. I did not hate it but ultimately didn't really enjoy it either. Can't recommend.
July 8, 2013
3.5 stars - Spoilers
This wasn't as enjoyable as The Gardella Vampire Chronicles, but it was still a pretty good spin off. I'm hoping that the sequels will be more on par to the original series but I think it'll be difficult to match up to the great heroine, action and romance in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles.
-The plot was fairly engrossing, though it was quite slow paced to begin with. I did enjoy the 1920s setting with all the gangsters, speakeasies, flapper dresses and bent coppers.
-Macey was likeable enough, she wasn't as great as Victoria but hopefully she'll grow on me more in the sequels. One thing I really disliked was how long it took for Macey to 1. Find out the truth about her vampire slaying legacy and 2. Embrace her Gardella heritage and train to fight vampires. Her indecision, disbelief and fear was understandable but I just wanted to skip past all her hesitation and uncertainty to Macey kicking arse.
I was annoyed at Macey's naiveness, and how she let Grady, Sebastian and Chas manipulate and control her. Victoria never let anyone push her around - I guess that made sense since Victoria wasn't on her own, she had her mum, her great aunt and her great aunt's fella for support and TLC. Macey had no-one but potential love interests. Even Macey's BFF turned into an evul cow. I think I'd like Macey more if she had the confidence that came with having unconditional support from someone that wasn't a potential love interest. Also, Macey wasn't as humorous a narrater as Victoria.
-I wasn't impressed with any of the love interests. I didn't think any of them were good enough for Macey. One thing I loved was Macey having sex - I'm sick of heroines who only end up having sex with their HEA, its lame and cheesy. Anyway, the love interest I most liked was probably Grady. Although I hope Macey doesn't end up with him — he's a good first love but I think she needs someone more badarse for her HEA.
I did find Grady annoying at times — the way he interfered in Macey's business pissed me off. He had no right breaking into her flat and demanding answers. What's with all these love interests not respecting boundaries?
-I wasn't fond of the second love interest, Chas. I was really put off with him having sex with a vampire and then killing her straight after getting off — all so he could soothe his craving for vampire bites. I think he needs a lot of work before I start to like him. I have a feeling Chas will be Macey's HEA but I'm not too keen on that unless Chas changes dramatically.
Also, the fact that he fell madly in love with a vampire makes me think that whatever he'll share with Macey will be tame in comparison. I mean, he's a vampire hunter so him falling for a vampire is epic and shows how crazy in love he was to fall for his enemy… Whereas Chas falling for a fellow vampire hunter doesn't scream epic, it seems mild in comparison… And almost as if Macey would be second best because he couldn't have his great vampire love.
Chas really needs a lot of work because he's anywhere near worthy of Macey.
-The third potential love interest was the worst. I never liked Sebastian in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles and my opinion hasn't changed. He was still as slimy as before. It was cringey him lusting after the love of his life's great-great niece and the other love of his life's great-great granddaughter. I really hope he doesn't end up with Macey - the only reason he'd be with her was because she looked like a combination of Victoria and Guilea.
I do want Sebastian to get a HEA in which he dies and is reunited with Guilea, the love of his life.
-I despised Macey's best friend, Flora. What a selfish, horrible cow. She knew Macey most of her life, they were great friends and Macey did nothing but help and support her. And how does the cow repay her? She becomes a vampire and sells out Macey to her sire. There was NOTHING that Macey did to warrant that betrayal. I'm hoping that Flora actually redeems herself somehow, if she doesn't then I hope she dies a horrible death.
-I groaned at the numerous mentions of Al Capone, and how Macey and co had to watch out for him teaming up with vampires and thus making things more dangerous - I thought it was going to turn out cheesy and lame. However, I was pleasantly surprised that he turned out to be a Gardella too, and wanted to have Macey on his side. I'd really like him, his gangster men, Macey and Chas to team up to take on the vampire fuckers — all without Al losing his arsehole ways. That would be awesome.
All in all, it was enjoyable… There were places it dragged, and Macey wasn't quite as awesome a heroine as Victoria but hopefully she'll be more funny, more kickarse and less blushy and wide eyed in the next one.
This wasn't as enjoyable as The Gardella Vampire Chronicles, but it was still a pretty good spin off. I'm hoping that the sequels will be more on par to the original series but I think it'll be difficult to match up to the great heroine, action and romance in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles.
-The plot was fairly engrossing, though it was quite slow paced to begin with. I did enjoy the 1920s setting with all the gangsters, speakeasies, flapper dresses and bent coppers.
-Macey was likeable enough, she wasn't as great as Victoria but hopefully she'll grow on me more in the sequels. One thing I really disliked was how long it took for Macey to 1. Find out the truth about her vampire slaying legacy and 2. Embrace her Gardella heritage and train to fight vampires. Her indecision, disbelief and fear was understandable but I just wanted to skip past all her hesitation and uncertainty to Macey kicking arse.
I was annoyed at Macey's naiveness, and how she let Grady, Sebastian and Chas manipulate and control her. Victoria never let anyone push her around - I guess that made sense since Victoria wasn't on her own, she had her mum, her great aunt and her great aunt's fella for support and TLC. Macey had no-one but potential love interests. Even Macey's BFF turned into an evul cow. I think I'd like Macey more if she had the confidence that came with having unconditional support from someone that wasn't a potential love interest. Also, Macey wasn't as humorous a narrater as Victoria.
-I wasn't impressed with any of the love interests. I didn't think any of them were good enough for Macey. One thing I loved was Macey having sex - I'm sick of heroines who only end up having sex with their HEA, its lame and cheesy. Anyway, the love interest I most liked was probably Grady. Although I hope Macey doesn't end up with him — he's a good first love but I think she needs someone more badarse for her HEA.
I did find Grady annoying at times — the way he interfered in Macey's business pissed me off. He had no right breaking into her flat and demanding answers. What's with all these love interests not respecting boundaries?
-I wasn't fond of the second love interest, Chas. I was really put off with him having sex with a vampire and then killing her straight after getting off — all so he could soothe his craving for vampire bites. I think he needs a lot of work before I start to like him. I have a feeling Chas will be Macey's HEA but I'm not too keen on that unless Chas changes dramatically.
Also, the fact that he fell madly in love with a vampire makes me think that whatever he'll share with Macey will be tame in comparison. I mean, he's a vampire hunter so him falling for a vampire is epic and shows how crazy in love he was to fall for his enemy… Whereas Chas falling for a fellow vampire hunter doesn't scream epic, it seems mild in comparison… And almost as if Macey would be second best because he couldn't have his great vampire love.
Chas really needs a lot of work because he's anywhere near worthy of Macey.
-The third potential love interest was the worst. I never liked Sebastian in The Gardella Vampire Chronicles and my opinion hasn't changed. He was still as slimy as before. It was cringey him lusting after the love of his life's great-great niece and the other love of his life's great-great granddaughter. I really hope he doesn't end up with Macey - the only reason he'd be with her was because she looked like a combination of Victoria and Guilea.
I do want Sebastian to get a HEA in which he dies and is reunited with Guilea, the love of his life.
-I despised Macey's best friend, Flora. What a selfish, horrible cow. She knew Macey most of her life, they were great friends and Macey did nothing but help and support her. And how does the cow repay her? She becomes a vampire and sells out Macey to her sire. There was NOTHING that Macey did to warrant that betrayal. I'm hoping that Flora actually redeems herself somehow, if she doesn't then I hope she dies a horrible death.
-I groaned at the numerous mentions of Al Capone, and how Macey and co had to watch out for him teaming up with vampires and thus making things more dangerous - I thought it was going to turn out cheesy and lame. However, I was pleasantly surprised that he turned out to be a Gardella too, and wanted to have Macey on his side. I'd really like him, his gangster men, Macey and Chas to team up to take on the vampire fuckers — all without Al losing his arsehole ways. That would be awesome.
All in all, it was enjoyable… There were places it dragged, and Macey wasn't quite as awesome a heroine as Victoria but hopefully she'll be more funny, more kickarse and less blushy and wide eyed in the next one.
August 3, 2016
Still awesome
This series is still amazing, and I am enjoying it quite a lot. I am very glad that there are still a few books left to read. I am off to start the next one now.
This series is still amazing, and I am enjoying it quite a lot. I am very glad that there are still a few books left to read. I am off to start the next one now.
March 16, 2018
(Rabid Reads)The original five book series, The Gardella Vampire hunters, were all five star reads for me. I couldn’t put them down once started and I literally flew through the whole series. The author continued the series a hundred years in the future and set it in the Roaring Twenties-hence the name Roaring Midnight. The main character of this one is of the Gardella linage and is the several greats granddaughter of Victoria, the strongest and most accomplished Venator (vampire hunter) of her time-and the heroine of the first five books. For some unknown reason, this book sat in my tbr for almost two years. Big mistake on my part!
Macey Denton is a typical young woman of her time. She works at a library, lives in a small apartment-complete with nosy landlady-and dresses as a flapper when she goes out dancing with her friends. She finds a book on the Gardella vampire hunters in her stack of file backs at the library and instead of trying to file the ancient tome, she takes it home to read it. Good thing too since she comes face to face with a vampire in her apartment. Let’s just say, she was up for the task. Turns out the other venators of the area(Chicago)are just waiting for her to become one of them officially.
I really liked Macey as a character. Yes, she was typical, but that’s why she was interesting to me. A young woman with zero knowledge of her family and it’s legacy gets thrown into an underground world that other human’s have very little knowledge of, if at all. She has to learn everything from the ground up. And she’s not always smart about some of her actions. She learns the hard way that she is no longer safe at night and neither are people that are close to her. She meets Grady, a savvy newspaper reporter, and one that knows about the vampires. I did like Grady, but there’s also a couple of fellow venators that take an interest in Macey as well. Sebastian, from the first five books, is in Chicago now and is just as charming as ever-only now he is a vampire. And a venator? Yes, and there’s a story there. Chas is a venator with a deep secret vice. He also speculates about being “with” Macey. As for Macey? She pretty much falls for Grady knowing it would never work due to her calling as a vampire hunter. Or can it? That’s for a future book, maybe? A surprise character, Al Capone was a pretty fascinating character as well. Evil, too.
Gleason’s world building is spot on-as always. I immersed myself in this story and I could just picture the twenties right down to the clothes, the colloquialisms of the time, the speakeasies, the gangsters, the cars, all of it. It was impressive how much research the author had to have done to get it this perfect.
The story was full of action, especially the whole last part of the book which was pretty much non-stop action. There’s also romance, deaths, injuries, gangsters, and plenty of evil vampires to kill. This book seemed shorter than the other books, but maybe that’s because I would have loved to have had a longer story. But, I will take a book in this well imagined world any way I can get it. Highly recommended to adult urban fantasy or paranormal romance fans.
FYI-It’s not necessary to read the first five books, but I was glad I had or I might have been a little lost. But that’s probably just me.
Macey Denton is a typical young woman of her time. She works at a library, lives in a small apartment-complete with nosy landlady-and dresses as a flapper when she goes out dancing with her friends. She finds a book on the Gardella vampire hunters in her stack of file backs at the library and instead of trying to file the ancient tome, she takes it home to read it. Good thing too since she comes face to face with a vampire in her apartment. Let’s just say, she was up for the task. Turns out the other venators of the area(Chicago)are just waiting for her to become one of them officially.
I really liked Macey as a character. Yes, she was typical, but that’s why she was interesting to me. A young woman with zero knowledge of her family and it’s legacy gets thrown into an underground world that other human’s have very little knowledge of, if at all. She has to learn everything from the ground up. And she’s not always smart about some of her actions. She learns the hard way that she is no longer safe at night and neither are people that are close to her. She meets Grady, a savvy newspaper reporter, and one that knows about the vampires. I did like Grady, but there’s also a couple of fellow venators that take an interest in Macey as well. Sebastian, from the first five books, is in Chicago now and is just as charming as ever-only now he is a vampire. And a venator? Yes, and there’s a story there. Chas is a venator with a deep secret vice. He also speculates about being “with” Macey. As for Macey? She pretty much falls for Grady knowing it would never work due to her calling as a vampire hunter. Or can it? That’s for a future book, maybe? A surprise character, Al Capone was a pretty fascinating character as well. Evil, too.
Gleason’s world building is spot on-as always. I immersed myself in this story and I could just picture the twenties right down to the clothes, the colloquialisms of the time, the speakeasies, the gangsters, the cars, all of it. It was impressive how much research the author had to have done to get it this perfect.
The story was full of action, especially the whole last part of the book which was pretty much non-stop action. There’s also romance, deaths, injuries, gangsters, and plenty of evil vampires to kill. This book seemed shorter than the other books, but maybe that’s because I would have loved to have had a longer story. But, I will take a book in this well imagined world any way I can get it. Highly recommended to adult urban fantasy or paranormal romance fans.
FYI-It’s not necessary to read the first five books, but I was glad I had or I might have been a little lost. But that’s probably just me.
June 9, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive and ARC of in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying that having this as book 6 might in fact be a little misguiding and put people off from reading it. Roaring Midnight is in fact the first in a new series of spin-off novels picking up over 100 years after where the original Gardella chronicles ended. I have no doubt that those new to Colleen Gleason’s work could quite easily pick this book up and learn with the main character the vampire rules that apply in these works.
That being said, I will confess that having devoured the original Gardella chronicles and the other vampire series (Regency Draculia) I was thrilled to see so many references (*sigh* Max) , (and a few characters *sigh* Sebastian) reappear. With the new series being set in the 1920′s, as opposed to the previous installments being set in the 19th Century, Colleen Gleason has a plethora of new problems to deal with, (for example where would YOU hide a stake in a flapper style dress?) and very real issues of that time including prohibition and the infamous Al Capone.
The story is well written and despite a few historical liberties being taken you find yourself immersed in a tale rich with passion, desires, and all the unexpected thrills and spills that come with you being a part of destiny. Yet again our heroine is torn in so many directions but with a double whammy of a bloodline (Gardella AND Pesaro) she shows time and again that she has a mind of her own but will that mind be able to keep her and her loved ones safe.
My only criticism is that the book ended way too soon… and even worse when you get to the end you find that the next book in the series , Roaring Shadows, is “coming soon”. Of course that is what comes with getting an ARC. that too is a blessing and a curse with the wait time between books being even longer.
A definite 5 star read for any vampire fans. Personally I would say go back and start with book 1 (The Rest Falls Away) but even if you don’t you will certainly enjoy the ride here.
V”"V
Let me start by saying that having this as book 6 might in fact be a little misguiding and put people off from reading it. Roaring Midnight is in fact the first in a new series of spin-off novels picking up over 100 years after where the original Gardella chronicles ended. I have no doubt that those new to Colleen Gleason’s work could quite easily pick this book up and learn with the main character the vampire rules that apply in these works.
That being said, I will confess that having devoured the original Gardella chronicles and the other vampire series (Regency Draculia) I was thrilled to see so many references (*sigh* Max) , (and a few characters *sigh* Sebastian) reappear. With the new series being set in the 1920′s, as opposed to the previous installments being set in the 19th Century, Colleen Gleason has a plethora of new problems to deal with, (for example where would YOU hide a stake in a flapper style dress?) and very real issues of that time including prohibition and the infamous Al Capone.
The story is well written and despite a few historical liberties being taken you find yourself immersed in a tale rich with passion, desires, and all the unexpected thrills and spills that come with you being a part of destiny. Yet again our heroine is torn in so many directions but with a double whammy of a bloodline (Gardella AND Pesaro) she shows time and again that she has a mind of her own but will that mind be able to keep her and her loved ones safe.
My only criticism is that the book ended way too soon… and even worse when you get to the end you find that the next book in the series , Roaring Shadows, is “coming soon”. Of course that is what comes with getting an ARC. that too is a blessing and a curse with the wait time between books being even longer.
A definite 5 star read for any vampire fans. Personally I would say go back and start with book 1 (The Rest Falls Away) but even if you don’t you will certainly enjoy the ride here.
V”"V
November 18, 2016
Tre stelle non completamente piene.
La storia è carina, ma la protagonista, Macey, non regge il confronto con la sua bis bisnonna e per le nostalgiche come me di Victoria la differenza diventa una mancanza nel libro.
E questo libro manca, manca di profondità, di sentimenti e di pathos... quello insomma che ha reso la precedente saga una delle mie preferite.
Anche i personaggi mancano di qualcosa, anche se Grady e Chas secondo me hanno molto da dire e dare... vedremo nei seguiti.
Come primo libro raggiunge la sufficienza, perché Colleen comunque sia sa scrivere e il romanzo fila liscio senza intoppi, nonostante la trama sia praticamente solo all'inizio.
La storia è carina, ma la protagonista, Macey, non regge il confronto con la sua bis bisnonna e per le nostalgiche come me di Victoria la differenza diventa una mancanza nel libro.
E questo libro manca, manca di profondità, di sentimenti e di pathos... quello insomma che ha reso la precedente saga una delle mie preferite.
Anche i personaggi mancano di qualcosa, anche se Grady e Chas secondo me hanno molto da dire e dare... vedremo nei seguiti.
Come primo libro raggiunge la sufficienza, perché Colleen comunque sia sa scrivere e il romanzo fila liscio senza intoppi, nonostante la trama sia praticamente solo all'inizio.
June 21, 2013
Review with Spoilers
I wanted to give more stars to Roaring Midnight, I really did but alas, for a first book in this new trilogy there were too many factors that grated on my nerves. The first offense was that in 232 pages, Sebastian appears in maybe 50 pages. Even though the book is mostly about Macey Gardella discovering her legacy, I thought that Sebastian would be more prominent in this series. Maybe he will play a bigger role in the next two books. I certainly hope so, because otherwise this spin-off will be a big failure.
Macey Gardella was not as likeable as Victoria was, not by far. Yes, she was stubborn and fierce, but she was also arrogant in a way that Victoria never was. Granted, she didn't have Aunt Eustacia there to counsel her, she was pretty much alone in the world, and she begrudged her father for abandoning her. But even after she became a Venator, she acted like a spoiled brat, completely selfish, and not too bright either. There were endless TSTL moments to count. Let's see how she fares in the next books.
Grady, the love interest in this first book. I don't get the attraction. Macey only knows him for a few days and she is ready not only to share all her secrets with this stranger, but she also ends up in his bed. It wasn't like Victoria and Phillip's romance, where she knew him since they were younger. I just hope that Colleen is following the same formula as before, and that Grady won't be the one for Macey in the end. I feel about Grady the same way I felt about Sebastian in Victoria's books. I couldn't stand him or how Victoria was so involved with him. I always knew that Victoria was meant for Max.
The other possible love interest is kind of laughable and calling him 'love interest' is a stretch. He is like a more damaged version of Max, but without the charm. Plus, so far he only showed lewd thoughts towards Macey.
I gotta say that Sebastian is much better now without the constant flirting and with the torture soul thing going for him. And I still don't know what Colleen has planned for his character. Is he going to die in the end and reunite with Giulia or Macey is his HEA? I do hope that is the later.
Other minor details also didn't sit well with me was like Gary pulling out a condom. A condom in the 20s? Yeah, right. Yes, they existed, but there was so much negativity about them during that time, like a guy wouldn't feel pleasure, that the situation felt unreal. It was written just so Macey wouldn't have to worry about a possible pregnancy. But the airhead didn't even think about that when she decided to trade in her V-card.
Last, but not least, what the hell was that with the Capone twist at the end? I'm not sure I liked that either. It was weird.
I know that I'm whining a lot in this review and one would wonder why I gave it 3 stars. Despite all the annoying factors that I mentioned, I liked the overall concept of the spin-off, I liked the setting, there is enough mystery to keep me going, and I'm invested in the world.
I wanted to give more stars to Roaring Midnight, I really did but alas, for a first book in this new trilogy there were too many factors that grated on my nerves. The first offense was that in 232 pages, Sebastian appears in maybe 50 pages. Even though the book is mostly about Macey Gardella discovering her legacy, I thought that Sebastian would be more prominent in this series. Maybe he will play a bigger role in the next two books. I certainly hope so, because otherwise this spin-off will be a big failure.
Macey Gardella was not as likeable as Victoria was, not by far. Yes, she was stubborn and fierce, but she was also arrogant in a way that Victoria never was. Granted, she didn't have Aunt Eustacia there to counsel her, she was pretty much alone in the world, and she begrudged her father for abandoning her. But even after she became a Venator, she acted like a spoiled brat, completely selfish, and not too bright either. There were endless TSTL moments to count. Let's see how she fares in the next books.
Grady, the love interest in this first book. I don't get the attraction. Macey only knows him for a few days and she is ready not only to share all her secrets with this stranger, but she also ends up in his bed. It wasn't like Victoria and Phillip's romance, where she knew him since they were younger. I just hope that Colleen is following the same formula as before, and that Grady won't be the one for Macey in the end. I feel about Grady the same way I felt about Sebastian in Victoria's books. I couldn't stand him or how Victoria was so involved with him. I always knew that Victoria was meant for Max.
The other possible love interest is kind of laughable and calling him 'love interest' is a stretch. He is like a more damaged version of Max, but without the charm. Plus, so far he only showed lewd thoughts towards Macey.
I gotta say that Sebastian is much better now without the constant flirting and with the torture soul thing going for him. And I still don't know what Colleen has planned for his character. Is he going to die in the end and reunite with Giulia or Macey is his HEA? I do hope that is the later.
Other minor details also didn't sit well with me was like Gary pulling out a condom. A condom in the 20s? Yeah, right. Yes, they existed, but there was so much negativity about them during that time, like a guy wouldn't feel pleasure, that the situation felt unreal. It was written just so Macey wouldn't have to worry about a possible pregnancy. But the airhead didn't even think about that when she decided to trade in her V-card.
Last, but not least, what the hell was that with the Capone twist at the end? I'm not sure I liked that either. It was weird.
I know that I'm whining a lot in this review and one would wonder why I gave it 3 stars. Despite all the annoying factors that I mentioned, I liked the overall concept of the spin-off, I liked the setting, there is enough mystery to keep me going, and I'm invested in the world.
June 18, 2013
This book was amazing!
I was expecting a lot of similarities to Victoria’s story (the first Gardella series) and was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the whole story was different. The only similarities are the amazing characters. Man, it is like you want to get to know them and be their friend.
The book begins with Sebastian (can we ask for more?) clarifying who the bad guys are and that the protagonist is in danger.
Just like in the first Gardella series, it begins with the dreams. And Macey does not know what to do with that. She has no family around, no aunt to guide her…
I liked very much that once she finds out about the world of vampires, she takes her time to think about it. She does not just take the easy way out, although she wants to. She analyses it. She is no fool. And even before accepting the legacy, that Macey Gardella kicks a$$! She is strong, independent and motivated. I liked her a lot.
Now, about the guy: he was hot. Macey’s and Grady’s chemistry is soooo cool!
Love scene was beautiful, sexy and detailed. But, even though, this character was good, I could not connect with him. Maybe because I know all other male characters from previous books and he is the “new guy in town”….
And, this was a surprise… Chas is there! How? Why? There is no explanation about that in this book (damn, when is the next one ready?). But let me tell you, I loved Vampire Narcise. That book was the best from that trilogy. And I was devastated about all that happened with Chas. Good to see he is here. And, hopefully, he can have a HEA this time. PLEASE!!! During the whole book, I wanted to save Chas. He does not show the greatest personality, he pushes people away, he is tormented and cold. He reminds me a bit of Pesaro. But could anyone top Max Pesaro? Hottest cold guy ever!
For the ones, who have read the first series, you will find a more mature, older and responsible Sebastian. He is still adorable, a bit playful and sexy-beyond-words but he also shows a more serious side, a side that has evolved after living as a vampire-Venator for one century. He suffers and I felt his pain.
There are other things that also will need explanation in the future, like this book about vampires which was written by G. S. He was a bad guy in the old series. I wonder why he wrote it. Also, I wonder if we are going to have a love triangle. In the first Gardella, the love triangle began in book 3, but it was easy to see it coming already in book 1. But now, I do not see any love triangle possibilities.
Great twist near the end. I didn’t see that one coming. What is Macey going to do now? How is she going to get out of that one? I am really looking forward the next book!!!!!!
I was expecting a lot of similarities to Victoria’s story (the first Gardella series) and was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the whole story was different. The only similarities are the amazing characters. Man, it is like you want to get to know them and be their friend.
The book begins with Sebastian (can we ask for more?) clarifying who the bad guys are and that the protagonist is in danger.
Just like in the first Gardella series, it begins with the dreams. And Macey does not know what to do with that. She has no family around, no aunt to guide her…
I liked very much that once she finds out about the world of vampires, she takes her time to think about it. She does not just take the easy way out, although she wants to. She analyses it. She is no fool. And even before accepting the legacy, that Macey Gardella kicks a$$! She is strong, independent and motivated. I liked her a lot.
Now, about the guy: he was hot. Macey’s and Grady’s chemistry is soooo cool!
Love scene was beautiful, sexy and detailed. But, even though, this character was good, I could not connect with him. Maybe because I know all other male characters from previous books and he is the “new guy in town”….
And, this was a surprise… Chas is there! How? Why? There is no explanation about that in this book (damn, when is the next one ready?). But let me tell you, I loved Vampire Narcise. That book was the best from that trilogy. And I was devastated about all that happened with Chas. Good to see he is here. And, hopefully, he can have a HEA this time. PLEASE!!! During the whole book, I wanted to save Chas. He does not show the greatest personality, he pushes people away, he is tormented and cold. He reminds me a bit of Pesaro. But could anyone top Max Pesaro? Hottest cold guy ever!
For the ones, who have read the first series, you will find a more mature, older and responsible Sebastian. He is still adorable, a bit playful and sexy-beyond-words but he also shows a more serious side, a side that has evolved after living as a vampire-Venator for one century. He suffers and I felt his pain.
There are other things that also will need explanation in the future, like this book about vampires which was written by G. S. He was a bad guy in the old series. I wonder why he wrote it. Also, I wonder if we are going to have a love triangle. In the first Gardella, the love triangle began in book 3, but it was easy to see it coming already in book 1. But now, I do not see any love triangle possibilities.
Great twist near the end. I didn’t see that one coming. What is Macey going to do now? How is she going to get out of that one? I am really looking forward the next book!!!!!!
August 16, 2015
Gleason does a fast forward to the roaring 20's for her new Gardella Chronicles spin off picking up the fight in prohibition era Chicago as Macy Denton, the great-great-great granddaughter of Victoria, has her eyes opened to the existence of vampires and receives her "Call" to become a Venator.
Gleason has written this story so that it isn't necessary to have read the five books of the previous series, but I like being in the 'know' and like getting a chance to see Sebastian Vioget again. As to the next generation of Gardellas, Macey is a likable, strong and independent woman of her time and shows promise in the leading lady department. I also really like her love interest the intrepid 'Newshawk' Grady (and his lovely Irish lilt.) Although, considering the body count of those around Macey, I have to hope that he finds a way to avoid Victoria's husband's fate. Also interesting, but not terribly likable yet, is fellow venator Chas, who apparently has played a role in Gleason's other vampire series (Vampire Dimitri/Voss/Narisse) and brings some baggage from those books along with him - though we've only gotten a glimpse of his 'issues' so far and not the reason behind them.
So once this got rolling I liked the characters, and the time period - and the surprising role of Al Capone in the action. The story did end a bit abruptly but I am definitely looking for more of the adventures of Macey.
Gleason has written this story so that it isn't necessary to have read the five books of the previous series, but I like being in the 'know' and like getting a chance to see Sebastian Vioget again. As to the next generation of Gardellas, Macey is a likable, strong and independent woman of her time and shows promise in the leading lady department. I also really like her love interest the intrepid 'Newshawk' Grady (and his lovely Irish lilt.) Although, considering the body count of those around Macey, I have to hope that he finds a way to avoid Victoria's husband's fate. Also interesting, but not terribly likable yet, is fellow venator Chas, who apparently has played a role in Gleason's other vampire series (Vampire Dimitri/Voss/Narisse) and brings some baggage from those books along with him - though we've only gotten a glimpse of his 'issues' so far and not the reason behind them.
So once this got rolling I liked the characters, and the time period - and the surprising role of Al Capone in the action. The story did end a bit abruptly but I am definitely looking for more of the adventures of Macey.
March 4, 2015
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first series: Victoria's with Max Pesero and Sebastian.
It just didn't grab me as much or seem as filled with details like the first one. We didn't read her training, or see as much of her life--or maybe she just didn't do as much as Victoria did, what with all her balls and meeting other ladies and the likes.
It's interesting reading a new series based around one I love but set 100 years later. I like that Sebastian's in it and maybe I'm just a crazy romantic but I'd love for him to get his HEA that he never got in the first series--maybe, possibly, with Macey??
I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
It just didn't grab me as much or seem as filled with details like the first one. We didn't read her training, or see as much of her life--or maybe she just didn't do as much as Victoria did, what with all her balls and meeting other ladies and the likes.
It's interesting reading a new series based around one I love but set 100 years later. I like that Sebastian's in it and maybe I'm just a crazy romantic but I'd love for him to get his HEA that he never got in the first series--maybe, possibly, with Macey??
I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
January 17, 2015
Leggi qui la recensione completa: http://coffeeandbooksgirl.blogspot.it...
Una vita terribilmente solitaria, quella del Cacciatore.
E' stato davvero magnifico immergermi negli Anni Venti, i Ruggenti Anni Venti, gli anni del Proibizionismo, del Jazz, del Charleston, gli anni dei gangster del calibro di Al Capone. Colleen Gleason, dopo la sua saga dedicata a Victoria Gardella, ambientata nella bellissima epoca Vittoriana, ci trasporta, adesso, avanti nel tempo, in una Chicago affascinante e, allo stesso tempo, molto pericolosa. Protagonista di questo spin-off è Macey Denton, pro-pronipote della più nota Victoria. Macey non sa di essere la discendente di una famosissima cacciatrice di vampiri. E' una ragazza sveglia, solare, che ama uscire con le amiche, ballare e divertirsi, flirtare con i ragazzi e lavorare nella biblioteca universitaria della città. La sua vita tranquilla, però, un bel giorno, viene completamente stravolta, quando fugge da un attacco di vampiri in un locale e se ne ritrova uno in casa che vuole ucciderla, ma sarà lei, alla fine, ad uccidere lui. Il suo primo vampiro. Dopo ciò che ha visto sarà costretta a credere alle parole di Sebastian, un misterioso personaggio che aveva tentato di convincerla che lei è speciale, che ha il potere di cambiare molte cose e il dovere di accettare la sua Chiamata, una Chiamata che la vuole Cacciatrice di Vampiri, nella lotta contro il male. Il male a Chicago è impersonato da due figure, Nicholas Iscariot e il conte Alvisi, arrivati entrambi in città probabilmente per le stesse ragioni: uccidere la discendente dei Gardella e impossessarsi degli anelli di Jubai di Sebastian. Ma Sebastian ha più di una ragione per invogliare Macey a credergli e ad accettare il suo destino. Pare che per più di un secolo lui non si sia nutrito di nessun essere umano, nella speranza di riuscire a salvare la sua anima (perché, come ricorderà chi ha letto la saga dei Gardella, lui si sacrificherà alla fine per amore di Victoria e della compianta Giulia alla quale vuole ricongiungersi). Solo Macey può aiutarlo. Ma la ragazza, spaventata e incredula, impiegherà più del dovuto a capacitarsi di ciò che le sta accadendo e, nel frattempo, intorno a lei si accumulano morti. Alla fine, non ci sarà che una sola scelta: accogliere la Chiamata, diventare ciò per cui è nata, ciò di cui la gente ha bisogno. Chicago non è per niente una città sicura, lotte tra gangster, contrabbando, retate, vampiri... per Macey inizia una bella sfida. Sarà in grado di portarla avanti?
Nonostante i molti difetti di questo romanzo, perché purtroppo ci sono - errori nella traduzione, poco approfondimento di alcuni dettagli, brevità complessiva del romanzo - devo dire che mi è piaciuto parecchio. L'atmosfera è totalmente ammaliante (credo proprio di non aver mai letto un romanzo che fosse ambientato in questo periodo storico) e le vicende dei Gardella hanno sempre un fascino incredibile. I vampiri della Gleason, le sue storie, hanno qualcosa che riesce a catturarmi fino in fondo e a tenermi incollata alle pagine. Ritroviamo il meraviglioso Sebastian Vioget, uno dei personaggi più amati della serie, che non ha completamente perso il suo charme, ma che purtroppo, in questo romanzo, compare ben poco. E poi Wayren, l'enigmatica donna senza età che ha rappresentato un ruolo importante nella saga dedicata a Victoria Gardella, ma anche per lei, qui, c'è soltanto una piccola comparsa. Ho molto apprezzato i due protagonisti principali del romanzo, Macey e Grady. Lei, giovane donna femminista e indipendente, che non riesce a resistere al fascino del proibito e che si caccerà spesso e volentieri nei guai, mi ha ricordato molto la lontana Victoria, per carattere e testardaggine. E anche in parte il mio amato Max Pesaro, di cui si fa cenno poche volte nel romanzo, ma che porto sempre nel cuore come uno dei personaggi più belli e interessanti che abbia mai letto. E poi c'è Grady, un affascinante reporter che perderà la testa per Macey e la seguirà nelle sue avventure. Chi sia lui e come faccia a sapere tanto sui vampiri non c'è dato saperlo, ma spero che potremo scoprirlo leggendo i volumi successivi. Intanto, posso solo dire che Macey e Grady sono una bellissima coppia, anche se non c'è paragone con la coppia Victoria/Max. Loro sono irraggiungibili e assolutamente perfetti. Il legame che si instaurerà tra Macey e Grady sarà un legame un po' particolare, un bisogno reciproco di affetto e tenerezza in mezzo a tanto marcio che li circonda. Una storia matura, fatta anche di desiderio, baci intensi e sguardi languidi. Una storia molto bella di cui non vedo l'ora di leggere l'evoluzione, soprattutto visto il modo in cui l'autrice ha concluso il romanzo (insomma, non si può, non si può!!).
E poi c'è Chas, Cacciatore di Vampiri. In un primo momento credevo si trattasse di un personaggio secondario, invece l'autrice gli dà notevole spazio, facendolo interagire anche spesso con la coppia principale. Non so se si tratti di un tentativo di dar vita ad un triangolo amoroso, leggendo il romanzo non si direbbe, ma potrei anche aspettarmelo dalla Gleason, considerando che il precedente triangolo di cui ha scritto (Victoria/Max/Sebastian) mi ha letteralmente fatto impazzire, nel senso che l'ho proprio adorato. Devo dire che anche in questo caso i tre personaggi insieme mi sono piaciuti. Chas è un uomo davvero misterioso, un personaggio che proviene da un'altra serie della Gleason (Regency Draculia), ma che io, purtroppo, non ho ancora letto. Mi è piaciuto molto per il suo sarcasmo, per la sua passionalità, per la sua forza e anche per il modo in cui tenta di tenere a freno l'ostinazione di Macey. Se non ci fosse lui a tirarla fuori dai guai, chissà che ne sarebbe di lei. Avrei voluto che venisse approfondito di più il personaggio di Chas, che per me resta molto enigmatico, così come i suoi intenti.
L'autrice in questo romanzo, che purtroppo è davvero breve, inserisce molti spunti interessanti su cui lavorare, che spero vengano approfonditi meglio nel seguito. Si parla di una profezia a cui pare sia legata Macey, e poi c'è la storia dell'anima di Sebastian da salvare, per non parlare degli scopi di Iscariot o di quelli di Al Capone che, alla fine del libro, fa a Macey una proposta assurda. Insomma, un romanzo molto interessante, ma che lascia con troppi punti interrogativi. La Gleason è sempre unica nel narrare con uno stile fluido e accattivante, che si fa leggere facilmente e che non annoia mai. Dopo un inizio un po' lento, la storia prende vita e si riempie di azione e intrigo, oltre che tanta suspense, tipica del genere. La parte romance è curata con la solita devozione della Gleason, che, attenta ai dettagli e alle descrizioni dei personaggi, li fa interagire in maniera adorabile e ci fa affezionare a loro. Per quanto mi riguarda, questa serie non sarà all'altezza di quella dedicata a Victoria, ma è ugualmente bella e intrigante e merita di essere letta! La piccola Macey è un personaggio che ha ancora molto da dare, secondo me, e nel secondo libro ne succederanno davvero tante! So che uscirà in primavera, resterò in fervente attesa!
Una vita terribilmente solitaria, quella del Cacciatore.
E' stato davvero magnifico immergermi negli Anni Venti, i Ruggenti Anni Venti, gli anni del Proibizionismo, del Jazz, del Charleston, gli anni dei gangster del calibro di Al Capone. Colleen Gleason, dopo la sua saga dedicata a Victoria Gardella, ambientata nella bellissima epoca Vittoriana, ci trasporta, adesso, avanti nel tempo, in una Chicago affascinante e, allo stesso tempo, molto pericolosa. Protagonista di questo spin-off è Macey Denton, pro-pronipote della più nota Victoria. Macey non sa di essere la discendente di una famosissima cacciatrice di vampiri. E' una ragazza sveglia, solare, che ama uscire con le amiche, ballare e divertirsi, flirtare con i ragazzi e lavorare nella biblioteca universitaria della città. La sua vita tranquilla, però, un bel giorno, viene completamente stravolta, quando fugge da un attacco di vampiri in un locale e se ne ritrova uno in casa che vuole ucciderla, ma sarà lei, alla fine, ad uccidere lui. Il suo primo vampiro. Dopo ciò che ha visto sarà costretta a credere alle parole di Sebastian, un misterioso personaggio che aveva tentato di convincerla che lei è speciale, che ha il potere di cambiare molte cose e il dovere di accettare la sua Chiamata, una Chiamata che la vuole Cacciatrice di Vampiri, nella lotta contro il male. Il male a Chicago è impersonato da due figure, Nicholas Iscariot e il conte Alvisi, arrivati entrambi in città probabilmente per le stesse ragioni: uccidere la discendente dei Gardella e impossessarsi degli anelli di Jubai di Sebastian. Ma Sebastian ha più di una ragione per invogliare Macey a credergli e ad accettare il suo destino. Pare che per più di un secolo lui non si sia nutrito di nessun essere umano, nella speranza di riuscire a salvare la sua anima (perché, come ricorderà chi ha letto la saga dei Gardella, lui si sacrificherà alla fine per amore di Victoria e della compianta Giulia alla quale vuole ricongiungersi). Solo Macey può aiutarlo. Ma la ragazza, spaventata e incredula, impiegherà più del dovuto a capacitarsi di ciò che le sta accadendo e, nel frattempo, intorno a lei si accumulano morti. Alla fine, non ci sarà che una sola scelta: accogliere la Chiamata, diventare ciò per cui è nata, ciò di cui la gente ha bisogno. Chicago non è per niente una città sicura, lotte tra gangster, contrabbando, retate, vampiri... per Macey inizia una bella sfida. Sarà in grado di portarla avanti?
Nonostante i molti difetti di questo romanzo, perché purtroppo ci sono - errori nella traduzione, poco approfondimento di alcuni dettagli, brevità complessiva del romanzo - devo dire che mi è piaciuto parecchio. L'atmosfera è totalmente ammaliante (credo proprio di non aver mai letto un romanzo che fosse ambientato in questo periodo storico) e le vicende dei Gardella hanno sempre un fascino incredibile. I vampiri della Gleason, le sue storie, hanno qualcosa che riesce a catturarmi fino in fondo e a tenermi incollata alle pagine. Ritroviamo il meraviglioso Sebastian Vioget, uno dei personaggi più amati della serie, che non ha completamente perso il suo charme, ma che purtroppo, in questo romanzo, compare ben poco. E poi Wayren, l'enigmatica donna senza età che ha rappresentato un ruolo importante nella saga dedicata a Victoria Gardella, ma anche per lei, qui, c'è soltanto una piccola comparsa. Ho molto apprezzato i due protagonisti principali del romanzo, Macey e Grady. Lei, giovane donna femminista e indipendente, che non riesce a resistere al fascino del proibito e che si caccerà spesso e volentieri nei guai, mi ha ricordato molto la lontana Victoria, per carattere e testardaggine. E anche in parte il mio amato Max Pesaro, di cui si fa cenno poche volte nel romanzo, ma che porto sempre nel cuore come uno dei personaggi più belli e interessanti che abbia mai letto. E poi c'è Grady, un affascinante reporter che perderà la testa per Macey e la seguirà nelle sue avventure. Chi sia lui e come faccia a sapere tanto sui vampiri non c'è dato saperlo, ma spero che potremo scoprirlo leggendo i volumi successivi. Intanto, posso solo dire che Macey e Grady sono una bellissima coppia, anche se non c'è paragone con la coppia Victoria/Max. Loro sono irraggiungibili e assolutamente perfetti. Il legame che si instaurerà tra Macey e Grady sarà un legame un po' particolare, un bisogno reciproco di affetto e tenerezza in mezzo a tanto marcio che li circonda. Una storia matura, fatta anche di desiderio, baci intensi e sguardi languidi. Una storia molto bella di cui non vedo l'ora di leggere l'evoluzione, soprattutto visto il modo in cui l'autrice ha concluso il romanzo (insomma, non si può, non si può!!).
E poi c'è Chas, Cacciatore di Vampiri. In un primo momento credevo si trattasse di un personaggio secondario, invece l'autrice gli dà notevole spazio, facendolo interagire anche spesso con la coppia principale. Non so se si tratti di un tentativo di dar vita ad un triangolo amoroso, leggendo il romanzo non si direbbe, ma potrei anche aspettarmelo dalla Gleason, considerando che il precedente triangolo di cui ha scritto (Victoria/Max/Sebastian) mi ha letteralmente fatto impazzire, nel senso che l'ho proprio adorato. Devo dire che anche in questo caso i tre personaggi insieme mi sono piaciuti. Chas è un uomo davvero misterioso, un personaggio che proviene da un'altra serie della Gleason (Regency Draculia), ma che io, purtroppo, non ho ancora letto. Mi è piaciuto molto per il suo sarcasmo, per la sua passionalità, per la sua forza e anche per il modo in cui tenta di tenere a freno l'ostinazione di Macey. Se non ci fosse lui a tirarla fuori dai guai, chissà che ne sarebbe di lei. Avrei voluto che venisse approfondito di più il personaggio di Chas, che per me resta molto enigmatico, così come i suoi intenti.
L'autrice in questo romanzo, che purtroppo è davvero breve, inserisce molti spunti interessanti su cui lavorare, che spero vengano approfonditi meglio nel seguito. Si parla di una profezia a cui pare sia legata Macey, e poi c'è la storia dell'anima di Sebastian da salvare, per non parlare degli scopi di Iscariot o di quelli di Al Capone che, alla fine del libro, fa a Macey una proposta assurda. Insomma, un romanzo molto interessante, ma che lascia con troppi punti interrogativi. La Gleason è sempre unica nel narrare con uno stile fluido e accattivante, che si fa leggere facilmente e che non annoia mai. Dopo un inizio un po' lento, la storia prende vita e si riempie di azione e intrigo, oltre che tanta suspense, tipica del genere. La parte romance è curata con la solita devozione della Gleason, che, attenta ai dettagli e alle descrizioni dei personaggi, li fa interagire in maniera adorabile e ci fa affezionare a loro. Per quanto mi riguarda, questa serie non sarà all'altezza di quella dedicata a Victoria, ma è ugualmente bella e intrigante e merita di essere letta! La piccola Macey è un personaggio che ha ancora molto da dare, secondo me, e nel secondo libro ne succederanno davvero tante! So che uscirà in primavera, resterò in fervente attesa!
June 1, 2025
Macey Denton has no knowledge of her family history until she comes across a book at her job. She has a job at a university library. It turns out her great (x2) grandmother was Victoria Gardella, vampire hunter. Surprise! Vampires exist and she is also a born hunter.
I had a hard time getting into this. Possible love interests; Grady (a reporter) and Chas (another hunter), were less than stellar, super annoying, and unlikable.
I had a hard time getting into this. Possible love interests; Grady (a reporter) and Chas (another hunter), were less than stellar, super annoying, and unlikable.
June 18, 2013
"Roaring Midnight" is an awesome first book in the new spin-off series of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. This book is dark, gritty, and sexy. Set one hundred years after the events of the first five books, "Roaring Midnight" transports us to Chicago, 1925, the time of flappers, prohibition, gangsters and tommy guns. And in these books -- vampires!
I loved 19th Century England as the backdrop for the first series, and I am totally hooked on the new setting and time period. I really can't think of any book I've read recently in that time frame. With the new era comes new problems and new characters. Macey is a young, ambitious woman loving her job in a library and enjoying the freedoms and liberties afforded to a young gal of this time. She also is the great-great granddaughter of Victoria Gardella and Max Pesaro, which means she's a Venator and her life is about to change. I love Macey. She evolves throughout the course of the book. She makes mistakes and learns from them. She has to make tough and painful decisions as she comes to accept her Venator legacy. She's stubborn and intelligent, a great heroine to carry on the Gardella name. Of course there are men in Macey's life to complete (and complicate) things. Grady is a sweet and ambitious newspaper reporter. Chas Woodmore is a fellow Venator, full of demons and secrets. The author notes that more of Chas' backstory can be found in her novel "The Vampire Narcise," in which he plays a major role. I definitely have a new book on my to-read list. I can't wait to see where Colleen Gleason is taking the relationship between these three unique characters.
Of course, there's another vampire in the mix. Sebastian Vioget. Oh, be still my beating heart. So much has changed for Sebastian in the past 100 years, my heart aches for him. I won't spoil anything, but this is not the direction I was anticipating finding Sebastian. That's what great about these books - there are always surprises, twists and turns.
There's a new kid on the block too. A re-imagined history of Al Capone. That's right, Scarface himself. It's pretty cool how he's integral to the plot and how easy it is to suspend your disbelief when the writing and story are this compelling.
The writing is so vivid and descriptive. The reader is transported with images, smells, sounds, fabrics, hair cuts, weapons, cars, all part of that decade. The dialogue was so much fun, I felt like I was watching a gangster movie, like I was part of the scene. The gritty action scenes are not for the faint of heart, and the sexy times will get your heart racing.
"Roaring Midnight" can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Just enough backstory is given to make it enjoyable, even if you haven't read the first five books in the series. There is never an info dump, the backstory is beautifully integrated in the plot. But, I highly suggest you read the story of Victoria, Max and Sebastian, beginning with "The Rest Falls Away." I loved all the references to characters and places in this book all the more because I was a fan of the first series.
The Gardella Vampire Chronicles are as follows:
The Rest Falls Away
Rises the Night
The Bleeding Dusk
When Twilight Burns
As Shadows Fade
I loved this book and had been anticipating it for some time. I am honored to have received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
And a side note: My first reading romp in the back of a carriage was between Victoria and Sebastian. Here's to hoping that in the spin-off we get a little time spent in a Model T!!
I loved 19th Century England as the backdrop for the first series, and I am totally hooked on the new setting and time period. I really can't think of any book I've read recently in that time frame. With the new era comes new problems and new characters. Macey is a young, ambitious woman loving her job in a library and enjoying the freedoms and liberties afforded to a young gal of this time. She also is the great-great granddaughter of Victoria Gardella and Max Pesaro, which means she's a Venator and her life is about to change. I love Macey. She evolves throughout the course of the book. She makes mistakes and learns from them. She has to make tough and painful decisions as she comes to accept her Venator legacy. She's stubborn and intelligent, a great heroine to carry on the Gardella name. Of course there are men in Macey's life to complete (and complicate) things. Grady is a sweet and ambitious newspaper reporter. Chas Woodmore is a fellow Venator, full of demons and secrets. The author notes that more of Chas' backstory can be found in her novel "The Vampire Narcise," in which he plays a major role. I definitely have a new book on my to-read list. I can't wait to see where Colleen Gleason is taking the relationship between these three unique characters.
Of course, there's another vampire in the mix. Sebastian Vioget. Oh, be still my beating heart. So much has changed for Sebastian in the past 100 years, my heart aches for him. I won't spoil anything, but this is not the direction I was anticipating finding Sebastian. That's what great about these books - there are always surprises, twists and turns.
There's a new kid on the block too. A re-imagined history of Al Capone. That's right, Scarface himself. It's pretty cool how he's integral to the plot and how easy it is to suspend your disbelief when the writing and story are this compelling.
The writing is so vivid and descriptive. The reader is transported with images, smells, sounds, fabrics, hair cuts, weapons, cars, all part of that decade. The dialogue was so much fun, I felt like I was watching a gangster movie, like I was part of the scene. The gritty action scenes are not for the faint of heart, and the sexy times will get your heart racing.
"Roaring Midnight" can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Just enough backstory is given to make it enjoyable, even if you haven't read the first five books in the series. There is never an info dump, the backstory is beautifully integrated in the plot. But, I highly suggest you read the story of Victoria, Max and Sebastian, beginning with "The Rest Falls Away." I loved all the references to characters and places in this book all the more because I was a fan of the first series.
The Gardella Vampire Chronicles are as follows:
The Rest Falls Away
Rises the Night
The Bleeding Dusk
When Twilight Burns
As Shadows Fade
I loved this book and had been anticipating it for some time. I am honored to have received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
And a side note: My first reading romp in the back of a carriage was between Victoria and Sebastian. Here's to hoping that in the spin-off we get a little time spent in a Model T!!
January 29, 2015
Che poi tre stelle sono pure eccessive se consideri che rispetto ai titoli precedenti questo libro non aggiunge assolutamente nulla.
Macey non regge il confronto nemmeno con un'unghia del piede di Victoria. Accetta il suo destino di Cacciatrice senza farsi troppe domande (non se ne fa proprio, questo è il punto), si sottopone ad allenamenti-farsa ed infilza paletti nei cuori dei non-morti che nemmeno se ne accorge.
A parer mio ne esce fuori soltanto una stupidissima caricatura dell'ava.
I personaggi maschili non hanno nulla di originale.
Sebastian Vioget - mai veramente apprezzato dalla sottoscritta - non fa assolutamente niente, se non cacciarsi (non si sa bene neanche come) nei guai.
Grady-e-basta, questo tizio con l'hobby del giornalismo, è il classico belloccio che al primo sguardo disintegra i neuroni (e le mutandine) della protagonista. Ma dai, lo sappiamo tutti che qui la spuntano Sebastian o Chas. Per cui, amico, se la mia teoria del riciclo dei personaggi è corretta, tu non sei altro che un Phillip 2.0. E visti i precedenti non credo tu ne abbia ancora per molto.
Chas Woodmore. Il nome, effettivamente, mi era sempre suonato familiare, ma non l'avevo ricollegato all'altra serie vampiresca della Gleason (Regency Draculia) fino a che non me lo son visto scritto a chiare lettere tra le note dell'autrice a fine libro. Magari non aver letto Il bacio del diavolo può avermi giocato questo scherzetto - ma, insomma, chi ha voglia di rileggere la stessa storia da tre punti di vista differenti?
Nel giro del riciclo Chas ottiene invece la parte di Max Pesaro. Burbero è burbero, affascinante è affascinante... le somiglianze ci son tutte, anche fisicamente. E' un cacciatore. Se dovessi scegliere il compagno ideale per LA Cacciatrice, indovinate un po?, sceglierei un Cacciatore come lei anziché un povero babbano o un vampiro centenario .-.
-- Attenzione! C'è uno spoiler... "importante" --
Se alla problematica questione del letto e riletto aggiungiamo una traduzione non sempre impeccabile ed un Al Capone Cacciatore di vampiri l'imbarazzo raggiunge proporzioni epiche.
E più o meno qui... ho iniziato a ridere di gusto. Peccato fosse tipo la fine .-.
Macey non regge il confronto nemmeno con un'unghia del piede di Victoria. Accetta il suo destino di Cacciatrice senza farsi troppe domande (non se ne fa proprio, questo è il punto), si sottopone ad allenamenti-farsa ed infilza paletti nei cuori dei non-morti che nemmeno se ne accorge.
A parer mio ne esce fuori soltanto una stupidissima caricatura dell'ava.
I personaggi maschili non hanno nulla di originale.
Sebastian Vioget - mai veramente apprezzato dalla sottoscritta - non fa assolutamente niente, se non cacciarsi (non si sa bene neanche come) nei guai.
Grady-e-basta, questo tizio con l'hobby del giornalismo, è il classico belloccio che al primo sguardo disintegra i neuroni (e le mutandine) della protagonista. Ma dai, lo sappiamo tutti che qui la spuntano Sebastian o Chas. Per cui, amico, se la mia teoria del riciclo dei personaggi è corretta, tu non sei altro che un Phillip 2.0. E visti i precedenti non credo tu ne abbia ancora per molto.
Chas Woodmore. Il nome, effettivamente, mi era sempre suonato familiare, ma non l'avevo ricollegato all'altra serie vampiresca della Gleason (Regency Draculia) fino a che non me lo son visto scritto a chiare lettere tra le note dell'autrice a fine libro. Magari non aver letto Il bacio del diavolo può avermi giocato questo scherzetto - ma, insomma, chi ha voglia di rileggere la stessa storia da tre punti di vista differenti?
Nel giro del riciclo Chas ottiene invece la parte di Max Pesaro. Burbero è burbero, affascinante è affascinante... le somiglianze ci son tutte, anche fisicamente. E' un cacciatore. Se dovessi scegliere il compagno ideale per LA Cacciatrice, indovinate un po?, sceglierei un Cacciatore come lei anziché un povero babbano o un vampiro centenario .-.
-- Attenzione! C'è uno spoiler... "importante" --
Se alla problematica questione del letto e riletto aggiungiamo una traduzione non sempre impeccabile ed un Al Capone Cacciatore di vampiri l'imbarazzo raggiunge proporzioni epiche.
"Sei un Cacciatore."
"Alphonsus Gardella Capone."
E più o meno qui... ho iniziato a ridere di gusto. Peccato fosse tipo la fine .-.
June 16, 2013
~~I received and free ARC in exchange for an honest review~~
I was excited that I was able to read "Roaring Midnight" by Colleen Gleason, I have never read anything by her before. And for it to be a novel about vampires, that was even better!! I love vampires, I have ever since I was a very little girl! That being said; At first the book read slow, but that didn't last very long at all. It started to pic up the pace as soon as the action started at the dance club!! I couldn't turn that pages on my kindle fast enough! I only had to slow down to look up words that I have never heard before. I love that Colleen uses words that we do not use any more. She really made the the 1920's come alive in her writing. Colleen did her research on period clothing and issues that were popular for the timing of the book.
The book is set in the 1920's, so it was smack dab in the middle of Prohibition, and gangster wars for turf. The gangster in this novel is Al Capone, not only is he one of the more famous gangsters/mobsters, he is also the most dangerous! Mr. Capone holds a very dark secret, and if this secret got out, he would be the most deadliest not only for the mortals, but for the immortals as well. Macey is a young girl out on her own in the big city of Chicago. She lives for going to work at the University Library where she hopes one day she will become the head librarian, but she also lives for going out with her friends dancing in clubs with secret rooms. She has to make a life changing decision: act like nothing is going on, or help get rid of the chaos in the city.
Colleen has written a great book! I can't wait for the other books in the series to come out! I am going to have to go back and read "The Gardella Vampire Chronicles" by Colleen, so I can get a better understanding of what is going on. No you do not have to read that series before you read "Roaring Midnight". I am excited to see what Colleen writes next!
I was excited that I was able to read "Roaring Midnight" by Colleen Gleason, I have never read anything by her before. And for it to be a novel about vampires, that was even better!! I love vampires, I have ever since I was a very little girl! That being said; At first the book read slow, but that didn't last very long at all. It started to pic up the pace as soon as the action started at the dance club!! I couldn't turn that pages on my kindle fast enough! I only had to slow down to look up words that I have never heard before. I love that Colleen uses words that we do not use any more. She really made the the 1920's come alive in her writing. Colleen did her research on period clothing and issues that were popular for the timing of the book.
The book is set in the 1920's, so it was smack dab in the middle of Prohibition, and gangster wars for turf. The gangster in this novel is Al Capone, not only is he one of the more famous gangsters/mobsters, he is also the most dangerous! Mr. Capone holds a very dark secret, and if this secret got out, he would be the most deadliest not only for the mortals, but for the immortals as well. Macey is a young girl out on her own in the big city of Chicago. She lives for going to work at the University Library where she hopes one day she will become the head librarian, but she also lives for going out with her friends dancing in clubs with secret rooms. She has to make a life changing decision: act like nothing is going on, or help get rid of the chaos in the city.
Colleen has written a great book! I can't wait for the other books in the series to come out! I am going to have to go back and read "The Gardella Vampire Chronicles" by Colleen, so I can get a better understanding of what is going on. No you do not have to read that series before you read "Roaring Midnight". I am excited to see what Colleen writes next!
June 14, 2013
Macey Denton is unaware that she is the great-great granddaughter of the great vampire hunters Victoria Gardella and Max Pesaro. She was raised by foster families since first her mother and then her father died. She's enjoying her new independence living in 1920s Chicago, working at her dream job in the university library, and going out to dance clubs with her friends. But she's recently started reading that mysterious book The Venators, and she's started having disturbing dreams about vampires. Which is silly, because vampires don't really exist, do they?
Macey is about to learn that she's next in line to take up the stake and become a Venator (vampire hunter)--if she chooses to accept her destiny. There are some powerful people who want her to take up the cause, namely Sebastian Vioget, who hopes she can help him redeem himself and his lost love. Equally powerful vampires and gangsters will try to stop her.
Oh yeah, and there's a good looking young reporter who's a little too nosy for his own good! What's a girl to do?
I had not read any of the previous Gardella novels, so I was learning about the whole world of vampires and Venators right along with Macey. It took a while to get rolling, but Gleason paints a vivid picture of Prohibition Era Chicago, brings everyone up-to-date on the Gardella saga, and sets the stage for a great new series. I'll definitely want to read the next release!
Some of the vampire encounters were somewhat nauseating and cringeworthy, but there was no graphic gore.
[Disclosure: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.]
Macey is about to learn that she's next in line to take up the stake and become a Venator (vampire hunter)--if she chooses to accept her destiny. There are some powerful people who want her to take up the cause, namely Sebastian Vioget, who hopes she can help him redeem himself and his lost love. Equally powerful vampires and gangsters will try to stop her.
Oh yeah, and there's a good looking young reporter who's a little too nosy for his own good! What's a girl to do?
I had not read any of the previous Gardella novels, so I was learning about the whole world of vampires and Venators right along with Macey. It took a while to get rolling, but Gleason paints a vivid picture of Prohibition Era Chicago, brings everyone up-to-date on the Gardella saga, and sets the stage for a great new series. I'll definitely want to read the next release!
Some of the vampire encounters were somewhat nauseating and cringeworthy, but there was no graphic gore.
[Disclosure: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.]
October 14, 2014
Macey, almeno in questo primo libro, non regge il confronto con Victoria...
September 29, 2014
Leggi la recensione sul blog: http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
November 1, 2014
Ho dovuto metabolizzare un paio di giorni prima di scrivere qualcosa su questo libro, perché quando l’ho finito sembravo una drogata in piena crisi d’astinenza.
Ero perfettamente consapevole che il libro sarebbe stato una sorta di introduzione alla nuova saga della Gleason e che alla fine, come era stato per il primo volume della vecchia saga sarei rimasta con tanta voglia di sapere e di avere subito tra le mani il seguito. La tentazione di aspettare che fossero pubblicati tutti i libri di questa nuova saga mi ha sfiorato per un po’, ma poi quella di ritornare ad assaporare le storie di cacciatori e vampiri e della famiglia Gardella è stata molto più forte. D’altronde sono un po’ di anni che aspetto di sapere soprattutto cosa ne era stato di un personaggio. Per questo motivo e per altri che dirò di seguito ho dato solo 3 stelline, perché mi ha lasciata con la sensazione di qualcosa di incompleto.
Insomma, piena di curiosità mi sono rituffata nell’eterna lotta tra il bene e il male che vede protagonisti I Gardella una famiglia di cacciatori e i loro nemici vampiri. Conosciamo Macey la pro-nipote di Victoria Gardella e Max Pesaro i due protagonisti(da me tanto amati) della saga madre, che come la bis-bis-nonna, sarà chiamata ad accettare l’eredità della famiglia, quindi a lasciarsi alle spalle la sua vita da bibliotecaria e da comune mortale.
Dalla Londra del 1800 veniamo trasportati nella Chicago degli anni ’20:l’epoca del jazz, dei locali da ballo, del proibizionismo e della lotta tra bande di gangster. Devo dire che uno degli aspetti positivi di questo libro è stato il ritratto della Chicago corrotta dei tempi di Al Capone, l’interazione fra la lotta tra gangster e le vicende “soprannaturali, mi ha molto sorpreso in senso positivo. E in effetti in questo libro ci sono molte cose positive, ma ne ho trovate altre che forse dire negative è dire troppo, ma che mi hanno lasciata un po’ perplessa. Vorrei partire da queste ultime. Innanzitutto cose negative che non hanno a che fare con la trama sono i troppi refusi (“un il cappotto” o robe simili che mi disturbano altamente la lettura), gli scambi di nomi (un paio di Macey per Victoria e viceversa) e le scelte di alcuni termini (che siano scelte dell’autrice o del traduttore non saprei dire, tipo dire il “pancino” di Macey nella scena della limousine di Iscariot, quel termine mi stonava proprio con la scena),che mi hanno fatto più volte storcere il naso e disturbato la lettura.
Per quanto riguarda le mie perplessità sulla trama invece c’è da dire che il libro è secondo me concepito proprio come un’introduzione , ed è anche molto breve come libro, quindi moltissime cose sono state solamente accennate. Quello che nel finale è stato il colpo di scena, e do’ atto alla Gleason di avermi colpito, perché tutti ovviamente si aspettavano Al Capone dalla parte dei vampiri(anche i protagonisti stessi), mentre invece si rivela essere un cacciatore, però mi ha lasciata un po’ così, nel senso che non ho capito perché Capone voglia Macey come sua guardia del corpo, e soprattutto dove andrà a parare l’autrice con questo personaggio.
Per il resto devo dire che il libro mi è piaciuto, la Gleason mette nella storia più personaggi che stuzzicano la curiosità, e anche più cattivi in una volta sola e non ho trovato un solo momento morto nella narrazione.
Macey la protagonista mi è piaciuta molto, forse persino più della Victoria degli inizi, una ragazza normale che vede stravolta la propria vita, con tutti i dubbi più che legittimi sull’accettare o no la Chiamata, ma con una carattere forte e risoluto. I personaggi maschili anche sono stati descritti molto bene e su di loro ho avuto varie impressioni: innanzitutto Grady, sedicente reporter che inizia una relazione con Macey. Grady sembra il ragazzo perfetto, bello, premuroso e comprensivo con Macey, ma mi sembra troppo “perfetto” e mi ha dato l’impressione che sappia più di quanto abbia dato a vedere sui vampiri e che forse l’incontro con Macey non sia stato del tutto casuale. Non lo so, questi sono le impressioni che ho avuto e dubbi sul personaggio di Grady, dubbi che mi toglierò solo proseguendo la lettura.
Forse il personaggio più complesso -sia caratterialmente e dal punto di vista della comprensione almeno per me, e vi spiegherò anche perché- è Chas Woodmore , cacciatore con più di un segreto, tormentato, sarcastico e disilluso. Chas è stato protagonista di un altro romanzo, facente parte della trilogia Regency Draculia edita da Harlequin Mondadori, una sorta di spin-off della serie Gardella,che io purtroppo non ho letto, e quindi, molte cose del passato di Chas mi sono oscure e non mi hanno aiutato a capire bene cosa nasconda questo personaggio. L’autrice all’inizio del libro dice che la serie si può leggere a se, senza aver letto la serie madre, ma secondo me così si perde molto e questo libro per certi versi potrebbe sembrare ancora più oscuro su certi argomenti. Infatti, appunto come dicevo per Chas molte cose non riesco a comprenderle non avendo letto ciò che lo riguarda, mentre per l’altro personaggio maschile mi sono molto più chiare sapendo bene di chi si tratta e avendolo conosciuto nella serie madre. E veniamo proprio a lui, che ho lasciato per ultimo, ma che è sicuramente il primo di cui cui voglio sapere di tutto e di più e cosa gli succederà nel proseguimento della storia: Sebastian Vioget. Sebastian a mio avviso è stato il personaggio della saga madre che più ha avuto un’evoluzione, ma soprattutto un’evoluzione dei sentimenti che provavo verso di lui. Se ho amato Victoria e Max fin dal primo istante(Max dal primissimo, Victoria forse un po’ dopo e comunque per me Max è sempre stato il compagno ideale di Victoria, non ho mai pensato che potesse esserlo Sebastian ) Sebastian invece all’inizio non mi era per niente simpatico, ma è giunto a guadagnare punti nel corso dei 5 libri, fino all’ultimo in cui l’ho tanto amato e per il quale non ci avevo dormito per una notte e mi ero pure piuttosto arrabbiata per come l’autrice aveva deciso di concludere la sua storia. Così le aspettative più alte erano per il suo personaggio per le sue vicende, ma a parte rivangare la sua storia passata (che ripeto avendola già conosciuta mi è comunque molto più chiara di quella di Chas, tutta la storia degli anelli, del prisma ne la go,di Giulia ecc, onestamente se non avessi già letto la serie madre, mi sarei chiesta: “ma di cosa stanno parlando?”), il suo futuro e il ruolo di Macey in tutto questo restano avvolti nell’oscurità più totale. Purtroppo Sebastian si è visto molto poco, ma devo dire che è stato molto bello ritrovare il suo accento francese, la sua eleganza e tutti i suoi tormenti legati all’amore per Giulia (e per Victoria) e anche quelle sue espressioni da “bambino colto con le mani ne sacco”, soprattutto in presenza di Wayren(altro personaggio della saga madre). Onestamente il mio cuore romantico fa il tifo per lui e per Macey,ma non perché lei sia un misto tra le due donne che lui ha più amato, mi piacerebbe davvero che ci sia un sentimento vero tra loro due e finalmente la pace per Sebastian.
Insomma, per scoprire tutto questo, per vedere se i miei desideri si realizzeranno e per sapere come tutto finirà non mi resta altro che aspettare il resto della storia. Mi sembra, se non ho capito male, che si tratti di una trilogia, quindi visto che questo libro come ho detto all’inizio è stato solo un’introduzione, credo che gli altri due libri debbano essere davvero molto più densi di eventi risolutivi, ma soprattutto già dal secondo spero che inizi ad esserci qualche risposta in più.
Ero perfettamente consapevole che il libro sarebbe stato una sorta di introduzione alla nuova saga della Gleason e che alla fine, come era stato per il primo volume della vecchia saga sarei rimasta con tanta voglia di sapere e di avere subito tra le mani il seguito. La tentazione di aspettare che fossero pubblicati tutti i libri di questa nuova saga mi ha sfiorato per un po’, ma poi quella di ritornare ad assaporare le storie di cacciatori e vampiri e della famiglia Gardella è stata molto più forte. D’altronde sono un po’ di anni che aspetto di sapere soprattutto cosa ne era stato di un personaggio. Per questo motivo e per altri che dirò di seguito ho dato solo 3 stelline, perché mi ha lasciata con la sensazione di qualcosa di incompleto.
Insomma, piena di curiosità mi sono rituffata nell’eterna lotta tra il bene e il male che vede protagonisti I Gardella una famiglia di cacciatori e i loro nemici vampiri. Conosciamo Macey la pro-nipote di Victoria Gardella e Max Pesaro i due protagonisti(da me tanto amati) della saga madre, che come la bis-bis-nonna, sarà chiamata ad accettare l’eredità della famiglia, quindi a lasciarsi alle spalle la sua vita da bibliotecaria e da comune mortale.
Dalla Londra del 1800 veniamo trasportati nella Chicago degli anni ’20:l’epoca del jazz, dei locali da ballo, del proibizionismo e della lotta tra bande di gangster. Devo dire che uno degli aspetti positivi di questo libro è stato il ritratto della Chicago corrotta dei tempi di Al Capone, l’interazione fra la lotta tra gangster e le vicende “soprannaturali, mi ha molto sorpreso in senso positivo. E in effetti in questo libro ci sono molte cose positive, ma ne ho trovate altre che forse dire negative è dire troppo, ma che mi hanno lasciata un po’ perplessa. Vorrei partire da queste ultime. Innanzitutto cose negative che non hanno a che fare con la trama sono i troppi refusi (“un il cappotto” o robe simili che mi disturbano altamente la lettura), gli scambi di nomi (un paio di Macey per Victoria e viceversa) e le scelte di alcuni termini (che siano scelte dell’autrice o del traduttore non saprei dire, tipo dire il “pancino” di Macey nella scena della limousine di Iscariot, quel termine mi stonava proprio con la scena),che mi hanno fatto più volte storcere il naso e disturbato la lettura.
Per quanto riguarda le mie perplessità sulla trama invece c’è da dire che il libro è secondo me concepito proprio come un’introduzione , ed è anche molto breve come libro, quindi moltissime cose sono state solamente accennate. Quello che nel finale è stato il colpo di scena, e do’ atto alla Gleason di avermi colpito, perché tutti ovviamente si aspettavano Al Capone dalla parte dei vampiri(anche i protagonisti stessi), mentre invece si rivela essere un cacciatore, però mi ha lasciata un po’ così, nel senso che non ho capito perché Capone voglia Macey come sua guardia del corpo, e soprattutto dove andrà a parare l’autrice con questo personaggio.
Per il resto devo dire che il libro mi è piaciuto, la Gleason mette nella storia più personaggi che stuzzicano la curiosità, e anche più cattivi in una volta sola e non ho trovato un solo momento morto nella narrazione.
Macey la protagonista mi è piaciuta molto, forse persino più della Victoria degli inizi, una ragazza normale che vede stravolta la propria vita, con tutti i dubbi più che legittimi sull’accettare o no la Chiamata, ma con una carattere forte e risoluto. I personaggi maschili anche sono stati descritti molto bene e su di loro ho avuto varie impressioni: innanzitutto Grady, sedicente reporter che inizia una relazione con Macey. Grady sembra il ragazzo perfetto, bello, premuroso e comprensivo con Macey, ma mi sembra troppo “perfetto” e mi ha dato l’impressione che sappia più di quanto abbia dato a vedere sui vampiri e che forse l’incontro con Macey non sia stato del tutto casuale. Non lo so, questi sono le impressioni che ho avuto e dubbi sul personaggio di Grady, dubbi che mi toglierò solo proseguendo la lettura.
Forse il personaggio più complesso -sia caratterialmente e dal punto di vista della comprensione almeno per me, e vi spiegherò anche perché- è Chas Woodmore , cacciatore con più di un segreto, tormentato, sarcastico e disilluso. Chas è stato protagonista di un altro romanzo, facente parte della trilogia Regency Draculia edita da Harlequin Mondadori, una sorta di spin-off della serie Gardella,che io purtroppo non ho letto, e quindi, molte cose del passato di Chas mi sono oscure e non mi hanno aiutato a capire bene cosa nasconda questo personaggio. L’autrice all’inizio del libro dice che la serie si può leggere a se, senza aver letto la serie madre, ma secondo me così si perde molto e questo libro per certi versi potrebbe sembrare ancora più oscuro su certi argomenti. Infatti, appunto come dicevo per Chas molte cose non riesco a comprenderle non avendo letto ciò che lo riguarda, mentre per l’altro personaggio maschile mi sono molto più chiare sapendo bene di chi si tratta e avendolo conosciuto nella serie madre. E veniamo proprio a lui, che ho lasciato per ultimo, ma che è sicuramente il primo di cui cui voglio sapere di tutto e di più e cosa gli succederà nel proseguimento della storia: Sebastian Vioget. Sebastian a mio avviso è stato il personaggio della saga madre che più ha avuto un’evoluzione, ma soprattutto un’evoluzione dei sentimenti che provavo verso di lui. Se ho amato Victoria e Max fin dal primo istante(Max dal primissimo, Victoria forse un po’ dopo e comunque per me Max è sempre stato il compagno ideale di Victoria, non ho mai pensato che potesse esserlo Sebastian ) Sebastian invece all’inizio non mi era per niente simpatico, ma è giunto a guadagnare punti nel corso dei 5 libri, fino all’ultimo in cui l’ho tanto amato e per il quale non ci avevo dormito per una notte e mi ero pure piuttosto arrabbiata per come l’autrice aveva deciso di concludere la sua storia. Così le aspettative più alte erano per il suo personaggio per le sue vicende, ma a parte rivangare la sua storia passata (che ripeto avendola già conosciuta mi è comunque molto più chiara di quella di Chas, tutta la storia degli anelli, del prisma ne la go,di Giulia ecc, onestamente se non avessi già letto la serie madre, mi sarei chiesta: “ma di cosa stanno parlando?”), il suo futuro e il ruolo di Macey in tutto questo restano avvolti nell’oscurità più totale. Purtroppo Sebastian si è visto molto poco, ma devo dire che è stato molto bello ritrovare il suo accento francese, la sua eleganza e tutti i suoi tormenti legati all’amore per Giulia (e per Victoria) e anche quelle sue espressioni da “bambino colto con le mani ne sacco”, soprattutto in presenza di Wayren(altro personaggio della saga madre). Onestamente il mio cuore romantico fa il tifo per lui e per Macey,ma non perché lei sia un misto tra le due donne che lui ha più amato, mi piacerebbe davvero che ci sia un sentimento vero tra loro due e finalmente la pace per Sebastian.
Insomma, per scoprire tutto questo, per vedere se i miei desideri si realizzeranno e per sapere come tutto finirà non mi resta altro che aspettare il resto della storia. Mi sembra, se non ho capito male, che si tratti di una trilogia, quindi visto che questo libro come ho detto all’inizio è stato solo un’introduzione, credo che gli altri due libri debbano essere davvero molto più densi di eventi risolutivi, ma soprattutto già dal secondo spero che inizi ad esserci qualche risposta in più.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2019
This is the first book in the Marcey Gardella trilogy. I enjoyed the Gardella Vampire series and was eager to read more about this vampire slaying line of women. However, I thought this was a very weak book and found it just okay at best. I didn’t really like the 1920’s setting and thought Marcey was fairly bland.
Marcey has been having strange dreams and feeling cold spots around. Then things get strange when a fanged creature breaks into her apartment. She initially thinks it’s a case of mistaken identity but her own observations and Sebastian Vioget’s insistence finally convince her to start believing that vampires are real.
There were a number of things I just didn’t like about this book. I didn’t really enjoy the 1920’s setting and I felt like all of the characters were just a bit flat. I never really liked Marcey much or Grady or Chas. Additionally I felt like there was very little plot or story here. This book was much more romance heavy than I remember the Gardella Vampire series being and the romantic scenes also felt very blah to me.
Overall this just wasn’t for me. It’s been awhile since I read the Gardella Vampire series so maybe I just have overly fond memories of it. However, I feel that this series isn’t nearly as good and can’t recommend it.
Marcey has been having strange dreams and feeling cold spots around. Then things get strange when a fanged creature breaks into her apartment. She initially thinks it’s a case of mistaken identity but her own observations and Sebastian Vioget’s insistence finally convince her to start believing that vampires are real.
There were a number of things I just didn’t like about this book. I didn’t really enjoy the 1920’s setting and I felt like all of the characters were just a bit flat. I never really liked Marcey much or Grady or Chas. Additionally I felt like there was very little plot or story here. This book was much more romance heavy than I remember the Gardella Vampire series being and the romantic scenes also felt very blah to me.
Overall this just wasn’t for me. It’s been awhile since I read the Gardella Vampire series so maybe I just have overly fond memories of it. However, I feel that this series isn’t nearly as good and can’t recommend it.
November 30, 2022
A new Gardella joins
This is the start of another great series.
This story takes place in 1924 in Chicago, 102 years after Sebastian was turned by Lilith in Romania. He did so out of his love for both Victoria and Guilia, his girlfriend who died by his hands after she was turned.
When he finally reads Rosamunde's prophecies, the Gardella mystic, Sebastian realizes that the only way to save Guilia's soul and get redemption for himself.
When Sebastian finally finds the hidden great-great granddaughter belonging to Victoria and Max in the United States, he's closer to reuniting to his lost love again. He needs Mackey to accept the Calling and wear the vis bullae. He's tired, he wants to pass on the mantle and get his reward for his sacrifice.
Iscariot's son, Nicholas, now freed from imprisonment since Lilith's death, is the most powerful vampire on earth. He's been roaming around Europe for decades causing having looking for the 5 rings that are on Sebastian's hand. But when Iscariot and his known enemy Count Alvisi both arrive in Chicago at the same time, Sebastian gets concerned for Macey. But when mob king Al Capone starts getting friendly with the Tutela, the world has an even bigger reason to be worried.
A must read!!
This is the start of another great series.
This story takes place in 1924 in Chicago, 102 years after Sebastian was turned by Lilith in Romania. He did so out of his love for both Victoria and Guilia, his girlfriend who died by his hands after she was turned.
When he finally reads Rosamunde's prophecies, the Gardella mystic, Sebastian realizes that the only way to save Guilia's soul and get redemption for himself.
When Sebastian finally finds the hidden great-great granddaughter belonging to Victoria and Max in the United States, he's closer to reuniting to his lost love again. He needs Mackey to accept the Calling and wear the vis bullae. He's tired, he wants to pass on the mantle and get his reward for his sacrifice.
Iscariot's son, Nicholas, now freed from imprisonment since Lilith's death, is the most powerful vampire on earth. He's been roaming around Europe for decades causing having looking for the 5 rings that are on Sebastian's hand. But when Iscariot and his known enemy Count Alvisi both arrive in Chicago at the same time, Sebastian gets concerned for Macey. But when mob king Al Capone starts getting friendly with the Tutela, the world has an even bigger reason to be worried.
A must read!!
July 8, 2023
I absolutely adored the first five books in the Gardella Vampire Hunter universe, about Victoria Gardella - a Regency era Buffy. It's one of the few paranormal series that have remained on my DIK shelves after years of unhauling.
This spinoff trilogy starts strong though you can tell that Gleason doesn't have (or want) the time to really build this world out as much as she did in the first series. (I think since she is self-publishing these now-she is now more concerned about quantity of books vs. quality but there's no shame in that honestly...an author has to make a living and I'm still enjoying the return to this familiar world and writing style). The Chicago of the 1920s setting is done quite well and is still a setting that is unusual in romance fiction, so that's a definite plus. But this series definitely relies on a knowledge and affection for the first series (despite the author's claims to the contrary).
I will also read the two spinoff novellas about the heroine's father and may finally try the Vampire trilogy Gleason wrote as well that also links with this trilogy.
This spinoff trilogy starts strong though you can tell that Gleason doesn't have (or want) the time to really build this world out as much as she did in the first series. (I think since she is self-publishing these now-she is now more concerned about quantity of books vs. quality but there's no shame in that honestly...an author has to make a living and I'm still enjoying the return to this familiar world and writing style). The Chicago of the 1920s setting is done quite well and is still a setting that is unusual in romance fiction, so that's a definite plus. But this series definitely relies on a knowledge and affection for the first series (despite the author's claims to the contrary).
I will also read the two spinoff novellas about the heroine's father and may finally try the Vampire trilogy Gleason wrote as well that also links with this trilogy.
November 30, 2017
Good start to series
I read the Victoria Gardella series and enjoyed it, until the end. Wasn't sure I wanted to read the next series but decided to give it a try. Macey and Victoria are similar characters but they have enough difference in them to keep this series interesting. Macey is a young woman out on her own learning about her destiny as the next Gardella. She is a strong character and I look forward to reading more about her. Not enough Sebastian in this book but hoping that will be fixed in the next!
I read the Victoria Gardella series and enjoyed it, until the end. Wasn't sure I wanted to read the next series but decided to give it a try. Macey and Victoria are similar characters but they have enough difference in them to keep this series interesting. Macey is a young woman out on her own learning about her destiny as the next Gardella. She is a strong character and I look forward to reading more about her. Not enough Sebastian in this book but hoping that will be fixed in the next!
November 24, 2019
Macey, Grady, Chas and Sebastian
Macey is a librarian, and a bibliophile. She works at the main library at the University of Chicago. Mackey has just met Grady, who is a newshawk, is trying to attract Macey. Sebastian Vioget and Chas are trying to convince Macey she is a Gardella and can become a Venatar vampire hunter as her father had been.
Characterization and plotting are good.
Macey is a librarian, and a bibliophile. She works at the main library at the University of Chicago. Mackey has just met Grady, who is a newshawk, is trying to attract Macey. Sebastian Vioget and Chas are trying to convince Macey she is a Gardella and can become a Venatar vampire hunter as her father had been.
Characterization and plotting are good.
March 5, 2020
Roaring Midnight: Macy Gardella &Max Denton Book 1 ( The Gardella Vampire Hunter
This is an excellent read with more intrigue, action and suspense for all supernatural book lovers! It really keeps you guessing just what way things are going to go. Of Course there are a few love scenes thrown in to whet your appetite.
I highly recommend this series as a great read and one you won’t be disappointed in.
This is an excellent read with more intrigue, action and suspense for all supernatural book lovers! It really keeps you guessing just what way things are going to go. Of Course there are a few love scenes thrown in to whet your appetite.
I highly recommend this series as a great read and one you won’t be disappointed in.
September 12, 2018
Some favorite characters and some new ones! Wonderful!
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