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The Gardella Vampire Hunters #4
When Twilight Burns
After narrowly escaping from Rome, Lady Victoria Gardella returns to London, where not even sunrise can stop a vampire's carnage...
Ruining Victoria's homecoming, a vampire stalks the streets of London--during the daylight. Not only is Victoria unable to detect the vampire with her heightened senses, but she's being framed as the prime suspect behind the killings.
Meanwhile, her heart is still divided between the enigmatic Sebastian Vioget and her fellow slayer Max Pesaro. The battle is made even more difficult by the legacy of a vampire's touch--a vampire who left in Victoria's veins boiling blood that forces her fight evil on two fronts: against the new breed of undead threatening London...and against the darkness within herself.
Ruining Victoria's homecoming, a vampire stalks the streets of London--during the daylight. Not only is Victoria unable to detect the vampire with her heightened senses, but she's being framed as the prime suspect behind the killings.
Meanwhile, her heart is still divided between the enigmatic Sebastian Vioget and her fellow slayer Max Pesaro. The battle is made even more difficult by the legacy of a vampire's touch--a vampire who left in Victoria's veins boiling blood that forces her fight evil on two fronts: against the new breed of undead threatening London...and against the darkness within herself.
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
176 people are currently reading
1576 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
105 books1,677 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 140 reviews
July 6, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I had a great time with this book! I had such a good time with the third book in this series that I had to start reading this installment right away. This is the fourth book in The Gardella Vampire Hunters which is a series that really needs to be read in order. This was a book that I wanted to read for hours at a time and was completely consumed by the story. I am so glad that I decided to pick this one up.
This book takes Victoria back to London and picks up right after the events of the previous book. Victoria has survived a really close call but not without a few lingering effects. She has a lot to deal with in her own life and will need to move since the heir to her late husband's title has been found. Victoria's mother is back to her match making ways and it appears that there is a vampire in London that is able to move around in the daytime. There is plenty of things going on in this book to keep the pages turning.
I love the excitement of these books but the characters are really what keeps me reading. Just when I think I know all the important stuff about this group of people, some vital piece of information is revealed that changes everything. I am not usually a fan of love triangles but I think that they way it was handled in this book made it work well. I feel like romance is part of the story but the fight against the vampires is always the focus. Victoria does not spend her time swooning over men. I like that she isn't afraid to take what she wants and I think that the chemistry between Victoria and both men felt very authentic. There were a lot of important developments between the characters in this installment.
I would recommend this series to fans of urban fiction. This series has really had everything that I look for in this kind of book with great characters, complex mysteries, and lot of action. I can't wait to read the next book in this fantastic series very soon.
Initial Thoughts
I am loving this series! There is a lot going on in this book and I wasn't sure how things would work out at times. I am really falling for these characters and I hate to see them come to harm or encounter any kind of pain. This book takes Victoria and the others back to London where there is a vampire that seems to be able to move in the daylight. There was a love triangle that played a rather big part of this story. I am not a big fan of love triangles but I think that it works in this story with the way that it has been handled.
I had a great time with this book! I had such a good time with the third book in this series that I had to start reading this installment right away. This is the fourth book in The Gardella Vampire Hunters which is a series that really needs to be read in order. This was a book that I wanted to read for hours at a time and was completely consumed by the story. I am so glad that I decided to pick this one up.
This book takes Victoria back to London and picks up right after the events of the previous book. Victoria has survived a really close call but not without a few lingering effects. She has a lot to deal with in her own life and will need to move since the heir to her late husband's title has been found. Victoria's mother is back to her match making ways and it appears that there is a vampire in London that is able to move around in the daytime. There is plenty of things going on in this book to keep the pages turning.
I love the excitement of these books but the characters are really what keeps me reading. Just when I think I know all the important stuff about this group of people, some vital piece of information is revealed that changes everything. I am not usually a fan of love triangles but I think that they way it was handled in this book made it work well. I feel like romance is part of the story but the fight against the vampires is always the focus. Victoria does not spend her time swooning over men. I like that she isn't afraid to take what she wants and I think that the chemistry between Victoria and both men felt very authentic. There were a lot of important developments between the characters in this installment.
I would recommend this series to fans of urban fiction. This series has really had everything that I look for in this kind of book with great characters, complex mysteries, and lot of action. I can't wait to read the next book in this fantastic series very soon.
Initial Thoughts
I am loving this series! There is a lot going on in this book and I wasn't sure how things would work out at times. I am really falling for these characters and I hate to see them come to harm or encounter any kind of pain. This book takes Victoria and the others back to London where there is a vampire that seems to be able to move in the daylight. There was a love triangle that played a rather big part of this story. I am not a big fan of love triangles but I think that it works in this story with the way that it has been handled.
April 28, 2017
4 Stars
Review:
This is such a great series! And this book was especially exciting for a certain reason that I can't talk about because spoilers! I feel like these books are almost a guilty pleasure at this point. I mean, they're good in all the conventional ways a book should be good (characters, plot, etc.), but they also fulfill some sort of juicy, angsty, soap-opera-y romance need I didn't even know I had.
For one thing, I love Victoria's love life. She always has all these different guys interested in her, and so she flirts, dates, kisses, has sex, etc., and I swear reading about it is this feeling like she's my best friend and I just can't wait to hear all the juicy new details.
Victoria is also sarcastic and snarky, but I swear she has the classiest snark ever. It cracks me up, and I just love this girl. But all the characters are so good at making biting remarks at each other, and I feel like I should just keep a cooler full of ice with me to hand out to them for all the burns they're continually getting. I'm constantly oooh-ing and cringing and feeling bad for them but also secretly loving it.
Then there's all those conventional things I mentioned, like the three-dimensional characters who have all been through and done terrible things that no one should ever have to experience or do. And the amazing, tension-filled, historical-esque writing. And the Victorian London setting, which, to a girl who lives in present day America, is like being transported to a whole 'nother world.
And to top it all off, I LOVE the emotion laced throughout these books, especially the oftentimes heart-tugging romance. This time there was even a love triangle, which only made me happier since it was a good one. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
So overall, this has been a consistently great series so far with tortured characters, lots of twists and secrets, and juicy, complicated romance, and I'm loving it!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-3 in Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Hunters series. Anyone who likes historical fantasy with complex characters, complicated relationships, lots of sexual tension, and a kickass female protagonist.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
This is such a great series! And this book was especially exciting for a certain reason that I can't talk about because spoilers! I feel like these books are almost a guilty pleasure at this point. I mean, they're good in all the conventional ways a book should be good (characters, plot, etc.), but they also fulfill some sort of juicy, angsty, soap-opera-y romance need I didn't even know I had.
For one thing, I love Victoria's love life. She always has all these different guys interested in her, and so she flirts, dates, kisses, has sex, etc., and I swear reading about it is this feeling like she's my best friend and I just can't wait to hear all the juicy new details.
Victoria is also sarcastic and snarky, but I swear she has the classiest snark ever. It cracks me up, and I just love this girl. But all the characters are so good at making biting remarks at each other, and I feel like I should just keep a cooler full of ice with me to hand out to them for all the burns they're continually getting. I'm constantly oooh-ing and cringing and feeling bad for them but also secretly loving it.
Then there's all those conventional things I mentioned, like the three-dimensional characters who have all been through and done terrible things that no one should ever have to experience or do. And the amazing, tension-filled, historical-esque writing. And the Victorian London setting, which, to a girl who lives in present day America, is like being transported to a whole 'nother world.
And to top it all off, I LOVE the emotion laced throughout these books, especially the oftentimes heart-tugging romance. This time there was even a love triangle, which only made me happier since it was a good one. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
So overall, this has been a consistently great series so far with tortured characters, lots of twists and secrets, and juicy, complicated romance, and I'm loving it!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-3 in Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Hunters series. Anyone who likes historical fantasy with complex characters, complicated relationships, lots of sexual tension, and a kickass female protagonist.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
June 4, 2017
I just love this series, even though I don't usually enjoy a) urban fantasy, b) historical urban fantasy, or c) heroines with special powers. But.
January 2, 2010
Is it wrong that when I read this series I wish it would turn into an episode of BIG LOVE? I can't decide who I prefer for Victoria. I love them both ;)
April 26, 2015
Burned out by all the vampire romances out there? I can pretty much guarantee that this series will draw you right back into the vampire world, and keep you reading until you finish them all. This is the fourth in the series, and this series hasn’t let me down yet!
Victoria is a member of the ton, otherwise known as the high society of 1822 England. She is also known in vampire circles as the ‘Summa Gardella’ due to being the last of the Gardella’s bloodline. It’s a bloodline that means it’s her duty to be the leader of the Venators, a group whose mission is to kill vampires. When this series started, she was a debutante, and just learning about her heritage. It’s all very hush, hush, and she can not even tell her mother. She wears a talisman that makes her stronger then most humans, but still has to train often.
So by day, she’s being called upon by members of the ton, evenings are mostly spent at balls, dinners, and other frivolities. But it’s night that finds Victoria roaming the streets of whatever city she happens to be in, sometimes by carriage, sometimes on foot, hunting evil vampires in their quest for blood. Don’t get me wrong, she also manages to kill more than her share of vampires at some of the events she attends, and it makes for quite the story and adventure.
There are two men in Victoria’s life. Max is a venator-one of the few not of the bloodline but one that won the title after many trials. He is enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the venators. Recently, he lost his venator powers and is not taking it well. Sebastian is the great (many greats)grandson of one of the strongest vampires, Beauregard. He is charming, good looking, and Victoria has spent a few pretty sensual moments with him in the past. Even so, Max has been my favorite throughout the series up to this point.
So much has happened to this trio thoughout all of these books. I really don’t want to tell specifics, but things are always changing in Victoria’s life. Her mother and her two friends are still trying to calm Victoria down so that she can find another husband from the members of the ton. She, of course, knows she can never again marry someone that doesn’t know her secrets, but she also is aware that she must have a child to carry on the bloodline. Her mother’s two friends are also the cause of much needed levity during parts of the story.
This installment fulfilled one of my wishes for Victoria, and that just added to my enjoyment of this read. Lilith the vampire queen is back, and causing all sorts of havoc in the characters life-as is her usual. This book is a bit darker then the others, although the last one had it’s fair share of darkness as well. There’s plenty of tromping around in the bowels of London, lots of staking of vampires, and of course it has it’s moments of gore to the extreme. This one features the coronation of King George IV, and the author had fun with involving Victoria, and her cohorts in that event.
I could ramble on and on, but I won’t. Suffice it to say, if you love vampire books, love a good urban fantasy, with a side of romance and don’t care what the time period is, I feel certain you will love this read, as I do.(RabidReads.com)
Victoria is a member of the ton, otherwise known as the high society of 1822 England. She is also known in vampire circles as the ‘Summa Gardella’ due to being the last of the Gardella’s bloodline. It’s a bloodline that means it’s her duty to be the leader of the Venators, a group whose mission is to kill vampires. When this series started, she was a debutante, and just learning about her heritage. It’s all very hush, hush, and she can not even tell her mother. She wears a talisman that makes her stronger then most humans, but still has to train often.
So by day, she’s being called upon by members of the ton, evenings are mostly spent at balls, dinners, and other frivolities. But it’s night that finds Victoria roaming the streets of whatever city she happens to be in, sometimes by carriage, sometimes on foot, hunting evil vampires in their quest for blood. Don’t get me wrong, she also manages to kill more than her share of vampires at some of the events she attends, and it makes for quite the story and adventure.
There are two men in Victoria’s life. Max is a venator-one of the few not of the bloodline but one that won the title after many trials. He is enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the venators. Recently, he lost his venator powers and is not taking it well. Sebastian is the great (many greats)grandson of one of the strongest vampires, Beauregard. He is charming, good looking, and Victoria has spent a few pretty sensual moments with him in the past. Even so, Max has been my favorite throughout the series up to this point.
So much has happened to this trio thoughout all of these books. I really don’t want to tell specifics, but things are always changing in Victoria’s life. Her mother and her two friends are still trying to calm Victoria down so that she can find another husband from the members of the ton. She, of course, knows she can never again marry someone that doesn’t know her secrets, but she also is aware that she must have a child to carry on the bloodline. Her mother’s two friends are also the cause of much needed levity during parts of the story.
This installment fulfilled one of my wishes for Victoria, and that just added to my enjoyment of this read. Lilith the vampire queen is back, and causing all sorts of havoc in the characters life-as is her usual. This book is a bit darker then the others, although the last one had it’s fair share of darkness as well. There’s plenty of tromping around in the bowels of London, lots of staking of vampires, and of course it has it’s moments of gore to the extreme. This one features the coronation of King George IV, and the author had fun with involving Victoria, and her cohorts in that event.
I could ramble on and on, but I won’t. Suffice it to say, if you love vampire books, love a good urban fantasy, with a side of romance and don’t care what the time period is, I feel certain you will love this read, as I do.(RabidReads.com)
March 18, 2012
SIGH... GASP....SIGH...CRY...SQUEEEEELL...SIGH...CRY....BITES HANDS...REMEMBERS TO EAT....SIGH AGAIN....CRY AGAIN... DOES A HAPPY DANCE.
Thats pretty much the rollercoaster of emotions i experienced whilst reading this book. I'm only saddened now by the fact i only have one book left in the series to read. Fantastic prequel to the final installment.
Thats pretty much the rollercoaster of emotions i experienced whilst reading this book. I'm only saddened now by the fact i only have one book left in the series to read. Fantastic prequel to the final installment.
December 26, 2021
DNFed. This series had so much potential but lost it in lame characterization and romance. Feeling so disappointed.
June 24, 2018
" Fu un bacio famelico che la sorprese per la sua intensità. Un momento prima erano saliti sulla vettura scambiandosi cortesie, e adesso era un viluppo di labbra e lingue, mentre le mani sembravano essere ovunque.
Ardente e umida la bocca di lui coprì la sua, e lei tenne il viso fermo in modo che egli potesse esplorarla e assaporarla. Dita calde le strinsero la base della mascella, e Victoria sollevò il mento per trarre un rapido respiro, prima di immergersi di nuovo nel bacio, cercando di tener lontano ricordi sfumati di rosso, la strana sensazione di labbra fredde e calde contro la pelle.”
Il crepuscolo dei vampiri, quarto capitolo della serie L’eredità dei Gardella, è ambientato dell’estate del 1841 e ha come vicenda principale il complotto di Lilith, regina indiscussa dei vampiri, e l’incoronazione di re Giorgio IV che, poverino, si trova a dover scappare da una moglie trasformata in vampiro.
Victoria è sempre più combattuta su chi amare: Max, il cacciatore d’adozione con un carattere burbero o Sebastian, un cacciatore nato dal ceppo dei Gardella, un uomo con un sex appeal invidiabile e capace di far cadere ogni donna ai suoi piedi?
Fu un bacio rabbioso, feroce; un disperato scontro di bocche, labbra contro labbra, lingua contro lingua, e ancora, ancora finché lei non rimase completamente senza fiato, ma riluttante a fermarsi per respirare.
C’è da dire, inoltre, che questo è un romanzo carico di aspettative!
Innanzitutto spero che nel capitolo finale della serie finalmente sceglierà tra i due, soprattutto perché qui vediamo un Max super presente, un uomo che non ha più paura di esprimere i propri sentimenti e di combattere per ciò che vuole. Illa Gardella, invece, deve combattere contro il suo stesso sangue, nel vero senso della parola. Grazie alle due vires bullae, nonché gli amuleti di forza dei cacciatori, non è stata trasformata da Bereguard ma, appena sente l’odore del sangue, un velo rosso le appanna la vista e i sensi. Solo un combattimento con la sua nemica le farà vincere la battaglia.
Ho sempre amato la serie “Buffy l’amazzavampiri” per il carattere forte e cazzuto della protagonista, e ancor più per la sua cocciutaggine. E Victoria Gardella, Illa Gardella è così: passionale, cazzuta all’inverosimile, indipendente e una gran spaccamaroni!
La storia narrate ne Il crepuscolo dei vampiri è ricca di personaggi nuovi e vecchi, di avvenimenti, è un susseguirsi di colpi di scena, è coinvolgente all’inverosimile, è un fantasy paranormal romance di cui non si può fare a meno!
Maljka - per RFS
Ardente e umida la bocca di lui coprì la sua, e lei tenne il viso fermo in modo che egli potesse esplorarla e assaporarla. Dita calde le strinsero la base della mascella, e Victoria sollevò il mento per trarre un rapido respiro, prima di immergersi di nuovo nel bacio, cercando di tener lontano ricordi sfumati di rosso, la strana sensazione di labbra fredde e calde contro la pelle.”
Il crepuscolo dei vampiri, quarto capitolo della serie L’eredità dei Gardella, è ambientato dell’estate del 1841 e ha come vicenda principale il complotto di Lilith, regina indiscussa dei vampiri, e l’incoronazione di re Giorgio IV che, poverino, si trova a dover scappare da una moglie trasformata in vampiro.
Victoria è sempre più combattuta su chi amare: Max, il cacciatore d’adozione con un carattere burbero o Sebastian, un cacciatore nato dal ceppo dei Gardella, un uomo con un sex appeal invidiabile e capace di far cadere ogni donna ai suoi piedi?
Fu un bacio rabbioso, feroce; un disperato scontro di bocche, labbra contro labbra, lingua contro lingua, e ancora, ancora finché lei non rimase completamente senza fiato, ma riluttante a fermarsi per respirare.
C’è da dire, inoltre, che questo è un romanzo carico di aspettative!
Innanzitutto spero che nel capitolo finale della serie finalmente sceglierà tra i due, soprattutto perché qui vediamo un Max super presente, un uomo che non ha più paura di esprimere i propri sentimenti e di combattere per ciò che vuole. Illa Gardella, invece, deve combattere contro il suo stesso sangue, nel vero senso della parola. Grazie alle due vires bullae, nonché gli amuleti di forza dei cacciatori, non è stata trasformata da Bereguard ma, appena sente l’odore del sangue, un velo rosso le appanna la vista e i sensi. Solo un combattimento con la sua nemica le farà vincere la battaglia.
Ho sempre amato la serie “Buffy l’amazzavampiri” per il carattere forte e cazzuto della protagonista, e ancor più per la sua cocciutaggine. E Victoria Gardella, Illa Gardella è così: passionale, cazzuta all’inverosimile, indipendente e una gran spaccamaroni!
La storia narrate ne Il crepuscolo dei vampiri è ricca di personaggi nuovi e vecchi, di avvenimenti, è un susseguirsi di colpi di scena, è coinvolgente all’inverosimile, è un fantasy paranormal romance di cui non si può fare a meno!
Maljka - per RFS
April 13, 2010
I've been following Gleason's Gardella Chronicles from its inception. A mix of sub-genre's- is it historical romance? PNR? Fantasy? who can say, either way I love the hook of a Venator, (that's vampire slayer to you and me), from Jane Austen's world.
Like many of you following this series as well, the love triangle between Victoria- head Vamp Slayer and Illa Gardella in Gleason's world- and her two men, Max and Sebastian, keeps me coming back as well!
Continuing where Book 3- The Bleeding Dusk- left off, Victoria awakens with those she cares about most hovering over her. Concern over the fact she drank the Vampire Beauregard's blood at the end of the last novel, has left them on pins and needles as to whether Victoria will turn Vamp. It has kept them by her bedside since she slew Beauregard and saved the day once again. But because of the presence of not one, but TWO vis bulla- piercings that give added power to Venators in Gleason world- she was able to hold off the turning that would have happened to anyone else if they had not been she ... at least for now.
Immediately upon her return to London, Victoria is reluctantly thrust back into the world of the ton with her oblivious mother scheming once again to get her married off. But Illa Gardella is not the only one to return to London. The dreaded Lilith- Queen of the Vamps- is back too and she has a plan. A plan that Victoria, Max and Sebastian must uncover and thwart before all of London falls prey to Lilith and her evil horde.
I loved, LOVED, the way this book came together. The beginning started off kind of slow for me, but by the time Victoria- and thereby us- understood why she must remain within London's elite society, I was with her all the way! It was very cool how the author played with history in WTB and I liked that aspect of the plot immensely. (Love alternate history story lines and this one has an edge of it!) I also liked the internal tug of war for Victoria's soul that played out throughout the novel ... and it's eventual resolution. (Because, like the character Wayren, I happen to believe that selfish actions are the seed of all evil as well!)
There were several threads coming together in WTB from the previous novels and I liked how Gleason tied them up- especially the love triangle aspect! Of course the door is always open, and everything in that regard is probably not tied up, but I hope- PRAY- she keeps on with where I think she's going!
Like many of you following this series as well, the love triangle between Victoria- head Vamp Slayer and Illa Gardella in Gleason's world- and her two men, Max and Sebastian, keeps me coming back as well!
Continuing where Book 3- The Bleeding Dusk- left off, Victoria awakens with those she cares about most hovering over her. Concern over the fact she drank the Vampire Beauregard's blood at the end of the last novel, has left them on pins and needles as to whether Victoria will turn Vamp. It has kept them by her bedside since she slew Beauregard and saved the day once again. But because of the presence of not one, but TWO vis bulla- piercings that give added power to Venators in Gleason world- she was able to hold off the turning that would have happened to anyone else if they had not been she ... at least for now.
Immediately upon her return to London, Victoria is reluctantly thrust back into the world of the ton with her oblivious mother scheming once again to get her married off. But Illa Gardella is not the only one to return to London. The dreaded Lilith- Queen of the Vamps- is back too and she has a plan. A plan that Victoria, Max and Sebastian must uncover and thwart before all of London falls prey to Lilith and her evil horde.
I loved, LOVED, the way this book came together. The beginning started off kind of slow for me, but by the time Victoria- and thereby us- understood why she must remain within London's elite society, I was with her all the way! It was very cool how the author played with history in WTB and I liked that aspect of the plot immensely. (Love alternate history story lines and this one has an edge of it!) I also liked the internal tug of war for Victoria's soul that played out throughout the novel ... and it's eventual resolution. (Because, like the character Wayren, I happen to believe that selfish actions are the seed of all evil as well!)
There were several threads coming together in WTB from the previous novels and I liked how Gleason tied them up- especially the love triangle aspect! Of course the door is always open, and everything in that regard is probably not tied up, but I hope- PRAY- she keeps on with where I think she's going!
January 2, 2019
Questo quarto romanzo della serie di Victoria è stato decisamente meglio del terzo! Tutta un'altra cosa!
E' come sempre pieno di azione, e so di ripetermi ma le scene di caccia e uccisione di vampiri sono le migliori che ho mai letto, la Gleason è davvero bravissima in questo.
E non è tutto: c'è una scena bellissima che mi ha fatto battere il cuore e che sinceramente aspettavo dal primo romanzo! Sono gasatissima, leggerò al più presto l'ultimo volume di questa serie per sapere cosa succede!
E Sebastian... mi ha deluso parecchio, ma in qualche modo me lo aspettavo.
E' come sempre pieno di azione, e so di ripetermi ma le scene di caccia e uccisione di vampiri sono le migliori che ho mai letto, la Gleason è davvero bravissima in questo.
E non è tutto: c'è una scena bellissima che mi ha fatto battere il cuore e che sinceramente aspettavo dal primo romanzo! Sono gasatissima, leggerò al più presto l'ultimo volume di questa serie per sapere cosa succede!
E Sebastian... mi ha deluso parecchio, ma in qualche modo me lo aspettavo.
July 21, 2014
วิกตอเรียมีเลือดของแวมไพร์ปนเปื้อน แต่หล่อนไม่กลายเป็นแวมไพร์ แม้ว่าเซบาสติยงจะสามารถสัมผัสได้ว่าทุกครั้งที่อยู่ใกล้หล่อนต้นคอของเขาจะเย็นเฉียบแค่ไหนก็ตาม
ศพของหญิงสาวที่ถูกพบในเวลากลางวันทำให้วิกตอเรียสันนิษฐานว่าตอนนี้มีแวมไพร์บางกลุ่มออกมาเดินเพ่นพล่านและฆ่าผู้คนตามใจชอบ สาเหตุก็มาจากหน้ากระดาษที่เซบาสติยงเคยขโมยจากคอนซิเลียมไปให้โบรีการ์ด(เล่มที่แล้ว)
วิกตอเรียตกเป็นผู้ต้องสงสัยในทันทีที่มีคนมาพบเธออยู่กับศพ แม้ว่าวิกตอเรียจะสะกดรอยตามซารา อดีตคู่หมั้นของแม็กซ์มาก็ตามที ทุกอย่างถูกจัดฉากขึ้นโดยไม่่ต้องสงสัย
ลิลลิธจับตัววิกตอเรียไปในที่สุดเพราะเชื่อว่าเธอกำลังจะกลายเป็นแวมไพร์ในไม่ช้า วิกตอเรียปฏิเสธเซบาสติยง หล่อนมีความสัมพันธ์กับเขาไม่ได้หลังจากเพิ่งผ่านเรื่องของโบรีการ์ดมา แต่วิกตอเรียกลับมีความสัมพันธ์ลึกซึ้งกับแมกซ์แทน
ซาราจับตัวเซบาสติยงและคริสตานูไป แมกซ์ก็โดนจับไปให้ลิลลิธอีกเช่นเดียวกัน วิกตอเรียตามไปช่วยและพิสูจน์ตัวเองว่าหล่อนจะไม่มีทางกลายเป็นแวมไพร์ชั่วร้ายพวกนั้น ก่อนทีลิลลิธจะหลบหนีไปในท้ายสุดเมื่อรู้ว่าตัวเองจะไม่มีทางชนะในการต่อสู้ครั้งนี้
เล่มนี้งี่เง่า งี่เง่ามาก ! ทั้งเรื่องประเด็นความสัมพันธ์รักสามเศร้าระหว่างเซบาสติยง-วิกตอเรีย-แมกซ์ ปกติเราจะชอบแนวรักสามเศร้านะ แต่สำหรับเล่มนี้เรารู้สึกเบื่อมากกว่า วิกตอเรียเป็นอะไรที่ยิ่งกว่าเบลล่าจาก Twilight เสียอีก ลังเลไม่แน่นอนกับใครสักคน ใครทำให้หล่อนหวั่นไหวหล่อนเอาหมดจ้า ! (เพลีย) ตอนท้ายที่วิกตอเรียมีความสัมพันธ์กับแมกซ์นะ ตอนอ่านเล่มหนึ่งเราคิดว่าเราต้องกรี๊ดตรงจุดนี้แน่ๆ แต่เอาจริงๆ ... แมกซ์ทำเราเสียอารมณ์มาก เขาหลบหน้าวิกตอเรีย ไม่พอใจหล่อน พอมีอะไรกันเสร็จก็ผละทันที
เซบาสติยงก็พระเอ๊ก พระเอกสำหรับเล่มนี้ เขารักวิกตอเรียแล้วก็สารภาพไปแล้วด้วย แต่กลับกลายเป็นว่าวิกตอเรียไม่มีใจให้เขาแล้วแต่ไปมีใจให้แมกซ์แทน แลดูไม่มีเหตุผลมากเลยอ่ะ ไม่มีลำดับขั้นตอน ค่อยเป็นค่อยไป เหมือนเป็นไปตามความตั้งใจของนักเขียนมากกว่าตัวละครอีกอ่ะ (เซงจริงๆ)
เนื้อเรื่องก็อ่อนปวกเปียก เบาโหวง ยิ่งกว่าพายเรือวนไปวนมาในอ่างอีก ไม่มีอะไรนอกจากลิลลิธกลับมาเพราะแมกซ์ตัดสินใจใช้ยาขี้ผึ้งและเสียความสามารถในการเป็นวีเนเตอร์ไป (ลิลลิธ นางโรคจิตไม่มีเหตุผลมากเลยอ่ะ) ซาราก็ตายง่ายไปทั้งๆที่นางร้ายกาจอย่างไม่มีเหตุผลอะไรนอกจากวิกตอเรียฆ่าพ่อตัวเอง แต่นางพาลไปทั่ว อะไรก็ไม่รู้
สรุปคือ ... ยุ่งเหยิง หนังสือชุดนี้ยิ่งอ่านยิ่งผิดหวัง เนื้อเรื่องวนไปวนมาไม่มีอะไรแปลกใหม่ ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างตัวละครก็แข็งทื่อไม่เฉียดเข้าใกล้เป็นความโรมานซ์เลยด้วยซ้ำ
ศพของหญิงสาวที่ถูกพบในเวลากลางวันทำให้วิกตอเรียสันนิษฐานว่าตอนนี้มีแวมไพร์บางกลุ่มออกมาเดินเพ่นพล่านและฆ่าผู้คนตามใจชอบ สาเหตุก็มาจากหน้ากระดาษที่เซบาสติยงเคยขโมยจากคอนซิเลียมไปให้โบรีการ์ด(เล่มที่แล้ว)
วิกตอเรียตกเป็นผู้ต้องสงสัยในทันทีที่มีคนมาพบเธออยู่กับศพ แม้ว่าวิกตอเรียจะสะกดรอยตามซารา อดีตคู่หมั้นของแม็กซ์มาก็ตามที ทุกอย่างถูกจัดฉากขึ้นโดยไม่่ต้องสงสัย
ลิลลิธจับตัววิกตอเรียไปในที่สุดเพราะเชื่อว่าเธอกำลังจะกลายเป็นแวมไพร์ในไม่ช้า วิกตอเรียปฏิเสธเซบาสติยง หล่อนมีความสัมพันธ์กับเขาไม่ได้หลังจากเพิ่งผ่านเรื่องของโบรีการ์ดมา แต่วิกตอเรียกลับมีความสัมพันธ์ลึกซึ้งกับแมกซ์แทน
ซาราจับตัวเซบาสติยงและคริสตานูไป แมกซ์ก็โดนจับไปให้ลิลลิธอีกเช่นเดียวกัน วิกตอเรียตามไปช่วยและพิสูจน์ตัวเองว่าหล่อนจะไม่มีทางกลายเป็นแวมไพร์ชั่วร้ายพวกนั้น ก่อนทีลิลลิธจะหลบหนีไปในท้ายสุดเมื่อรู้ว่าตัวเองจะไม่มีทางชนะในการต่อสู้ครั้งนี้
เล่มนี้งี่เง่า งี่เง่ามาก ! ทั้งเรื่องประเด็นความสัมพันธ์รักสามเศร้าระหว่างเซบาสติยง-วิกตอเรีย-แมกซ์ ปกติเราจะชอบแนวรักสามเศร้านะ แต่สำหรับเล่มนี้เรารู้สึกเบื่อมากกว่า วิกตอเรียเป็นอะไรที่ยิ่งกว่าเบลล่าจาก Twilight เสียอีก ลังเลไม่แน่นอนกับใครสักคน ใครทำให้หล่อนหวั่นไหวหล่อนเอาหมดจ้า ! (เพลีย) ตอนท้ายที่วิกตอเรียมีความสัมพันธ์กับแมกซ์นะ ตอนอ่านเล่มหนึ่งเราคิดว่าเราต้องกรี๊ดตรงจุดนี้แน่ๆ แต่เอาจริงๆ ... แมกซ์ทำเราเสียอารมณ์มาก เขาหลบหน้าวิกตอเรีย ไม่พอใจหล่อน พอมีอะไรกันเสร็จก็ผละทันที
เซบาสติยงก็พระเอ๊ก พระเอกสำหรับเล่มนี้ เขารักวิกตอเรียแล้วก็สารภาพไปแล้วด้วย แต่กลับกลายเป็นว่าวิกตอเรียไม่มีใจให้เขาแล้วแต่ไปมีใจให้แมกซ์แทน แลดูไม่มีเหตุผลมากเลยอ่ะ ไม่มีลำดับขั้นตอน ค่อยเป็นค่อยไป เหมือนเป็นไปตามความตั้งใจของนักเขียนมากกว่าตัวละครอีกอ่ะ (เซงจริงๆ)
เนื้อเรื่องก็อ่อนปวกเปียก เบาโหวง ยิ่งกว่าพายเรือวนไปวนมาในอ่างอีก ไม่มีอะไรนอกจากลิลลิธกลับมาเพราะแมกซ์ตัดสินใจใช้ยาขี้ผึ้งและเสียความสามารถในการเป็นวีเนเตอร์ไป (ลิลลิธ นางโรคจิตไม่มีเหตุผลมากเลยอ่ะ) ซาราก็ตายง่ายไปทั้งๆที่นางร้ายกาจอย่างไม่มีเหตุผลอะไรนอกจากวิกตอเรียฆ่าพ่อตัวเอง แต่นางพาลไปทั่ว อะไรก็ไม่รู้
สรุปคือ ... ยุ่งเหยิง หนังสือชุดนี้ยิ่งอ่านยิ่งผิดหวัง เนื้อเรื่องวนไปวนมาไม่มีอะไรแปลกใหม่ ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างตัวละครก็แข็งทื่อไม่เฉียดเข้าใกล้เป็นความโรมานซ์เลยด้วยซ้ำ
December 21, 2023
I will not give any spoilers in this book, but, I will talk about spoilers from the previous books, so if you have NOT read the previous books in this series- then I do not recommend reading this review until you have, because it DOES contain SPOILERS from PREVIOUS books.
WOW!!! This book is amazing! There is more action than any of the previous books! In my opinion the second and third book were very dark. While this one seems more of the same, you can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel (which would be book 5- As Shadows Fade). At the end of book 3 you see that Victoria starts to realize Max’s feelings, and her own as well. Well, in this book the love triangle heats up as Victoria cares for both Sebastian and Max. The main plot in this book is that everyone returns to London from Rome. That includes Lilith who wants Max and Victoria. Victoria does her best to protect Max because (at the end of book 3) had to give up his Venator powers. The funny thing is that both Max and Sebastian (who has re-embraced is Venator status) are trying to protect Victoria because Beauregard had kidnapped her and tried to turn her into a vampire. So, Victoria does have Beauregard’s blood in her, but she has yet to fully turn into a vampire. Everyone is anxiously waiting to see if Victoria’s two vis bullae are enough to hold off the turn. The last 100 pages of this book are action packed. Be prepared to want to immediately pick up the 5th and final book in this series after finishing in this book!
WOW!!! This book is amazing! There is more action than any of the previous books! In my opinion the second and third book were very dark. While this one seems more of the same, you can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel (which would be book 5- As Shadows Fade). At the end of book 3 you see that Victoria starts to realize Max’s feelings, and her own as well. Well, in this book the love triangle heats up as Victoria cares for both Sebastian and Max. The main plot in this book is that everyone returns to London from Rome. That includes Lilith who wants Max and Victoria. Victoria does her best to protect Max because (at the end of book 3) had to give up his Venator powers. The funny thing is that both Max and Sebastian (who has re-embraced is Venator status) are trying to protect Victoria because Beauregard had kidnapped her and tried to turn her into a vampire. So, Victoria does have Beauregard’s blood in her, but she has yet to fully turn into a vampire. Everyone is anxiously waiting to see if Victoria’s two vis bullae are enough to hold off the turn. The last 100 pages of this book are action packed. Be prepared to want to immediately pick up the 5th and final book in this series after finishing in this book!
June 19, 2013
I can't believe I never wrote a proper review for this book. Well, I'm reading it again because I just missed Max and Victoria's romance too much. So I will write one this time. Plus, I'm preparing myself for the spinoff that comes out today.
Review with Spoilers
This book is my favorite in the Gardella series because we finally see the culmination of the slowly built romance between Max and Victoria. It took two years for Victoria to finally realize she loved Max. It's not quite clear when Max started to have feelings for her, but I suspect since the first book. By the second book I'm certain he was already in love with her, but we never get to really see that because he is so bloody stoic and secretive all the time.
Since I'm writing this review after I re-read the book, there were quite a few parts that I skipped because I remembered more or less what happened and I really wanted to get to the part our two love birds have their showdown. So I'm sorry that I won't dwell in too many plot details.
There were a few aspects that annoyed me, like how Victoria still tried to please her annoying mother. I don't know if the scenes with her mother and her friends were devised to bring humor to the story, but I found their antics quite bothersome. But not enough to deduct a star from my rating.
And even knowing what happened to Sebastian at the end of the series, I still didn't find his character as charming as he was trying to be. There is a difference between being flirty and sleazy and I always thought Sebastian leaned more towards the later.
Review with Spoilers
This book is my favorite in the Gardella series because we finally see the culmination of the slowly built romance between Max and Victoria. It took two years for Victoria to finally realize she loved Max. It's not quite clear when Max started to have feelings for her, but I suspect since the first book. By the second book I'm certain he was already in love with her, but we never get to really see that because he is so bloody stoic and secretive all the time.
Since I'm writing this review after I re-read the book, there were quite a few parts that I skipped because I remembered more or less what happened and I really wanted to get to the part our two love birds have their showdown. So I'm sorry that I won't dwell in too many plot details.
There were a few aspects that annoyed me, like how Victoria still tried to please her annoying mother. I don't know if the scenes with her mother and her friends were devised to bring humor to the story, but I found their antics quite bothersome. But not enough to deduct a star from my rating.
And even knowing what happened to Sebastian at the end of the series, I still didn't find his character as charming as he was trying to be. There is a difference between being flirty and sleazy and I always thought Sebastian leaned more towards the later.
September 24, 2013
Finally Victoria starts becoming what she is meant to be, her young girls ways are turning to adult responsibilities. Max is still there, watching and fighting with a wonderful turn of events towards the end. Sebastian is still the sexy man in her life but perhaps not the one for her. I love the Historical background, it transports me into the story with ease. Can't wait to read the next story !!!
August 26, 2008
Book four of five - Gleason continues to deliver great characters and action. Follow Victoria as she struggles to overcome the effects of Beauregard's vampire blood infusion. Sadly, the heroine makes a choice between suitors (Max and Sebastian) - and it was not the choice I wanted!
January 8, 2023
libro molto bello e pieno di suspance dove l'attesa della conclusione è d'obbligo.la storia rivela una guerra disarmante per salvare il mondo dal male in cui spicca una storia d'amore molto travagliata naturalmente scritta in un modo molto accurato.
July 22, 2016
Omg excellent
One of the best vampire, romance book series ever. This is a must read series, if you like vampire type books. This has all the ingredients for the perfect series. I am loving it. Going to start the next book in this series.
One of the best vampire, romance book series ever. This is a must read series, if you like vampire type books. This has all the ingredients for the perfect series. I am loving it. Going to start the next book in this series.
October 8, 2013
Best book of the series so far. So glad I continued reading this series.
July 15, 2020
Mazza che stoccata finale...anche se è il penultimo.
Adaver' ! Mai vista una battuta tanto cruenta psicologicamente per i lettori posta al finale di un penultimo libro...la stoccata che ti lascia Victoria parla da se: non se lo lascerà fuggire ora che ha puntato la sua preda mhuahahaha !
Un libro mozzafiato al pari del precedente e che presagisce tutto il gusto del successivo. Lilith lascia come sempre un po' a desiderare ma i colpi di scena e le controparti maschili di Sebastian, che si è dimostrato molto più maturo e cosciente di se e Max, che invece ha svelato parte del suo essere e della sua cocciutaggine regalandomi una scena tra le lenzuola e non davvero caruccia anche se non eccessivamente spinta come si potrebbe presagire (ottimo gusto comunque per l'autrice) eventi futuri e menate mentali future. Max, Max, Max ti ci vorrebbe una caraffa di salvi ogni sera come minimo e con tutto il mio appoggio per Vic che è stata mitica!
Assolutamente da non perdere e cercare di leggere con calma e piena di aspettative per la conclusione futura che non tarderà a giungere fortunatamente voglio l'ultimo!
Adaver' ! Mai vista una battuta tanto cruenta psicologicamente per i lettori posta al finale di un penultimo libro...la stoccata che ti lascia Victoria parla da se: non se lo lascerà fuggire ora che ha puntato la sua preda mhuahahaha !
Un libro mozzafiato al pari del precedente e che presagisce tutto il gusto del successivo. Lilith lascia come sempre un po' a desiderare ma i colpi di scena e le controparti maschili di Sebastian, che si è dimostrato molto più maturo e cosciente di se e Max, che invece ha svelato parte del suo essere e della sua cocciutaggine regalandomi una scena tra le lenzuola e non davvero caruccia anche se non eccessivamente spinta come si potrebbe presagire (ottimo gusto comunque per l'autrice) eventi futuri e menate mentali future. Max, Max, Max ti ci vorrebbe una caraffa di salvi ogni sera come minimo e con tutto il mio appoggio per Vic che è stata mitica!
Assolutamente da non perdere e cercare di leggere con calma e piena di aspettative per la conclusione futura che non tarderà a giungere fortunatamente voglio l'ultimo!
April 18, 2011
Here is a summary of events that happened at the end of The Bleeding Dusk that lead directly to what happens in When Twilight Burns.
Victoria has been bitten by the vampire Beauregard, Sebastian’s great grandfather times many times over. As she fights for her mortality with the vampires’ blood coursing throughout her veins, Sebastian and Max stand by her side, with Max ready at a moment’s notice to stake her if she turns completely. By wearing two vis bullae, she may have overcome the change to her body temporarily. However, she still has a long way to go before she is out of the woods and nobody knows for certain what will happen next, not even Wyvern.
Sebastian Vioget staked Beauregard after finding Victoria bloodied and out of her mind. He, however, should have known that he was being played by his grandfather to lure Victoria to him. Sebastian is a Venator born by having Gardella blood on his mother’s side of the family. We also know that for years he refused his calling and stood by his grandfather while vampires were killing humans. And, we also know that Sebastian is madly in love with Victoria. Sebastian is a heel and a thief who stole from the Consilium, the headquarters of the Venators, an important document that the vampires want. This leads to an elixir that vampires use in order to daylight walk. Call it the Daylight Vampire if you will.
Max Pesaro gave up his powers as a Venator in order to break Lilith the Darks aka Queen of the Vampires thrall over him. When he lost his powers, he didn’t lose his memories of who he is which allows him to kill the demon Akvan. Max has been forgiven by Victoria for killing her Aunt Eustacia at her request while he was working for the Tutela. Max is a tortured soul who even though he refuses to admit it to himself, is clearly smitten with Victoria as well even though they are like oil and water. Max's biggest mistake was offering his own father and sister to the Tutela. He has been trying to redeem himself ever since.
**When Twilight Burns opens, Victoria and Sebastian have returned to London after being away for 6 months, and are back hunting vampires. Victoria is having some difficulties remaining focused, and she is also having desires for blood. It has also been 18 months since her beloved Phillip was turned into a vampire, which lead to Victoria staking him before he could drink mortal blood. Max, on the other hand, is supposed to be in hiding away from Lilith. As suggested, he could have gone anywhere in the world to get away from her.
Sebastian is in search of Lilith’s rings called the Rings of Jubai. It seems that Lilith had 5 of them made, none of which ended up with Beauregard. They ended up with her most loyal Guardians instead. Sebastian has personally taken on the job of guardian to keep Victoria safe since she’s the last of the Gardellas. Of course, it's for his own personal gratification as well, since he can't stop and think that maybe there's something wrong with Victoria and she doesn't want to be touched.
Victoria hasn’t seen the last of the Tutela either, and now she is being set up for a fall by a Bow Street Runner named Bemis Goodwin who believes that she killed several innocent women as well as his own brother. George Starcasset and Sara Relagado have arrived in London as well and Victoria knows they are up to no good.
Victoria is also fighting her own heart in making a decision between Sebastian and Max. She also learns stunning news about why Sebastian and Max don’t trust each other, and wow, was it a shot at the heart. Max also unleashes stirring emotions on Victoria which leads to the obvious.
*
On the enough is enough front, Victoria’s mother Lady Milly is once again interfering in her daughter’s affairs by demanding that she return to society and remarry and have kids. It's bad enough that she traveled all the way to Italy and nearly became snack food for a vampire because she is a control freak and wants to take over her daughters life. She forgets that she herself has been out of society for 4 years. If there was one wish I had for this series it’s this: let the vampires or demons have her already!
On the plus side, Victoria has come a very long way since the snooty society maven we saw in the first book. She is now a confident Venator as well as their leader. She isn’t afraid to confront evil by herself, even though it puts her in harm’s way time and time again. She is a very strong and capable fighter as well, as shown at the end of the book as she is fighting off Lilith’s attempts to turn her in a vampire. The shoe is also on the other foot this time around, whereas Victoria feels the need to protect Max from Lilith, which doesn't exactly go over well.
I enjoy this series a lot, and found the addition of King George IV to the storyline and the attempt by Lilith to turn him, incredible. I like how Ms. Gleason actually did her research on the time period of Victorian England and not just made up things as she went along. This is more or less a Historical Paranormal Romance series, which I normally don't follow, but in this case, found appealing.
Ah, but the sad news is that this series ends with As Shadows Fade, and one can only hope that Victoria gets her happy ending, as well as ending the Lilith and Tutela storyline. We can only hope that she makes the right decision as to who she really belongs with.
Victoria has been bitten by the vampire Beauregard, Sebastian’s great grandfather times many times over. As she fights for her mortality with the vampires’ blood coursing throughout her veins, Sebastian and Max stand by her side, with Max ready at a moment’s notice to stake her if she turns completely. By wearing two vis bullae, she may have overcome the change to her body temporarily. However, she still has a long way to go before she is out of the woods and nobody knows for certain what will happen next, not even Wyvern.
Sebastian Vioget staked Beauregard after finding Victoria bloodied and out of her mind. He, however, should have known that he was being played by his grandfather to lure Victoria to him. Sebastian is a Venator born by having Gardella blood on his mother’s side of the family. We also know that for years he refused his calling and stood by his grandfather while vampires were killing humans. And, we also know that Sebastian is madly in love with Victoria. Sebastian is a heel and a thief who stole from the Consilium, the headquarters of the Venators, an important document that the vampires want. This leads to an elixir that vampires use in order to daylight walk. Call it the Daylight Vampire if you will.
Max Pesaro gave up his powers as a Venator in order to break Lilith the Darks aka Queen of the Vampires thrall over him. When he lost his powers, he didn’t lose his memories of who he is which allows him to kill the demon Akvan. Max has been forgiven by Victoria for killing her Aunt Eustacia at her request while he was working for the Tutela. Max is a tortured soul who even though he refuses to admit it to himself, is clearly smitten with Victoria as well even though they are like oil and water. Max's biggest mistake was offering his own father and sister to the Tutela. He has been trying to redeem himself ever since.
**When Twilight Burns opens, Victoria and Sebastian have returned to London after being away for 6 months, and are back hunting vampires. Victoria is having some difficulties remaining focused, and she is also having desires for blood. It has also been 18 months since her beloved Phillip was turned into a vampire, which lead to Victoria staking him before he could drink mortal blood. Max, on the other hand, is supposed to be in hiding away from Lilith. As suggested, he could have gone anywhere in the world to get away from her.
Sebastian is in search of Lilith’s rings called the Rings of Jubai. It seems that Lilith had 5 of them made, none of which ended up with Beauregard. They ended up with her most loyal Guardians instead. Sebastian has personally taken on the job of guardian to keep Victoria safe since she’s the last of the Gardellas. Of course, it's for his own personal gratification as well, since he can't stop and think that maybe there's something wrong with Victoria and she doesn't want to be touched.
Victoria hasn’t seen the last of the Tutela either, and now she is being set up for a fall by a Bow Street Runner named Bemis Goodwin who believes that she killed several innocent women as well as his own brother. George Starcasset and Sara Relagado have arrived in London as well and Victoria knows they are up to no good.
Victoria is also fighting her own heart in making a decision between Sebastian and Max. She also learns stunning news about why Sebastian and Max don’t trust each other, and wow, was it a shot at the heart. Max also unleashes stirring emotions on Victoria which leads to the obvious.
*
On the enough is enough front, Victoria’s mother Lady Milly is once again interfering in her daughter’s affairs by demanding that she return to society and remarry and have kids. It's bad enough that she traveled all the way to Italy and nearly became snack food for a vampire because she is a control freak and wants to take over her daughters life. She forgets that she herself has been out of society for 4 years. If there was one wish I had for this series it’s this: let the vampires or demons have her already!
On the plus side, Victoria has come a very long way since the snooty society maven we saw in the first book. She is now a confident Venator as well as their leader. She isn’t afraid to confront evil by herself, even though it puts her in harm’s way time and time again. She is a very strong and capable fighter as well, as shown at the end of the book as she is fighting off Lilith’s attempts to turn her in a vampire. The shoe is also on the other foot this time around, whereas Victoria feels the need to protect Max from Lilith, which doesn't exactly go over well.
I enjoy this series a lot, and found the addition of King George IV to the storyline and the attempt by Lilith to turn him, incredible. I like how Ms. Gleason actually did her research on the time period of Victorian England and not just made up things as she went along. This is more or less a Historical Paranormal Romance series, which I normally don't follow, but in this case, found appealing.
Ah, but the sad news is that this series ends with As Shadows Fade, and one can only hope that Victoria gets her happy ending, as well as ending the Lilith and Tutela storyline. We can only hope that she makes the right decision as to who she really belongs with.
November 25, 2022
This is book #4 in this series and the story just keeps getting better!!
This takes place the night after Victoria wakes up after Beauregard tried to turn her. Max, Wayren, and Sebastian don't have high hopes that she'll still be mortal. When Victoria wakes up confused to her whereabouts, the impossible happens. She's still mortal because she was wearing two vis bullas. But she has changed significantly. The blood from the vampire that still runs through her veins, has her devloping some of their traits. It also forces her to fight the evil that so desperately wants to take over her body with Beauregard's darkness.
Now back in London, a "daytime vampire" is possible to walk the streets undetected. When the elixir Sebastian stole from Wayren's library gets into the wrong hands, London is now crawling with vampires everywhere, leaving the Venators questioning who they are hunting.
Lilith is back and she has a plans for London, Max, and now Victoria. They just need to stay one step ahead of her.
A must read!! Can't wait to read the final book next!
This takes place the night after Victoria wakes up after Beauregard tried to turn her. Max, Wayren, and Sebastian don't have high hopes that she'll still be mortal. When Victoria wakes up confused to her whereabouts, the impossible happens. She's still mortal because she was wearing two vis bullas. But she has changed significantly. The blood from the vampire that still runs through her veins, has her devloping some of their traits. It also forces her to fight the evil that so desperately wants to take over her body with Beauregard's darkness.
Now back in London, a "daytime vampire" is possible to walk the streets undetected. When the elixir Sebastian stole from Wayren's library gets into the wrong hands, London is now crawling with vampires everywhere, leaving the Venators questioning who they are hunting.
Lilith is back and she has a plans for London, Max, and now Victoria. They just need to stay one step ahead of her.
A must read!! Can't wait to read the final book next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Victoria, our vampire hunter, battles many challenges and barely makes it out alive. The vampires have discovered an elixir that enables daylight exposure. But only a specific few have access to this special serum, and one is killing during the daylight hours. There is an investigation of these daylight deaths and because Victoria is sighted at all of them, she is accused by the constable of committing the murders.
Not only is she battling vampires, but she is also in a battle with her own emotions as she comes to terms with the temptations of personal relationships. There is some romance as Victoria tries to decide about Max and Sebastian but there is no heat in the romance or love scenes.
Overall, the action is written well and there is a great storyline with some romance. I am looking forward to the next and last book in the series.
Not only is she battling vampires, but she is also in a battle with her own emotions as she comes to terms with the temptations of personal relationships. There is some romance as Victoria tries to decide about Max and Sebastian but there is no heat in the romance or love scenes.
Overall, the action is written well and there is a great storyline with some romance. I am looking forward to the next and last book in the series.
April 7, 2020
This book!!! Ugh.... what a disappointment. The book started great with a mystery, murder, and our favorite characters until it wasn’t so great. Loved this whole series until the ending and I will not be reading more. Sebastian has always be fun and finally proclaims his love to Victoria but what does she do..... walk away. I can’t stand Max, why is he still even in the book..... he is rude, disrespectful, and yet she holds affection for him 🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️🙅🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2017
SPOILERS: I was really looking forward to this book as I loved the idea of the half vampire thing... but I was a bit disappointed as how it was resolved... or better said that it was at all... Didn't think this part was a strong as the ones before but it was still a good read though. And I really liked the nudge to King George and Queen Caroline. Looking forward to the final chapter.
December 14, 2017
FINALLY! A love triangle that has persisted over the course of 3 books is resolved! Really enjoyed this one, maybe a little more so than the last one. More from Max, Lilith is back and Victoria faces a personal crisis. Only one book left in this series! Looking forward to seeing how everything turns out! 4/5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2018
Colleen Gleason is a brilliant author. This book and the others in the series are very very exciting. Packed with action. Victoria Gardella is a vampire slayer at a time when women were expected to attend balls and fill up dance cards. She takes on armies of vampires with Max a fellow vampire slayer and her not so trustworthy, friend Sebastian.
November 7, 2017
Hard to put down
I am addicted to this series. Victoria Gardella is a fine heroine and I have grown more fond of her as she has evolved in character. Couldn't give the story 5 stars as the love line did not go the way I was rooting for :(
I am addicted to this series. Victoria Gardella is a fine heroine and I have grown more fond of her as she has evolved in character. Couldn't give the story 5 stars as the love line did not go the way I was rooting for :(
March 14, 2018
Ora, mi piacerebbe davvero capire come si possa provare “un turbine di piacere nel ventre” mentre si sta camminando nella melma delle fogne. Colleen sa essere davvero passionale e romantica. Me lo sono ritrovato fra le mani, ma questa simil-Buffy proprio non ci azzecca nulla con me. Adieu.
November 18, 2019
Victoria, Max and Sebastian
Victoria Gardella, the Summa Gardenella, has overcome the Vampire bite. She has also overcome her attraction to Sebastian, and is now firmly attracted to Max.
Characterization and plotting are good.
Victoria Gardella, the Summa Gardenella, has overcome the Vampire bite. She has also overcome her attraction to Sebastian, and is now firmly attracted to Max.
Characterization and plotting are good.
May 29, 2021
I'm not a fan of love triangles. After finishing this 4th book not only do I think Victoria is kind of a B. because she completely destroyed a character I rather liked. Now I'm struggling through the last book because I don't really like her character anymore
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