The Book You ABSOLUTELY MUST Read

I've been promising a post on the book everyone has got to read and here it is.

The book is by debut author, Colleen Gleason and will release January 2, 2007 by NAL. It's called The Rest Falls Away, but could be more accurately named The Rest Fade Away because that's what is going to happen to every book you've read before this one. Check out this blurb:

Beneath the glitter of dazzling 19th century London society lurks a bloodthirsty evil.....

Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street miliners. If not for the vampire slayer of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long taken over the world.

In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake.

But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget.

And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love.



Do you need to know any more???? C'mon, a debutate called by duty to fight vampires - in 19th century England when women had very few freedoms and darn sure couldn't wear comfortable pants for fighting?

I can't even begin to say enough about this book. And for those of you who don't know me, let me remind you all that I do not read historicals. I am history deficient.

This book is so good it makes me want to learn. I agonized over Victoria's choices and the perils of her duty right along with her. Each time I was forced to put the manuscript down and take care of my life, I worried about the characters while I was gone and found myself wondering at odd moments what was going to happen.

The writing is brilliant and concept fabulous. The characters are so well-developed you feel them like they're standing in the same room with you.

As I sit here, I am certain of one thing - Colleen Gleason is the next big name to break out in writing. I'd stake my next contract on it.