As Shadows Fade by C. Gleason

As the final novel in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason, As Shadows Fade was a superb way of ending the series.

While Sebastian Vioget appears to be both the perfect warrior and lover to ensure the Gardella Legacy, Victoria cannot forget Max Pesaro – the former slayer still haunted by the vampire queen Lilith’s obsession with him.

But it is Lilith’s obsession that may save all of humanity. Demons, enemies of both mortals and the undead, have found their way to earth. To defeat them, vampires and slayers must fight side by side. But Lilith wants Max in return for her cooperation & a small price for the world, but too high a price for Victoria.

It’s sad to know this is the end of the Gardella Chronicles, but man was it a great story.  Not only do we have a resolution for the Max/Victoria relationship, but Sebastian gets his own HEA as well – although it won’t happen right away.  I really loved the way Gleason wrapped up the love triangle without making it really cheesy.  I do have to say that the ending to the one main obstacle in Victoria and Max’s relationship was kind of obvious, but it was done really well.  There were quite a few twists thrown in that kept the story from being predictable (not that I’m saying it is in the first place, but the conclusion was spectacular.

Even though this was the fifth and final book in the series, we were still given some great development on all the characters involved.  This also includes a lot of the supporting characters.  We get a glimpse into who they are without detracting from the story, and yet their contributions to the plot are solid.

I’ve come across series finales in the past and there have been times where the novel left me with more questions about what was going to happen to the main characters.  Gleason doesn’t do that in the least.  She not only gives a spectacular conclusion to all story arcs, but she does it without “making it so“.  Everything logically falls into place and it really left me with the one thing I love the most – the desire to return to her world.  Max and Victoria have had their story, I’m happy with that ending; but I’m really hoping to see what paths Sebastian takes and the obstacles that are now thrown into his path.  She’s given him a great opportunity at redeeming himself and I want to be there to see it happen.  I can only hope that we’ll get to see more of him in the future.  Wouldn’t it be great if we were to be welcomed back to the world with Victoria’s daughter or granddaughter at the helm?

Overall, I am still in awe of this series. The story is fabulous; Gleason leaves the reader wanting more without leaving them hanging; and all of the characters have fabulous personalities that fit so well into the story.  I love a good historical romance and the Gardella Chronicles is definitely one that should be tried by all.

Read Order:
The Rest Falls Away – excerpt
Rises the Night – excerpt
The Bleeding Dusk – excerpt
When Twilight Burns – excerpt
As Shadows Fade – excerpt

Also reviewed by:
Stuff as Dreams are Made on
So Many Books, So Little Time
A Reader’s Journal