Gallant by V.E. Schwab: Where Silence Speaks Volumes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for Girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home; it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile, or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.
Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.
Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?
If I haven’t mentioned it yet, then shame on me. Victoria Schwab is one of my all-time favorite authors. If you haven’t read The Invisible life of Addie LaRue, The Villainous Duet, or The Darker Shades of Magic series (to name a few) yet you are missing out on some good reading.
Characters: 9
The characters in Gallant feel vivid and alive, especially Olivia, whose strength and determination captivated me during reading. Even her anger and frustration was easily felt. Her journey of self-discovery is deeply moving, and the supporting cast adds complex layers to her story.
Atmosphere: 9
I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to VE Schwab’s ability to transport me to the worlds that she cooks up in her imagination. Schwab's writing is one of the book's standout qualities. The eerie, almost otherworldly mood of Gallant is palpable, drawing readers into its enigmatic and shadowy world. It's easy to feel immersed in the strange and haunting manor.
Writing Style: 10
There is something lyrical, or poetic about VE Schwab’s writing style. It just flows like music, and it fits perfectly in Gallant. It almost seems to fit perfectly to describe the thoughts and actions of the character, Olivia who uses her hands to talk, whether it’s through her signing or drawing. True to her style of storytelling, Gallant is a slow burn, but once she gets going, Schwab grips you tight and doesn’t let you go until the end of the book. And even then, you are thinking of the story long after its finished.
Plot: 9
This book is phenomenal! It’s dark. It’s creepy. It’s mysterious. It’s love. Schwab uses her talent of blending slow-burning suspense with moments of intense revelation to keep you engaged and interested in the direction the story is heading.
Intrigue: 10
From the first page to the last, the story gripped my imagination. The mysteries surrounding Olivia, her family and the house are utterly compelling, making this a page-turner in the best way. Schwab’s decision to write Gallant in third person limited perspective also added to the intrigue element.
Logic: 10
The consistency and rules of the world Schwab creates are flawlessly executed. Every twist and revelation feels earned, enhancing the story's credibility and impact.
Enjoyment: 10
Gallant is an unforgettable reading experience. I enjoyed it immensely! I have it listed as one of my favorite spooky season reads and I can’t wait until October when I curl up in the book nook to read it again. Its haunting beauty and captivating mystery create a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page
Overall, Gallant is a remarkable piece of work that showcases V.E. Schwab's unparalleled skill as a storyteller. This is a must-read for fans of gothic fantasy and those seeking a tale that is equal parts chilling and heartfelt.
