Member Reviews
Olivia is unwillingly mute. She doesn’t know why she can’t speak and it’s frustrating to her. She’s lived in an orphanage for as long as she can remember but she has her mother’s journal; it’s a treasure to her. Olivia reads the journal as often as possible because it gives her hope. One day, she receives a letter signed by her Uncle Arthur. The letter tells her that Arthur has searched for her and finally found her. He wants her to come home to Gallant. She’s read in her mother’s journal that she’ll be safe as long as she stays away from Gallant. Until Arthur’s letter, Olivia didn’t know what Gallant was. She knows, from reading the journal, that her mother struggled with reality at the end of her life, so Olivia assumes that the warning about Gallant is just rambling. She arrives at the house and is rebuked by Matthew, the only other Prior heir left besides Olivia. Hannah and Edgar serve the Gallant house and take good care of Olivia and help her feel like she belongs there. Matthew tells her that she needs to leave but he doesn’t explain why. Olivia searches the house and the grounds, becoming familiar with it all. She discovers a shadow Gallant filled with danger and death. She has to quickly learn about Gallant’s darkness and what the family’s tie is to it. A quick supernatural read, under three hundred pages, with a strong, capable main character, 5 stars!
We all know V.E Schwab is my favorite author, and she never lets me down! No matter what kind of book she writes, young adult or adult, it always comes out pure gold. Highly recommend!!
I'm sorry I struggled to get into this one. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood. I will try again eventually.
I will read anything by V.E. Schwab at this point. Her writing and storytelling skills are exceptional.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab is a captivating read for fans of dark, atmospheric fantasy and horror who are drawn to stories that explore the complexities of family, mortality, and the blurred lines between life and death, with a unique blend of eerie atmosphere and lush world-building that will appeal to readers of Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, and Melissa Albert.
A great modern YAA gothic story. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters, setting, and originality of the plot. I am so glad to know that the novel is stand-alone.
My apologies, I was unable to get the netgalley link to work on this one. I really wanted to read it but couldn't figure out how to open it on my kindle, so I didn't get to read it. I do love this author, though!
I was disappointed in this book since I have loved a darker shade of magic trilogy. The story progressed too slow for my liking and I couldn’t connect with the characters.
An atmospheric and gothic mystery that is very on-brand for VE Schwab. I enjoyed the way the mystery unraveled through various mediums and wove a sad but beautiful tale of forbidden romances across shadowy realms that should remain behind locked doors. Ultimately a tale about discovering one’s history and finding a place of belonging, this is an ideal autumn read for fans of fantasy-laced mysteries and moody, gothic settings.
This book tries to fill all of our darkest dark academic feels, however, it just didn't speak to me nor did I enjoy reading it.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab is a dark tale of finding home, your true home, even if it isn’t the golden dream you thought it would be. Intriguing characters that are driven by their needs, disappointments, and their ling forgotten dreams. The start was slow but once the plot begins to pick up, it’s a fast pace drive to the end.
Gallant is not at all what I expected. This is a bit of a ghost story, a bit of a lost girl story, and very much in the vein of The Secret Garden. There is weirdness and pairing of worlds, and there is drama inside and outside of the house of the title. That said, I think this read as very YA to me. Nice enough writing, but perhaps a little lacking in substance. Four stars for the fantastic cover and great style, tempered with the expectation that this is really appropriate for a younger and perhaps less plot-driven audience.
Definitely worth handing to the pre-teens and teens in your life, however.
It's been a year and I still can't write a full review of Gallant. This beautifully written story about a lone girl who can see ghosts is the definition of the word haunting. I think of it as a mix of Coraline and the Secret Garden. It's just like Schwab to come up with such a darkly unique story that made me so emotional that I sobbed at the end-- which is a rare occurrence.
This was such a fun and unique read. I thought the story was super interesting and had such a different take on a lot of things. I liked the use of ghouls/ghosts/shadows, you name it. Love a good fantasy type book and this one did its job! This story had me flipping pages so fast because I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next, it was so mysterious and made me curious to know what was going to happen.
Full review on YouTube
This was a hauntingly beautiful read I knew I would immediately fall in love with. The writing was lyrical and perfect for the atmosphere of this book. I found myself getting chills at times and loved every character we met, good and bad. V.E. Schwab can do no wrong in my eyes and this book was a major example of that. The setting was also an incredible positive in the reading experience of this book. It is perfect for the dark, gloomy fall days coming up.
I don't think it was the right time for me to read this. I will try again in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley / Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for a review.
I think maybe I'm just not a VE Schwab girlie... and that's okay. I can appreciate that there is a reader out there for her books and it's just not me.
Gallant is yet another amazing story by VE Schwab. The characters are relatable, the plot is suspenseful, and in general it is an amazing read for fans of similar books. Close to the Dark Duet series, Gallant remains true to the realistic suspense and horror genre that VE Schwab enjoys to dabble in for her teen series. If you are a previous fan, you will continue to be a fan.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab is an enthralling and action-packed novel that showcases the author's masterful storytelling and unique world-building abilities. The book follows the story of a young woman named Tavia, who possesses a rare and dangerous ability to control the elements. Set in a world where magic is both feared and coveted, Tavia must navigate a dangerous and complex political landscape to uncover the truth about her powers and save those she loves.
One of the standout features of the book is Schwab's vivid and intricate world-building, which immerses readers in a world filled with magic, danger, and political intrigue. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with Tavia being a particularly compelling protagonist whose struggles and triumphs will resonate with readers of all ages.
Schwab's writing is as sharp and engaging as ever, and the book's fast-paced plot and unexpected twists will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, Gallant is a thrilling and enjoyable read that showcases V.E. Schwab's talent for creating complex and engaging worlds filled with memorable characters and exciting adventures. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, action, and adventure.
Gallant is an atmospheric and beautiful novel. VE Schwab's writing always captures a certain mood and tone, and I always end my reading of her novels wanting more!