This was surprisingly good! It wasn’t a very long book and it’s something that you can get through very easily because VES writes in a very easy manner…

This was the first time I’ve ever picked up a VES book and wasn’t sure what to expect based on aspects I have read and watched in reviews of her books.

The story is simple but even in the simplicity it’s mysterious charm kept me entertained even though reading the additional genres (horror, paranormal, mystery) are not something I typically read.

This is the perfect book for spooky season and is just a lovely Victorian Vibe with a mystery I wanted to solve…

Very "House of Usher".

I'm surprised she published this under V. E. Schwab instead of Victoria Schwab like she does for most of her YA - bc this is definitely YA, if not middle grade. I guess I was expecting something more adult, like Darker Shades of Magic or Vicious. Regardless, I wasn't terribly impressed by the characters or plot - Olivia doesn't have much character growth, and nothing super unexpected happens. The ending also felt unsatisfying, with

Matthew dying. In order for either of them to have character growth, I feel like we would've need to have seen Matthew and Olivia bond and overcome their fears to become a family... which doesn't happen.

Olivia grew up in an orphanage with nothing but her mother's very confusing journal to connect her to anyone else. Unable to speak and surrounded by people unable to sign, she's alone. Even the ghosts, that only she can see, are silent. Then, a letter arrives from a family she never knew she had.

A young adult gothic novel which features a character who struggles within an ableist institution, doesn't needlessly info dump, and doesn't waste time telling the story. Would love to see this as a movie or limited series. Quality storytelling. 

Stated by V.E. Schwab herself: "This is not a fairy tale, it is a death tale" and if I had to sum up Gallant in one sentence, that would be it. Yet again, Schwab has imagined, built and woven together every intricate detail that creates the unique history and entity of Gallant. Usually I am not a big fan of books deemed creepy or spooky but I did enjoy reading this! The build up and mystery surrounding Olivia, her past, her family and of course, Gallant. 

Gallant was well written and kept me intrigued.  Every word is carefully chosen, and every turn of phrase conjures up images that I am rendered speechless. Gallant is such a visual story and would make a fantastic TV series adaptation. I was also very impressed with how the character of Olivia was written as non-verbal as it is not the type of representation seen in many books and I do feel that the usual stereotypes are avoided. The absence of Olivia's voice will force you to hunt for answers outside the characters. It keeps the visual aspects of things in Gallant going strong. Growing up with family members who used sign language, I was also pleasantly surprised to find the character of Edgar able to sign and give Olivia that recognition and communication that she needed.

Some of my favourite quotes include:

 “But the truth is, death is everywhere. Death comes for the roses and the apples, it comes for the mice and the birds. It comes for us all. Why should death stop us from living?” 

 “It is the difference between a language spoken and one signed, the mouth shaping words while the hands shape more, words and thoughts and feelings.” 

The main reason I did not rate this book 5 stars was because I felt the ending was too quick. Schwab is by far my favourite author and I am used to her novels having a slower build and quicker ending but even for her, I felt this was just a little too quick. Nevertheless, I still really enjoyed reading all about Olivia Prior and would definitely like a prequel all about the first battle of Gallant and the Priors.

This book is such a vibe, I felt like I was right there in Gallant, right next to Olivia as she went through the story. I loved seeing a non-verbal main character and the way V. E. Schwab portrayed the issues that follow most people not being able to understand you. I felt so connected to the family and the house, and the story fully immersed me. It felt warm and soft, and also reminded me so much of watching Coraline.
I loved Olivia's energy and fire, and Matthew's quiet love and devotion, and Hannah and Edgar and their undying commitment to this family.