Gallant by Victoria Schwab is a standalone young adult novel. I have only read one other book by Victoria (V.E.) Schwab and I fell in love with the way she writes. When I found out about Gallant, I didn’t realize that it was a soon to be published book. Then I went to the bookstore without knowing its publishing date and saw it front and center. It was an instant buy. Like always, I will not have any spoilers for Gallant. However, since this book is so new, if you consider quotes to be spoilers then I suggest you take caution in that section.
SPACE
Plot
Growing up at Merilance School for girls, Olivia Prior only has her mother’s journal from her past, which slowly spirals into madness. Then, out of nowhere, Olivia receives a letter inviting her to come home to Gallant. However, when she arrives, it seems no one was expecting her. Despite her cousin, Matthew, being cold and rude while trying to get her to leave, Olivia refuses to leave the first place she feels at home.
Gallant hides secrets, and knowing this, Olivia is determined to reveal them. Then Olivia goes over a ruined wall at just the right moment and lands in a world that’s Gallant, but isn’t. This Gallant is decaying, ghouls are solid, and a large dark figure rules over the manor. Now Olivia has seen what has slowly destroyed generations of her family, and possibly the place where her father came from.
Always wanting to belong somewhere, will Olivia take her place with the Priors or with the Master of the House?
Review
First, I really enjoyed Gallant and it was a quick read for me. Even though it’s a quick read, the story is great, spooky, and interesting. I literally couldn’t put this book down, I believe I finished it in four days. Not only is the story great, but the main character, Olivia Prior, is too.
Now Olivia is an orphan that doesn’t seem to belong anywhere. However, once she receives a letter she is reunited with what’s left of her family. For a girl without a voice, Olivia is very outspoken and refuses to be ignored by her newly discovered cousin. That is my favorite thing about Olivia, she is determined and doesn’t let anything hold her back. Not only that, but her family history is very interesting as well.
Lastly, the story itself. In short, without giving anything away, Olivia learns about the Prior family legacy and duties. Although she is used to seeing ghouls, Olivia isn’t prepared at first for the shadowy mirror world. The thought of there being a world mirrored of our own is intriguing and makes you think. It’s a spooky thought especially when you add in the ghouls that Olivia can see. That then leads to the powers that live beyond the wall that adds the extra creep factor. If you like short spooky stories, you’ll enjoy Gallant.
Favorite Quotes
“I am so happy. I am so scared. The two, it turns out, can walk together, hand in hand.”
“Free – a small word for such a magnificent thing.”
“Ghosts were people once, and people come in all ways, good and bad and what’s between.”
“Tired can be a kind of sick, it it lasts long enough.”
“The dark that lives in the spaces you know you should not look, lest you catch sight of other eyes, staring back.”
Star Rating: 
/5
Spice Rating: 0
/5
Add it to Your List: Add to your Goodreads
Snag a Copy: I will always suggest getting the hard cover, but buy in any format on Amazon
Interested in other books that I’ve read? Check out my other book reviews here!
