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clairew97's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Abandonment, Ableism, Child death, Death of parent, Grief, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
kari_f's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
“Something wriggles inside her then, half terror and half thrill. Like when you take the stairs too fast and almost slip. The moment when you catch yourself and look down at what could have happened, some disaster narrowly escaped.”
This, like many is VE’s books, definitely has a slow burn first half. I quite enjoy this about her work, though, because the sudden moment when it all comes together is that much more exciting when I’ve got a firm grasp on the character and world in which the story takes place! In Gallant, there is a sense of quiet dread that kind of lurks just beyond what the reader can see. The paranormal-gothic vibes are on point, complete with a slowly decaying mansion, mysterious tenants who evade questioning, skulking ghouls, a remote countryside with nary a creature in sight, and a crumbling garden wall with a door that seems to lead to nowhere.
The reader is inside the head of a protagonist who cannot speak, and we have the benefit of having access to her internal voice, ponderings, and confusion. She’s a character with depth and ferocity, and much like Schwab’s previous female protagonists, she’s unconventional and you can’t help but love her. I do tend to prefer the author’s older, adult characters, but I felt like Olivia was well-written. I enjoyed her curiosity, her stubbornness, and her internal sarcasm!
I do wish that we’d gotten more of the other characters fleshed out. Since this isn’t supposed to be part of a series, I’m hoping that VE will put out some short stories and/or a graphic novel that delves into the lives of the others residing on the premises, because I have so many questions about them! I also wish the ending had a little bit more conflict and depthto it. The last few chapters felt really quick, and I would have liked to have a bit…more.
Overall I quite enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it for those who enjoy middle-grade-to-YA books with hauntingly eerie atmospheres.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and VE Schwab for this advanced reader copy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Ableism, Child abuse, Death, and Death of parent
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