Reviews with content warning for Blood - Gallant

Reviews tagging 'Blood'

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

175 reviews

rinku's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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taffysnail's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Definitely an interesting read to explore deeper but nothing that'll change the way you think or something you'll remember for years to come. I do like the overall concept but I feel like it could've been executed better. Also, if you're like me and you're irked by grammatical errors this might not be the book for you.

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lisa_m's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

2.75

I liked a lot of things about this book but I feel like there isn't a lot of story to it, mostly just vibes and backstory.

I really liked reading about a mute main character and about how she is communicating with other people.
I liked Olivia as a character and her thoughts and storys where really interesting to read about.

But I constantly felt like I was stuck in the build-up phase of the book. The book is quite short and that also means that the main story is underdeveloped. All the characters besides Olivia are not really flushed out that well and even the main story of the wall and the not-Gallant felt under explained.

The ending was the biggest let-down for me.

It is not really an ending but just exactly the same as where we started. The big conflict of the book is not solved. The emotional conflict of her wanting a family does not have a conclusion either because the other characters don't have real personalities. It's just "you choose your family" but it glosses over the fact that she not only looses the last living family she has, the last piece connecting her to her mother (the diary) and does not get many real answers about her father & mother either.

Realistically she just took over Matthews place and is now probably going to die soon. What also bothered me was that the main "adventure" / rescue Mission was completely useless. Honestly the Priors would have been so much better off if Olivia hadn't come. Matthew would still be alive, the Master would be Locked away and nobody would have hope that then gets shattered. They truly do not gain anything from her being there which is sad when you think about it.

It was really beautifully written though. I enjoyed the spooky vibes and what we got from the worldbuilding was interesting too.
I just don't like how the story went and it feels unfinished.

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hal00alex's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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doodeedoda's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

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boydgirl's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced

4.0

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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

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dark mysterious slow-paced

4.0

The book was a lot slower for my taste, especially when it comes to fantasy novels. I had a difficult time getting into it, especially in the beginning-I switched to audio every once in awhile. Luckily it picked up more in the second half, and I didn’t want to put it down after that. It’s definitely a slow burn fantasy horror/mystery, that’s more character driven!

Beautiful descriptions and enjoyed Schwab’s writing style. I loved the concept and the creepy/gothic vibes; it’s a perfect fantasy novel for October! 💀

I felt like we didn’t get to know the characters super well, like I really wanted more about Matthew and Olivia’s parents. The climax felt so rushed especially with how quickly it was solved. I wanted more time with the characters and the conflict resolution! Despite its short length though, the world building was amazing. I felt like I was there with Olivia and was especially grabbed in the second half!

The ending was well done. Even though the climax was rushed, it does still wrap things up nicely. But it also left it slightly open in a way to imagine what the future of Gallant could hold!

Overall I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a creepy but not scary autumn read; whether you’re a big fantasy reader or not (like me)!

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