Scan barcode
A review by anotherbooklady
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
5.0
Home Is A Choice
I have never read a book by V.E. Schwab-I’ve had “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” sitting on my TBR shelf for quite some time, but thanks to an Audible sale and great reviews, I decided to read THIS book first. Several readers actually stated that this stand-alone novel was actually a great introduction to Schwab’s writing.
The book had me at the dedication: “To those who go looking for doors, are brave enough to open the ones they find, and sometimes bold enough to make their own.” I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I could feel the promise of an unforgettable story.
Olivia Prior is 14 years old and has lived the majority of her life at the Merilance School for Girls. Her only connection to her past is the green leather-bound journal that belonged to her mother which appears to show a woman falling into madness. One day a letter arrives at the school, inviting Olivia to come home to Gallant-the family home. When Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her, but she is determined to stay, to become a part of a family. Her cousin, Matthew, doesn’t want her there, there are half-formed ghouls lurking around every corner, and secrets that no one is willing to share with her.
I don’t want to share anymore, because this story is SO good and there is so much to uncover. The writing is beautiful and detailed. I think Olivia Prior is going to be another favorite character. I’ve never read another protagonist like Olivia and I don’t think I ever will again. Olivia felt REAL, that’s just how incredibly developed she is as a character. V.E. Schwab definitely took her time piecing this story together. The plot is just so fleshed out, the story is so complete. My only (slight) criticism is that I would have loved a little more background on the characters of Hannah and Edgar, but that’s more of a “me” thing and absolutely does not take anything away from this story. It’s a scary book, without being scary-if that makes any sense at all. This has been my favorite spooky season read so far this year, actually one of my favorite books this year-period.
The illustrations by Manuel Šumberac are also incredible and I found myself constantly inspecting the images-they tell their own story and they blend in so beautifully. I HIGHLY recommend reading along with the audiboook. The reader, Julian Rhind-Tutt gives an incredible performance and sets a perfect tone and mood to the story.
I have never read a book by V.E. Schwab-I’ve had “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” sitting on my TBR shelf for quite some time, but thanks to an Audible sale and great reviews, I decided to read THIS book first. Several readers actually stated that this stand-alone novel was actually a great introduction to Schwab’s writing.
The book had me at the dedication: “To those who go looking for doors, are brave enough to open the ones they find, and sometimes bold enough to make their own.” I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I could feel the promise of an unforgettable story.
Olivia Prior is 14 years old and has lived the majority of her life at the Merilance School for Girls. Her only connection to her past is the green leather-bound journal that belonged to her mother which appears to show a woman falling into madness. One day a letter arrives at the school, inviting Olivia to come home to Gallant-the family home. When Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her, but she is determined to stay, to become a part of a family. Her cousin, Matthew, doesn’t want her there, there are half-formed ghouls lurking around every corner, and secrets that no one is willing to share with her.
I don’t want to share anymore, because this story is SO good and there is so much to uncover. The writing is beautiful and detailed. I think Olivia Prior is going to be another favorite character. I’ve never read another protagonist like Olivia and I don’t think I ever will again. Olivia felt REAL, that’s just how incredibly developed she is as a character. V.E. Schwab definitely took her time piecing this story together. The plot is just so fleshed out, the story is so complete. My only (slight) criticism is that I would have loved a little more background on the characters of Hannah and Edgar, but that’s more of a “me” thing and absolutely does not take anything away from this story. It’s a scary book, without being scary-if that makes any sense at all. This has been my favorite spooky season read so far this year, actually one of my favorite books this year-period.
The illustrations by Manuel Šumberac are also incredible and I found myself constantly inspecting the images-they tell their own story and they blend in so beautifully. I HIGHLY recommend reading along with the audiboook. The reader, Julian Rhind-Tutt gives an incredible performance and sets a perfect tone and mood to the story.