Rating: 4.5 Stars Genre: YA/Fantasy Series/Standalone: Standalone How I got this book: Bought Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source. Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home—to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways. Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from. Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him? TW: Grief, Mild Horror, Murder, Paranormal Fantasy
I didn't actually read the blurb for this book before I bought it. I read the first page, and from that moment I was hooked. "When he opens his hand, there is nothing left but a streak of ash and rot and a few white teeth, little bigger than seeds. He tips them out onto the wasted soil and wonders what will grow." Now, this could be me being an absolute wet lettuce, but I actually found this book really quite scary and creepy. I will admit that I don't read horror at all, and while I wouldn't categorise Gallant as horror per se, it did make me jump a couple of times. The tension in Gallant is palpable, so much so that I found myself holding my breath and quite literally on the edge of my certain at certain moments, and I adored the mystery and ominosity surrounding Olivia's parents, and Gallant and it's inhabitants. I found Olivia's character really compelling. She's strong-willed, independent and incredibly brave, even when she's afraid. Abandoned as an infant on the doorstep of an orphanage for girls, and without a voice, Olivia has to defend herself with her actions. She has such a loud presence and strong inner voice that I felt an instant connection with her. I don't think I've read a book containing, or at least not centring around, a non-verbal character before, and while I can't speak for how accurate the portrayal was, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Olivia and reading a story that was delivered more through visual language and imagery than through dialogue between characters. V.E. Schwab's writing pulled me into the story quickly, and I love the imagery she conjures with her words that sits so beautifully next to the illustrations by Manuel Sumberac. The book itself is incredibly visual with journal pages and ink drawings throughout, which really help bring the story to life. While dealing with bullies, in the form of other girls and the matrons, at the Merilance School for Girls, Olivia receives a letter from an unknown relative inviting her to Gallant, her home, something she's always craved but which her mother warned her to stay away from. Suddenly faced with her hostile cousin and ghouls lining the corridors, Olivia must discover whether this "home" is one worth fighting for when death comes knocking at the door. “Perhaps you are haunting me. What a comforting thought.” I think, for me, the big twist in Gallant was the ending, which I hadn't expected, even though I don't think any other ending would have worked. It's definitely a book that I adored, and V.E. Schwab is quickly becoming one of my favourite writers. Comments are closed.
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About Kay (She/Her)
Book addict, film mad, music lover, business owner, writer and mum (not necessarily in that order), living in the UK. About Sophie (She/Her)
Sophie loves books (obviously). She has a passion for photography and spotting wildlife, and is interested in anything made with passion and creativity. THIS BLOG IS SPOILER FREE!
Rating system: 5 Stars - AMAZING!! 4.5 Stars - Almost perfect! 4 Stars - I really loved it 3.5 Stars - I liked it alot 3 Stars - I liked it (I don't typically review books that I rate below 3 stars)
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