In the world of literary fiction, and the fantasy genre in particular, the name Victoria (or V.E.) Schwab holds a lot of weight. As the author of numerous novels and different series, she’s a popular and beloved actor who’s earned both respect and a good following. Although she may not be a household name like Stephen King, Harlan Coben or George R. R. Martin, she’s someone who many people will line up to buy books from.
Until recently, I only knew of V.E. Schwab as the author of the Shades of Magic series, as I’d heard a lot about those books online. I’d even borrowed one or two from the library, but had too much on my plate and didn’t get to them before returning them to their respective homes. Then The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue came out in 2020, and I decided I would sit down and read it, so that I could experience what all of the fuss was about.
Perhaps that wasn’t a good entry point. I’m really not sure. Either way, Addie LaRue wasn’t the book for me. I tried and tried to get into it, but after reading 100 or more pages, I ended up deciding to abandon it. The premise was interesting, but the story itself was slow and tedious, and I struggled to enjoy what I took in. This wasn’t helped by how much the book jumped around, or its historical settings. I sometimes struggle with slow, historical stories and period pieces, as well as high fantasy, when it comes to books, movies and TV.
A while later, I was sent information pertaining to a book called Gallant, which was to be penned and then released by none other than Victoria Schwab. A young adult read, its premise intrigued me as well, and I decided to express interest in both attending a live Zoom call with the author and receiving a review copy. It was my hope that, after investing in the book and getting to know its well respected author, I wouldn’t end up disliking a second straight release.
Thankfully, my worries were unfounded. It’s an excellent book, and something I will both remember fondly and highly recommend to others.
Gallant is the story of a teenaged orphan named Olivia Prior, who has lived at a no nonsense English boarding school since she was abandoned there at the age of two. Mute, but not deaf, she’s been bullied and treated poorly for the fact that she’s unable to speak. In fact, the other girls tease and look down on her, while considering her to be some sort of inhuman creature. She hasn’t helped herself by being willing to fight back, but good on her for doing so, even if her methods are a tad dark.
At the Merilance School for Girls, Olivia has been taught how to be a proper young lady, by matrons who don’t allow any straying from the path. They’re strict, they put the girls to work and they expect to produce women who are suited to marry and become good wives. Thus, it’s no wonder that Gallant takes place in a long gone era, in which candles and lamps are common, and cars aren’t.
Shortly after we meet fourteen year-old Olivia, she’s summoned to Gallant by an uncle she never knew existed. This creates both excitement and trepidation within our young heroine, because she’s grown up reading and obsessing over a dark journal of her mother’s. Embossed with a worn G, the green book features sanely written passages until the death of Olivia’s father, after which it all tumbles into madness. The writing gets weird and dark, and there are inkblot style drawings that take up most of their pages, but are almost indecipherable. Furthermore, those drawings sometimes seem to move. This all culminates in a short and strange letter to her daughter, which tells Olivia that she’ll be safe so long as she stays away from Gallant. Whatever that is.
Before we move on, you should also know one more thing about our protagonist: she’s able to see ghosts or ghouls, and isn’t very afraid of them, although she doesn’t enjoy their company.
As it turns out, Gallant is a massive and labyrinthine old home, which is inhabited by three humans, including a cousin who doesn’t take kindly to her appearance. There’s something those who reside within the mansion won’t talk about, though, and it’s apparent from the start. Then, Olivia learns that the family is cursed, and it all has something to do with a strange stone wall at the edge of the garden, even though said wall doesn’t extend very far.
The result is an easily readable, thoroughly intriguing and always entertaining dark fantasy novel, which I absolutely devoured. Not only is it well written, with great descriptions, depth and symbolism, but it’s also incredibly immersive and tough to put down. It also doesn’t feel like a book written for teens, and is quite dark, which I appreciated.
If you’re looking for a very good read, regardless of your age, Gallant is well worth picking up. Not only is it a quality book, but it’s one of the best I’ve read in a while. On top of that, it’s got a beautiful cover and some great illustrations to peruse.
This review is based on an early copy of the book, which we were provided with. I received a physical ARC and a digital copy through NetGalley. Receiving this book for free did not affect my judgement.