A review by mcgbreads
Gallant by V.E. Schwab

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

Okay, so this is categorized as YA, but I would argue middle grade is more fitting. I read it as a middle grade and I'm reviewing it as such. 

This was a lot better than I expected because several of the BookTubers I watch didn't vibe with it. I vibed with it very much! I started with the audiobook and then switched to ebook + audiobook for the second half when I got done with work because the writing was so beautiful that I just had to highlight stuff. 

That's one thing about my experience so far with V. E. Schwab, her writing is exquisite to me. I love the way she describes, characterizes, and sets the mood in her stories. This was no exception. I loved the main character and was very invested in what was happening.

I agree that it's a bit of a slow read, particularly in the first half, and the ending is very anticlimactic and just... easy. But, overall, I really connected to this and was enchanted by the writing. The themes of loss, grief, and desire for family, connection, and a home, mixed with whimsical horror fantasy elements really worked for me. 

The audiobook for this was great, I really enjoyed the narrator, but I do recommend checking out the ebook or physical book because the cover is beautiful, the illustrations are gorgeous, and it's easier to tell when the book switches to diary entries.