A review by maeverose
Gallant by V.E. Schwab

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

Basically the secret garden mixed with coraline. I loved the gothic atmosphere and the writing style. I agree that it’s a basic story, and I wanted more from it. Has the ‘not like other girls’ trope, but I didn’t feel like it was too bad. Definitely feels more middle grade than YA.

I wanted more time in the other Gallant. I felt like it was mostly build up to going there and then she wasn’t there that long, despite that being a major plot point. I also wish we knew more about how the other Gallant and the monster existed, they never really explained it. I suppose that might’ve been intentional to keep it mysterious, but I wanted to know how it came to be. I also would’ve liked to know more about Olivia’s parents’ story, but I get why that wasn’t a focus.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Suicide, and Kidnapping

Minor: Gore

The gore is just descriptions of ghosts that look like slightly decayed bodies. Spiders are also a thing.