Gallant

First of all, this book was excellent. It was beautifully written. The story feels like a classic gothic novel with an orphan, ghosts, a haunted mansion, mysterious journals, plenty of time spent in old libraries and music rooms, a melancholy garden and a creepy garden wall. But all these things are written so beautifully and vividly that I really found myself absorbed into the story, and afraid to look under my bed. The creepy aspect was perfect. Just enough to make for a great gothic story without being TOO scary that you can’t sleep (unless you can’t sleep because you’re staying up reading this!)

Second. It absolutely drives me crazy when people complain that an author is “just writing this for the money”. What an absolutely idiotic take. I HOPE authors are writing for money! Making money means they get to keep writing books. And especially when a writer as diverse as V.E. Schwab tries something a little diffident for them. I love to see those things succeed so they can keep trying new things.

I hate it when people read one book they love and then complain that every other book isn’t that book. (ever notice how this is mostly done to women and minority authors?)

VE Schwab writes a lot of different styles and kinds of books. But their writing is so vivid and beautiful and their story telling is so captivating. That’s what makes them such a fun author to read.

Anyway. This book is really good and a perfect October, creepy season, read. It is a younger YA to upper Middle Grade novel so it’s not as complex as some of their other, more adult, books.

The physical book is gorgeous with beautiful illustrations that really help the story come to life. I also listened to the audio book, Narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt, which really well done. I am happy I own both.

I definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re in the mood for a gothic book or as an introduction to gothic style literature.

:: Gallant :: By VE Schwab .

What I love:

• a paranormal twist on The Secret Garden. I thought this was so wonderfully spooky, and a great mystery. It hooked me right from the start and I just needed to know how it ended
• beautiful writing, like any VE Schwab book, her writing just captivates you. And you can just paint a picture in your mind of everything
• Olivia. She is such a unique protagonist. Mute, but a fighter. A lonely girl searching for her family.

What I didn't like:

• almost too simple of a story? There are only limited locations and characters. I was hoping for more character depth in the side characters, more history. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 CW: blood magic, death,