Gallant by V.E. Schwab
Review by Olivia Cormier, Senior Library Assistant, Country Hills Library
“Remember this. The shadows are not real, the dreams can never hurt you, and you will be safe as long as you stay away from Gallant.”
“The Secret Garden” meets “Crimson Peak” in this eerie story about ghouls and demons, a family’s cryptic past, the place where the world meets its dark shadow and the gate that is in between.
When Olivia Prior receives a letter summoning her to her family's home after a lifetime spent living mute and neglected in an orphanage, she is determined to discover the secrets of Gallant and finally understand what drove her mother to the edge, no matter the cost.
With writing that is hauntingly beautiful and a main character that is fierce and bold, despite never saying a word, Schwab crafts a mysterious and spooky gothic fairy tale that is deeply atmospheric and completely captivating. “Gallant” is ultimately a tale about love, loss and sacrifice. It’s about finding somewhere to belong and the strength to resist the shadows.
“Gallant” is available as a physical book, and digitally as an ebook or e-audiobook at Kitchener Public Library.