She then receives a note from an uncle she never knew she had, calling her to return to Gallant. When Olivia arrives, no one seems to want her there or know who has asked her to return. Gallant is hiding secrets and Olivia is determined to figure them out.

I thought this was one of Schwab’s best books in a few years. Good pacing, plot, and I loved the characters. It's definitely more of a character study and not heavily into the action that you typically see in fantasy. Schwab masterfully weaves a fantasy novel that hints at there being something more to everyone.

I became engrossed in this story right from the first sentence. I really loved Olivia as a main character, because although she never talks, she is so expressive and interesting to read about. It was really great to see ASL representation on page and definitely added to the dynamic of the story. I liked seeing how different parts of Olivia's parents are incorporated into her being and the duality of her - and the journals was such a nice touch.

The supporting characters of Hannah and Edgar were wonderful, and I loved how quickly they accepted Olivia into Gallant. I thought they really added to the dynamic and didn't become "the help" but people that you knew you could trust.

The overall spooky and gothic vibes of Gallant was so fun to read, and I loved immersing myself into the two houses and the mystery within them. Although I'm glad I read this during the day and not at night! I liked the way that the gothic vibe was incorporated into the world and the story. I loved seeing the "shadow" Gallant.

But this one ended SO abruptly. It felt like it needed one or two more chapters to be totally complete for me, especially with how quick it felt near the end. It was a little disappointing that way but not too much.