Listen free for 30 days
-
Gallant
- Narrated by: Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $35.73
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Buy it with
-
The Near Witch
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"The Near Witch" is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely and always looking for company. There are no strangers in the town of Near. These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger, a boy who seems to fade like smoke, appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
-
-
Quaint story
- By Jillianne Rachel on 2023-11-28
Written by: V. E. Schwab
-
These Violent Delights
- These Violent Delights Series, Book 1
- Written by: Chloe Gong
- Narrated by: Cindy Kay
- Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is 18-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang - a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette's first love, and first betrayal.
-
-
Story is 🔥🔥 But the Narrator Didn’t Do It For Me
- By Dani Verayo on 2021-07-05
Written by: Chloe Gong
-
A River Enchanted
- A Novel (Elements of Cadence, Book 1)
- Written by: Rebecca Ross
- Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It starts with a letter and an ominous journey across dark waters. Ten years after being sent away to the mainland to become a bard, Jack Tamerlaine is summoned home to Cadence. Girls are going missing from the island, and Adaira, his childhood nemesis and the future leader of the clan, believes Jack is the only one who can find them.
-
-
Not for me
- By Amazon Customer on 2022-08-03
Written by: Rebecca Ross
-
These Hollow Vows
- Written by: Lexi Ryan
- Narrated by: Casey Holloway
- Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brie hates the Fae and refuses to have anything to do with them, even if that means starving on the street. But when her sister is sold to the sadistic king of the Unseelie court to pay a debt, she'll do whatever it takes to get her back—including making a deal with the king himself to steal three magical relics from the Seelie court.
-
-
Very entertaining
- By Roxanne J. on 2023-01-28
Written by: Lexi Ryan
-
Warm Up
- A Tor.Com Original Prequel to Vicious
- Written by: V.E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's been 297 days since David died - and came back. He may have survived the avalanche, but the aftermath has been far worse. His wife moved out, taking his son with her, and a devastated David hasn't left his house since, terrified of the mysterious new power that followed him home from the ill-fated expedition. After months in seclusion, David's ready for a fresh start, and ventures out, determined to keep his power in check. But David's power isn't the one he needs to worry about.
-
-
A great introduction to a great series.
- By Review Rob on 2019-11-02
Written by: V.E. Schwab
-
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
- Written by: Brigid Kemmerer
- Narrated by: Kate Handford, Davis Brooks, Matt Reeves
- Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his 18th year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.
-
-
Formulaic. The few innovations fall flat
- By Langer MD on 2021-02-24
Written by: Brigid Kemmerer
-
The Near Witch
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"The Near Witch" is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely and always looking for company. There are no strangers in the town of Near. These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger, a boy who seems to fade like smoke, appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
-
-
Quaint story
- By Jillianne Rachel on 2023-11-28
Written by: V. E. Schwab
-
These Violent Delights
- These Violent Delights Series, Book 1
- Written by: Chloe Gong
- Narrated by: Cindy Kay
- Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is 18-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang - a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette's first love, and first betrayal.
-
-
Story is 🔥🔥 But the Narrator Didn’t Do It For Me
- By Dani Verayo on 2021-07-05
Written by: Chloe Gong
-
A River Enchanted
- A Novel (Elements of Cadence, Book 1)
- Written by: Rebecca Ross
- Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It starts with a letter and an ominous journey across dark waters. Ten years after being sent away to the mainland to become a bard, Jack Tamerlaine is summoned home to Cadence. Girls are going missing from the island, and Adaira, his childhood nemesis and the future leader of the clan, believes Jack is the only one who can find them.
-
-
Not for me
- By Amazon Customer on 2022-08-03
Written by: Rebecca Ross
-
These Hollow Vows
- Written by: Lexi Ryan
- Narrated by: Casey Holloway
- Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brie hates the Fae and refuses to have anything to do with them, even if that means starving on the street. But when her sister is sold to the sadistic king of the Unseelie court to pay a debt, she'll do whatever it takes to get her back—including making a deal with the king himself to steal three magical relics from the Seelie court.
-
-
Very entertaining
- By Roxanne J. on 2023-01-28
Written by: Lexi Ryan
-
Warm Up
- A Tor.Com Original Prequel to Vicious
- Written by: V.E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's been 297 days since David died - and came back. He may have survived the avalanche, but the aftermath has been far worse. His wife moved out, taking his son with her, and a devastated David hasn't left his house since, terrified of the mysterious new power that followed him home from the ill-fated expedition. After months in seclusion, David's ready for a fresh start, and ventures out, determined to keep his power in check. But David's power isn't the one he needs to worry about.
-
-
A great introduction to a great series.
- By Review Rob on 2019-11-02
Written by: V.E. Schwab
-
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
- Written by: Brigid Kemmerer
- Narrated by: Kate Handford, Davis Brooks, Matt Reeves
- Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his 18th year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.
-
-
Formulaic. The few innovations fall flat
- By Langer MD on 2021-02-24
Written by: Brigid Kemmerer
-
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
- A Novel
- Written by: Shannon Chakraborty
- Narrated by: Lameece Issaq, Amin El Gamal
- Length: 16 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amina al-Sirafi should be content. After a storied and scandalous career as one of the Indian Ocean’s most notorious pirates, she’s survived backstabbing rogues, vengeful merchant princes, several husbands, and one actual demon to retire peacefully with her family to a life of piety, motherhood, and absolutely nothing that hints of the supernatural.
-
-
Meh
- By Listener on 2023-04-18
Written by: Shannon Chakraborty
-
Lore
- Written by: Alexandra Bracken
- Narrated by: Fryda Wolff
- Length: 15 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals. They are hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality. Long ago, Lore Perseous fled that brutal world, turning her back on the hunt’s promises of eternal glory after her family was murdered by a rival line. For years she's pushed away any thought of revenge against the man - now a god - responsible for their deaths.
-
-
Good with some flaws
- By Gigi on 2022-05-15
Written by: Alexandra Bracken
-
Book of Night
- Written by: Holly Black
- Narrated by: Sara Amini
- Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Charlie Hall has never found a lock she couldn’t pick, a book she couldn’t steal, or a bad decision she wouldn’t make. She's spent half her life working for gloamists, magicians who manipulate shadows to peer into locked rooms, strangle people in their beds, or worse. Gloamists guard their secrets greedily, creating an underground economy of grimoires. And to rob their fellow magicians, they need Charlie Hall.
-
-
Interesting story, but annoying narrator
- By A on 2022-05-13
Written by: Holly Black
-
A Darker Shade of Magic
- A Darker Shade of Magic, Book 1
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Steven Crossley
- Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kell is one of the last Travelers - magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes. As such, he can choose where he lands. There's Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there's Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. There's White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. And once upon a time, there was Black London...but no one speaks of that now.
-
-
Very good book, hated the narration. Bought physical copy instead.
- By Jordan on 2021-03-13
Written by: V. E. Schwab
-
Serpent & Dove
- Written by: Shelby Mahurin
- Narrated by: Holter Graham, Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned. As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation - marriage. Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
-
-
Serpent & Dove By Shelby Mahurin
- By Amazon Customer on 2019-10-22
Written by: Shelby Mahurin
-
Spin the Dawn
- The Blood of Stars, Book 1
- Written by: Elizabeth Lim
- Narrated by: Kim Mai Guest
- Length: 13 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of 12 tailors vying for the job.
-
-
Not For Me
- By Jamie @ Books and Ladders on 2022-01-09
Written by: Elizabeth Lim
-
A Day of Fallen Night
- Written by: Samantha Shannon
- Narrated by: Ellie Kendrick, Sheila Atim, Thoren Ferguson, and others
- Length: 38 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tunuva Melim is a sister of the Priory. For fifty years, she has trained to slay wyrms – but none have appeared since the Nameless One, and the younger generation is starting to question the Priory's purpose. To the north, in the Queendom of Inys, Sabran the Ambitious has married the new King of Hróth, narrowly saving both realms from ruin. Their daughter, Glorian, trails in their shadow – exactly where she wants to be. The dragons of the East have slept for centuries. Dumai has spent her life in a Seiikinese mountain temple, trying to wake the gods from their long slumber.
-
-
An overall fantastic listen
- By Meagen on 2023-04-24
Written by: Samantha Shannon
-
Babel
- Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution
- Written by: R. F. Kuang
- Narrated by: Chris Lew Kum Hoi, Billie Fulford-Brown
- Length: 21 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel.
-
-
This Was Alright
- By Jamie @ Books and Ladders on 2022-09-29
Written by: R. F. Kuang
-
The Ex Hex
- A Novel
- Written by: Erin Sterling
- Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.
-
-
I didn’t realize I was purchasing erotica. lol
- By Deborah Pelletier on 2023-03-25
Written by: Erin Sterling
-
Vicious
- Villains, Book 1
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Ashley Zhangazha
- Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Victor and Eli started out as college roommates - brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognised the same sharpness and ambition in one another. A shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death-experiences and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. They become EOs, ExtraOrdinaries, leaving a body in their wake and turning on each other.
Written by: V. E. Schwab
-
The Fragile Threads of Power
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Kate Reading, Marisa Calin, Michael Kramer
- Length: 21 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Once, there were four worlds, nestled like pages in a book, each pulsing with fantastical power and connected by a single city: London. Until the magic grew too fast and forced the worlds to seal the doors between them in a desperate gamble to protect their own. The few magicians who could still open the doors grew more rare as time passed and now, only three Antari are known in recent memory—Kell Maresh of Red London, Delilah Bard of Grey London, and Holland Vosijk, of White London.
-
-
A new tail of magic
- By Anonymous User on 2023-11-19
Written by: V. E. Schwab
-
The Witch Collector
- Witch Walker, Book 1
- Written by: Charissa Weaks
- Narrated by: Meg Sylvan, Tim Campbell
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Raina Bloodgood has one desire: kill the Frost King and the Witch Collector who stole her sister. On Collecting Day, she means to exact murderous revenge, but a more sinister threat sets fire to her world. Rising from the ashes is the Collector, Alexus Thibault, the man she vowed to slay and the only person who can help save her sister. Thrust into an age-old story of ice, fire, and ancient gods, Raina must abandon vengeance and aid the Witch Collector or let their empire—and her sister—fall into enemy hands.
-
-
Save your time
- By Julia Church on 2023-10-25
Written by: Charissa Weaks
Publisher's Summary
AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A KIRKUS BEST BOOK
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
A NATIONAL INDIE BESTSELLER
“A bone-chilling standalone . . . which fuses Shirley Jackson’s gothic horror sensibilities with the warmth and dark whimsy of Neil Gaiman.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Gripping worldbuilding, well-rounded characters, and fantastic horror.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Unsettling and intriguing.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source.
#1 New York Times–bestselling author V. E. Schwab weaves a dark and original tale about the place where the world meets its shadow, and the young woman beckoned by both sides. The Secret Garden meets Crimson Peak in this stand-alone novel perfect for readers and listeners of Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.
Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for Girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home; it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile, or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.
Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.
Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?
New York Times–bestselling author V. E. Schwab crafts a vivid and lush novel that grapples with the demons that are often locked behind closed doors. An eerie, stand-alone saga about life, death, and the young woman beckoned by both. Readers of Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, Melissa Albert, and Garth Nix will quickly lose themselves in this novel with crossover appeal for all ages.
Featured Article: The Top 14 Fantasy Audiobooks of 2022 To Listen To
The fantasy genre is always rich with an unending list of new titles. From the latest best fantasy books released in a book series to a groundbreaking standalone story, it can be hard to know what fantasy audiobook to prioritize next. That’s why Audible has compiled this list of 2022’s best audiobooks. Our picks span the fantasy and science fiction gamut. They include ghostly looks into the paranormal, forays into mind-bending magic and fascinating quests into the unknown. Plus, the list features fantasy authors from every corner of the globe and celebrates the rich diversity of writers within the fantasy genre.
What listeners say about Gallant
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- (Bookarina) Karina-Valérie Fortin
- 2023-01-03
Wonderful audiobook
Really recommend getting your hands on a physical copy, from the library or elsewhere to have the full experience with the drawings if you can. When things are crossed off in the novel there is the sound of them being crossed out in the audiobook which was a lovely addition.
Adored it, listened to it over months to make it last as long as possible because I didn’t want it to end.
Do not go into this for action there is little that happens it is mostly the story of a girl named Olivia and her origins, her finding her family and uncovering who she is. This is very much character driven and atmospheric, not a read for everyone.
Overall a wonderful audiobook.
Bookarina
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 2023-03-08
Lacking depth.
I was very much looking forward to the next VE Schwab read, but I found this a little simple, and frankly a little boring. The character development and story left me feeling slightly unsatisfied. I’ll wait for the next one, and hopefully will enjoy that even more.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Stefanie
- 2023-02-05
beautiful
The writing and narration are both so beautiful. It made me teary a few times.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ipendeep Singh
- 2022-04-19
A great book and incredible performance
I loved the slight auditory details and the performance of the book. Overall Story was 3/5 for me but the artist really came through.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jamie @ Books and Ladders
- 2022-03-20
Really Great
I thought this was one of Schwab’s best books in a few years. Good pacing, plot, and I loved the characters. Felt a bit like Locke & Key, so if you enjoyed that comic/show, you’ll enjoy this!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Helena H.
- 2022-06-27
Gothic Done Right, in Form and Content!!!
V.E. Schwab is one of my favorite authors, and one whom I actually discovered on Audible as an offering in the “fantasy” genre. It was her utterly original series set in parallel-universe Londons that hooked me, and I’ve long since devoured all her others. Despite the fantastical premises of her work, it is the utterly visceral REALNESS of her characterization that reels you in—to such an extent that you may not even notice what a superlatively masterful technical writer she is. No matter what unique “fantasy” world Schwab sketches for us, her fantastic writing is the real star of the show. In Gallant, her usual sleight-of-hand is front-and-center with a sly play on the conventions of the epistolary novel (one told through letters). While these “letters” do the opposite of clarifying/explaining, it creates a contrast to the richness of all that can be conveyed and understood without language, as the protagonist Olivia literally has no voice. Schwab lets this dichotomy shine throughout this suitably spare work by limiting dialogue/exposition in favor of minimalist, yet lush depictions of sound, light, and shadow. More than the omnipresent “ghouls,” it is this sublime weaving of light, shadow, silence and noise, recognition and loss, that turn the traditional “terrifying double” conventions of the Gothic novel inside out to expose the uncanny heart of all true terror: love, and its identical, inverted double, loss. The narrator was perfect, he nailed the Vincent-Price voice the type of tale requires, while imparting the author’s meaningful silences and sparing, quiet thoughtfulness in just the right places.
In summary: I’ve read/listened to truly countless novels and, once upon a time, as a Professor of Literature, used to teach them, too. It’s rare nowadays that a book can take my breath away, make me cry, and also make me wish I could add this to a syllabus! Do yourself a favor and enjoy this novel without worrying about the five-paper I want to assign you. ;-)
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
31 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ashley C
- 2022-03-10
story was great, bad narrator selection
the story was so much fun and I binged it in one sitting, but who decided to have this middle aged man narrate a book told from the POV of a 14 year old girl? the narration totally takes you out in many places but thankfully the story was enough to hold up despite that
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Melissa Crocco
- 2022-03-06
amazing
as soon as I started this but I just could not put it down. While reading this book I could literally close my eyes and see me every scene taking place in my head as if I was watching a movie. To me those are the absolute best type of Stories. The ones that you can just immerse yourself into the world and understand exactly what the characters are thinking and feeling and why they're making the decisions that they're making. I will recommend this book to everyone I see.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ryan
- 2022-06-26
For fans of Coraline & The Haunting of Hill House
Don't let my three stars fool you, I did really enjoy this book while listening to it. The performance was amazing, the narrator was wonderful and the recording had some immersive sound effects at times to add to the atmosphere. Normally not my thing, but the ominous sounds of the pen any time a diary entry is being read were really well done. The story did move a bit slowly for me, which is why I rated it 3 stars. And I must say that while it was enjoyable, it just wasn't very memorable... if that makes sense?
My favorite part was the unique villain, whose power is rather terrifying and centers around the manipulation of shadow and his own bones. Speaking of, there will be a lot of body horror/blood descriptors in this book, so proceed with caution if you're squeamish. The mc is one of my favorite brands of characters: weird little girls with a slightly menacing aura. She's also mute, and I love that the effect this has on her life is explored respectfully (bonus points for the inclusion of sign language in the story).
All that said, I'm really excited to pick up some of V.E Schwab's other books, which I think have slightly more complicated plot lines than this story. This was a perfect introduction to this author for me.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- SKDEB
- 2022-03-08
Lush, masterful creepy writing!
This story is quiet but tense and creepy without the usual “scary story” twists. There is only one monster - and he actually plays a relatively small part. At no time does the primary character act “out of character” as the clues to what will happen are slowly exposed. Mr. Rhind-Tutt has the PERFECT voice for this novel- masterful, a great quiet, deep, creepy but appealing voice. I will listen to this one again, likely next fall.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Elly Holland
- 2022-03-03
Awesome story.
This story is very haunting but I’m a good way! Excellent story teller. Its captivating!!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Hillal Latif
- 2022-08-24
Amazing start with a fart of an ending
This book suffers as most great mystery stories do. Way too much set up with promise of pay off, and then lands with a wet plop. The big bad of the story had so many chances to be interesting and compelling, the great mystery at hand over Olivia, her parents, her power, and her lack of voice could have been explored a dozen times over. 3/4ths of this book promise something grand and amazing is coming. That will satisfy the reader. In the end the monster is just a monster and the main character is the same person at the end as they are in the beginning. I was very into this story until the last 2 hours. Wish I never started it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 2022-07-05
A Strong Entry to Schwab’s Canon
Gallant is all about the atmosphere and the prose, which I feel is Schwab’s strength as a writer. If you are looking for heavy plot this book is not it. The narrative is an exploration of how people communicate when they can’t or won’t understand each other. One of my favorite elements Schwab uses in her work is music and art. Gallant has those elements in spades. Schwab also brings us a unique yet still familiar female lead who is a survivor in Olivia. I’m torn if she is my favorite Schwab lead, I think she is currently third for me after Kate, and Addie. The narrative really focuses on Olivia, however I would have liked the other characters motives flushed out more. Matthew and the Mother especially. But I guess a good story always leaves you wanting more. The only other critique I have is some of the plot happens due to characters not communicating and it wasn’t clear to me why. Overall the book is very tight. I listened to it on a 7 hr road trip and really enjoyed it. Schwab really gets the best audio actors. I recommend this book if you are looking for a quick stand alone or are new to Schwab and want to see if she is a good fit for your interest.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jennifer
- 2022-06-24
my heart
what a beautiful book. the narrator did an amazing job. His voice is relaxing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jane Smith
- 2022-07-05
Fantastic Story and Enjoyable Narration
The story is great and has a simple kind of depth to it. I kept having to re-listen to chapters because Narrator was so soothing. I didn't mind because it was enjoyable and worth it. Would definitely recommend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful