Gallant
V. E. Schwab
Gallant
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by V. E. Schwab
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
The creaking of old floorboards echoes through the empty halls, and the cold, musty air smells of forgotten secrets. Shadows twist and flicker just beyond sight, where half-formed ghouls lurk and a mysterious figure watches from the darkness. What happens when a girl steps between two worlds — and must choose where she truly belongs?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Gallant is a dark fantasy novel about Olivia Prior, a young woman who returns to her family estate only to discover haunting secrets and supernatural threats. The story explores themes of belonging, family legacy, and confronting inner and outer demons, with some intense scenes including violence and unsettling imagery. Recommended for teens 13 and older due to mature themes, scenes of restraint, and graphic descriptions.
Why we rated Gallant 12IE
Gallant is written at a Level 7 reading level across 352 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gallant works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Gallant as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Animal Death, Abandonment, Restraint, Graphic Violence, Stabbing, Unconsciousness.
Thematically, Gallant explores fantasy world-building, family, orphans & foster care, coming of age, and mystery — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, family, orphans & foster care.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062835789
- Pages
- 352
- Publisher
- Greenwillow Books
- Published
- Jun 06, 2023
- Type
- Fiction