Character Overview
Gabrielle "Gabbe" Givens arrives at Sword & Cross alongside Lucinda "Luce" Price, initially appearing as a stereotypical, pretty, popular girl with a sweet southern drawl. Luce initially sees her as a rival for Daniel Grigori's affections, but Gabbe's true nature is gradually revealed: she is a fallen angel allied with Daniel, tasked with protecting Luce. Gabbe's arc isn't about internal change, but about revealing her true identity, challenging Luce's (and the reader's) initial judgments and highlighting the theme of Secrets and Deception.
Who Is Gabbe?
Gabbe is the embodiment of deceptive appearances. Initially perceived as a stereotypical southern belle, she is revealed to be a powerful fallen angel and a fierce protector of Luce. Her unwavering loyalty to Daniel and her willingness to fight for what she believes in make her a crucial ally in the celestial war. Gabbe's true nature is gradually revealed, challenging Luce's (and the reader's) initial judgments and highlighting the theme of deception.
Personality & Traits
Gabbe's personality is a complex mix of Southern charm and angelic strength. While she initially presents herself as a typical pretty girl, her true nature is far more complex and powerful. She is fiercely loyal to Daniel and dedicated to protecting Luce, even if it means resorting to violence.
- Initially Superficial: Gabbe's first impression is that of a shallow, pretty girl, smiling insincerely. Her smile "disappeared as quickly as it had surfaced" (Chapter 1), suggesting a manufactured friendliness.
- Protective and Nurturing: Her true personality is deeply protective of Luce. She comforts Luce in the hospital after the library fire, offering a manicure and gentle reassurance.
- Fiercely Loyal: Gabbe is unwavering in her loyalty to Daniel and their cause. Her actions are consistently aimed at furthering their mission and ensuring Luce's safety.
- Deceptively Strong: Despite her delicate human appearance, Gabbe is an immensely powerful and skilled fighter. She easily overpowers Cameron "Cam" Briel in the cemetery, revealing a ferocity that shocks Luce.
- Mysterious: For much of the novel, her motives are unclear. Her closeness to Daniel and her seemingly out-of-place kindness create an aura of mystery that keeps Luce guessing about her true intentions.
Character Journey
Gabbe's journey is one of revelation rather than transformation. Initially perceived as a rival, she gradually reveals her true identity as a powerful fallen angel and protector. Luce's perception of Gabbe evolves from suspicion and jealousy to trust and alliance as she witnesses Gabbe's unwavering loyalty and strength. The climax of her development comes during the confrontations in the cemetery, where she physically defeats Cam and reveals her angelic wings, solidifying her role as a guardian.
Key Relationships
Lucinda "Luce" Price: Gabbe's primary role is to protect Luce. Initially perceived as a rival, Gabbe watches over Luce from a distance, intervening when necessary, such as when she warns Luce away from figs offered by Cam or comforts her after a traumatic event. Their relationship evolves from perceived rivalry to a firm alliance as Luce learns to trust Gabbe's intentions.
Daniel Grigori: Gabbe is one of Daniel's most trusted allies. They share a deep, non-romantic bond forged over centuries of fighting in the celestial war. Their closeness is a source of major confusion for Luce early in the story, who misinterprets their bond as romantic.
Cameron "Cam" Briel: Gabbe is an adversary to Cam. She openly displays hostility towards him, recognizing him as a threat to Luce. Their conflict culminates in a physical fight where she demonstrates her superior strength, solidifying their positions on opposite sides of the war between Good vs. Evil.
Defining Moments
Gabbe's defining moments reveal her true nature and solidify her role as a protector.
- First Encounter (Chapter 1): Gabbe is introduced as a pretty but seemingly vapid southern girl, establishing Luce's initial misjudgment of her character.
- The Overheard Conversation (Chapter 5): Luce overhears Gabbe telling Daniel, "I'm the only one you've got," which convinces Luce they are in a romantic relationship and fuels her jealousy and confusion.
- The Hospital Visit (Chapter 11): After the library fire, Gabbe visits Luce in the hospital, showing a surprisingly gentle and caring side. This moment marks the first major shift in Luce's perception of her.
- The Cemetery Fight (Chapter 15): Gabbe intervenes when Cam kisses Luce, effortlessly and brutally defeating him in a physical fight. This shocking display of power reveals that she is far more than she appears.
- The Angelic Reveal (Chapter 19): In the chapel, Gabbe unfurls her massive, feathery wings, confirming her identity as a powerful fallen angel and a guardian to Luce.
Essential Quotes
“I’m Gabbe,” she drawled, flashing Luce a big smile that disappeared as quickly as it had surfaced... Luce couldn’t decide whether this was comforting or not, any more than she could imagine what a girl who looked like this would be doing at reform school. (Chapter 1)
This quote introduces Gabbe through Luce's biased perspective, highlighting the contrast between her appearance and the grim setting of Sword & Cross. It also foreshadows the deceptive nature of her character, as Luce struggles to reconcile Gabbe's seemingly superficial charm with the reality of her situation.
“You’re going to have to trust me, honey,” she heard Gabbe say, in a saccharine voice that made Luce decide once and for all that she hated her. “I’m the only one you’ve got.” (Chapter 5)
This quote captures the tension and mistrust between Luce and Gabbe. Luce misinterprets Gabbe's words as a romantic declaration to Daniel, fueling her jealousy and solidifying her negative perception of Gabbe. However, Gabbe's words also hint at her protective role, suggesting that she is the only one who can truly help Luce.
“Me,” Gabbe said, stepping forward with her hands on her hips. “That first little love tap was all me, Cam honey. What you going to do about it?” (Chapter 15)
This quote showcases Gabbe's strength and willingness to confront Cam, a powerful fallen angel. Her casual tone and Southern drawl contrast sharply with her aggressive actions, further emphasizing her deceptive nature. This moment marks a turning point in Luce's perception of Gabbe, as she witnesses her true power and loyalty.
“Honey, this is a very long story,” Gabbe told her, the voice of reason. “We can only give it to you a chapter at a time.” (Chapter 19)
This quote reveals Gabbe's knowledge of the larger conflict and her role in guiding Luce through it. Her words suggest that the truth will be revealed gradually, and that Luce must be patient and trust in Gabbe's guidance. It also highlights the theme of destiny and the predetermined nature of Luce's journey.