“Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.” ― Victoria Schwab, Vicious
Vicious by V.E. Schwab is a thrilling and unique take on the superhero genre. The story follows two college friends, Victor Vale and Eli Ever, who both want to prove that extraordinary people can come from ordinary beginnings.
They experiment with a way to gain superpowers, but things go horribly wrong. Instead of becoming heroes, they become enemies. The book follows their rivalry, filled with betrayal, revenge, and complicated relationships.
It’s a dark and gritty story that asks big questions about power, morality, and what it means to be a hero or a villain. If you enjoy fast-paced stories with complex characters, twists, and plenty of action, Vicious will keep you hooked.
It’s the first book in the Villains series, and if you love it, there are two more books in the series waiting for you!
Plot Summary
Vicious is a dark, action-packed story about the rivalry between two former friends, Victor Vale and Eli Ever. The two started out as college roommates and close friends, both driven by their desire to prove that extraordinary people can be made, not just born.
They’re both obsessed with the idea of becoming superhumans—ExtraOrdinaries, or EOs—and they come up with a dangerous experiment to gain these powers. Their experiment involves near-death experiences. The idea is that if a person dies and comes back to life, they might come back with special abilities.
Eli believes that being a hero is what makes someone worthy of these powers, while Victor is more interested in the darker side of things. When their experiment goes terribly wrong, things take a darker turn. Instead of becoming heroes, Eli and Victor become enemies with extraordinary powers.
Victor gains the ability to heal others, but he also learns that his new power has a dangerous side. Meanwhile, Eli believes he’s chosen to be a hero and becomes obsessed with stopping others like him. After their experiment, they part ways, each with their own vision of justice and morality.
The story jumps between the past and present, revealing their twisted history. In the present, Victor has just escaped from prison after being locked up for years. He’s bent on revenge against Eli, who has become a powerful and dangerous figure. Victor teams up with other extraordinary people, including a young woman named Sydney, who can raise the dead.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is no clear line between hero and villain. Victor and Eli’s battle reflects their different views on power, justice, and what it means to be a hero.
In the end, Vicious is about the consequences of playing with power and the lengths people will go to for their personal beliefs. It’s a story about friendship turned into rivalry and the gray area between being a hero and a villain. The twists and turns keep you hooked as you try to figure out who’s right and who’s wrong—if anyone is.
Series Information for Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Vicious is the first book in V.E. Schwab’s Villains series. This series is perfect for readers who enjoy action-packed stories with complex characters and a dark twist on the superhero genre.
1. Vicious
The first book introduces us to Victor Vale and Eli Ever, two college friends who gain extraordinary powers after experimenting with near-death experiences. Instead of becoming heroes, they become bitter enemies. Vicious is all about their rivalry, filled with betrayal, revenge, and moral struggles.
2. Vengeful
The second book picks up where Vicious left off, continuing the story of Victor and Eli’s dangerous conflict. New characters with their powers are introduced, and the battle between hero and villain gets even more intense. The story explores what happens when people with extraordinary abilities push the boundaries of right and wrong.
3. The third book (upcoming)
The third book in the series is still to be released, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how Victor and Eli’s story will come to an end. It promises more action, twists, and the emotional and moral challenges the characters have faced throughout the series.
If you enjoy complex characters, superpowers, and stories that blur the line between good and bad, the Villains series is definitely worth checking out!
What Genre is Vicious by V.E. Schwab?
“All Eli had to do was smile. All Victor had to do was lie. Both proved frighteningly effective.” ― Victoria Schwab, Vicious
Vicious by V.E. Schwab fits into a few different genres, making it a unique and exciting read for fans of action, magic, and moral dilemmas. Here’s a breakdown of the main genres:
- Superhero Fiction: The characters in the book have superpowers or “extraordinary abilities,” and they’re constantly struggling with what it means to be a hero or a villain.
- Dark Fantasy: The book has a dark and gritty feel, which is why it falls under the dark fantasy genre. There’s magic, mystery, and a closer look at the darker themes like revenge, betrayal, and moral choices.
- Science Fiction: Since the characters gain their powers through a scientific experiment involving near-death experiences, the book also falls under science fiction. It blends real science with imaginative, fantastical elements.
- Thriller: With its fast-paced action, suspenseful twists, and tense battles between the characters, Vicious has a thriller vibe. The rivalry between Victor and Eli adds a lot of tension and excitement to the story.
- Anti-Hero Fiction: One of the unique things about Vicious is that the main characters aren’t traditional heroes. Victor and Eli are complex and morally gray characters, making this story feel like it’s about anti-heroes.
So, if you love superhero stories with a twist, dark fantasy, and characters who challenge what it means to be good or bad, Vicious will be an exciting read!
Ratings and Reviews of Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Vicious has received strong ratings and reviews from readers who enjoy complex characters, dark fantasy, and action-packed stories. Here’s a look at what people are saying:
Rating:
Vicious has a solid rating of 4.19 stars on Goodreads, based on over 250,000 ratings. This shows that the book is popular and well-loved by many readers.
Reviews:
- “This book is brilliant! It’s a fresh twist on the superhero genre, with morally gray characters and a story full of twists. I couldn’t stop reading!”
- “The characters are complex, and the action is intense. I loved how the story explores what it means to be a hero or a villain. It’s dark, thrilling, and absolutely gripping.”
- “V.E. Schwab’s writing is amazing, and the characters are so well-developed. I loved the rivalry between Victor and Eli. It’s an exciting, thought-provoking read that keeps you hooked.”
- “This book is an emotional rollercoaster. It made me question what it means to be good or bad. The powers, the plot twists, and the complex characters were all fantastic.”
Overall, Vicious is a hit with fans of dark fantasy, superhero fiction, and thrilling plots. It’s a unique and gripping story that keeps readers engaged, especially if you love complex characters and exciting twists.
Who Should Read Vicious by V.E. Schwab?
Vicious is perfect for readers who enjoy dark fantasy and complex characters. If you love stories that explore the gray areas between good and evil, this book is for you.
Fans of superhero fiction with a twist will also enjoy it, especially since the main characters, Victor and Eli, have extraordinary powers but aren’t your typical heroes.
It’s also a great pick for readers who enjoy fast-paced action, plot twists, and stories that challenge what it means to be a villain or a hero. While it’s a bit darker and grittier, if you enjoy books that push the boundaries of traditional fantasy, Vicious is definitely worth reading.
Similar Books If You Liked Vicious by V.E. Schwab
If you enjoyed Vicious and its unique take on superheroes, moral dilemmas, and dark fantasy, here are some other books you might like:
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
- The Savage Song by V.E. Schwab
- Renegades by Marissa Meyer
- Villains by Matt Shaw
These books all have elements of dark fantasy, morally complex characters and explore power dynamics, making them great picks for readers who love Vicious and want more stories about heroes, villains, and everything in between.
Conclusion
Vicious by V.E. Schwab is a gripping, dark fantasy that explores the complicated nature of power, morality, and what it means to be a hero or a villain. The story of Victor and Eli, two former friends who become enemies with extraordinary abilities, keeps readers on the edge of their seats with twists, action, and deep character development.
The book challenges the traditional ideas of good and evil, offering a fresh take on superhero stories. With its fast-paced plot, suspenseful moments, and complex relationships, Vicious is a must-read for fans of morally gray characters and dark, thrilling stories.
If you’re looking for a book that makes you question what it means to be a hero and pushes the boundaries of fantasy, Vicious will not disappoint. It’s the perfect mix of magic, conflict, and deep emotional stakes, and the start of an unforgettable series.
About the Author
V.E. Schwab is a bestselling author known for her captivating and often dark fantasy novels. She creates complex worlds, morally gray characters, and stories that challenge traditional ideas of good and evil.
She has written several popular series, including the Villains series, which begins with Vicious, and the Shades of Magic trilogy.
Schwab has a talent for blending magic, suspense, and deep character exploration in her books. Her writing often features themes of power, identity, and what it means to be a hero or villain, making her work resonate with a wide audience.
