One-line Summary:

In the thrilling novel “Vicious,” two former college roommates with extraordinary powers become bitter enemies and embark on a quest for revenge.

The Extraordinary Origins of Extraordinary Powers

In “Vicious,” author V.E. Schwab introduces readers to a world where extraordinary abilities are not only possible but also the result of a near-death experience. Victor Vale and Eli Ever, two brilliant college roommates, become obsessed with the idea of gaining superhuman powers and set out to prove their theories. Through a series of dangerous experiments, they discover that dying and coming back to life triggers these extraordinary abilities. However, their paths diverge when their experiments take a dark turn, leading to a deadly rivalry.

A Tale of Two Enemies

Victor and Eli’s once-strong friendship turns into a bitter enmity as they both acquire supernatural abilities. Victor, driven by a thirst for revenge, spends years plotting his revenge against Eli, who becomes a self-proclaimed hero, hunting down and eliminating people with extraordinary powers. As the story unfolds, the line between hero and villain becomes increasingly blurred, and readers are left questioning who the true antagonist is.

A Game of Cat and Mouse

As Victor and Eli’s paths cross again, the tension escalates, and a thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues. Each character is determined to outwit and outmaneuver the other, leading to a series of intense confrontations and unexpected twists. The narrative jumps between past and present, gradually revealing the events that led to their falling out and the consequences of their actions. The story is filled with suspense, action, and moral ambiguity, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

Key Takeaways:

• Power and morality: “Vicious” explores the complex relationship between power and morality, challenging the traditional notions of heroism and villainy.
• The consequences of obsession: The novel delves into the destructive nature of obsession and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals.
• The blurred lines between good and evil: Schwab skillfully blurs the lines between good and evil, forcing readers to question their own perceptions of right and wrong.
• The power of friendship and betrayal: “Vicious” examines the fragility of friendships and the devastating consequences of betrayal.
• The cost of revenge: The story serves as a cautionary tale about the high price of seeking revenge and the toll it takes on one’s soul.

“Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.”

In “Vicious,” V.E. Schwab delivers a gripping tale of extraordinary powers, revenge, and moral ambiguity. Through the complex relationship between Victor and Eli, the novel explores themes of power, obsession, friendship, and the blurred lines between good and evil. With its fast-paced narrative and thought-provoking exploration of morality, “Vicious” is a thrilling read that will leave readers questioning their own perceptions of heroism and villainy.