57 pages • 1 hour read
Vicious
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Book Brief
420
Novel • Fiction
2013
YA
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Vicious by V. E. Schwab centers on Victor and Eli, college friends who become ExtraOrdinary individuals (EOs) by experimenting with near-death experiences. Victor gains the ability to manipulate pain, while Eli can heal himself. A rift forms when Eli’s girlfriend dies accidentally, leading to Victor's imprisonment. Ten years later, Victor seeks revenge against Eli, who believes it is his divine mission to eliminate other EOs. Their conflict escalates as they each gather allies, culminating in a dramatic showdown.
Dark
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
278,830 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
V. E. Schwab's Vicious delivers a compelling tale of ambition and superpowers with a dark twist. Readers praise the intricate character development and fast-paced narrative. However, some criticize the moral ambiguity and complex timeline as potentially confusing. Overall, it is a gripping read with a unique take on the anti-hero genre.
Who Should Read Vicious?
Readers who enjoy dark academia and anti-hero narratives will be captivated by Vicious by V. E. Schwab. Fans of morally complex characters in books like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk will find its exploration of power and revenge compelling.
278,830 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eliot "Eli" Cardale
Eliot "Eli" Cardale
Victor's friend-turned-nemesis, who looks like an all-American college boy and has healing abilities that only work on himself.
Sydney Clark
Sydney Clark
A 12-year-old girl with blond hair and blue eyes who has the power to bring people and animals back from the dead.
Serena Clark
Serena Clark
Sydney's older sister with the ability to bend others to her will, leading her to become Eli's ally.
Mitchell Turner
Mitchell Turner
A towering and tattooed non-EO who is often underestimated and unfairly judged based on his appearance, known for his computer hacking skills.
420
Novel • Fiction
2013
YA
18+ years
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