Author: V.E. Schwab (@veschwab)
Published: September 2013
Series: N/A
Genre: Adult Fantasy
POV: 3rd person, multiple
Pages: 364
Publisher: Tor
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed from local library
Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf
A masterful, twisted tale of ambition, jealousy, betrayal, and superpowers, set in a near-future world.
Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong. Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?
In Vicious, V. E. Schwab brings to life a gritty comic-book-style world in vivid prose: a world where gaining superpowers doesn’t automatically lead to heroism, and a time when allegiances are called into question.'
It's been a long time since I've read a novel that compelled me to keep turning the pages. You know - the type of book that makes you stay up late reading, wake up early to read some more, and sneak in a few pages when you should be doing anything else but reading. Even when you aren't reading, it's that story that lingers in the back of your mind when you should be thinking about something else. But, Vicious is simply one of those novels that demands your attention, and you'll be glad to give it.
Highlights: Schwab writes the multiple points-of-view (and time jumps) expertly, and handles the complex issue of morality with ease. The lines between good and evil are muddy and blurry, which makes our "heroes" and "villains" all the more fascinating. Each 3rd person point-of-view is distinct, and every character is intriguing and unique in their own way. Plus, superpowers. That is always a highlight.
Lowlights: I NEED A SEQUEL. Like, right now.
Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf: Favorite, 5 out of 5. I was in the middle of a reading slump when I started this novel, and Vicious managed to snap me out of it. Schwab pulled me into this complex story of friendship, family, and good vs. evil. It was exciting, surprising, and completely captivating. I'd highly recommend Vicious.
Yay! So happy you loved this book so much Lea :D I have heard amazing things about it. Sigh. But now I want it too, lol :) I'm so curious about it. I adore Victoria. <3 Thank yoou for sharing about this book sweetie :)
ReplyDeleteIt's fantastic! So dark, twisty, and intriguing.
DeleteI like how the only complaint about this book is that the sequel isn't available yet! Hah ;) I have yet to read anything by her but I have to start here it seems. Awesome mini review :D
ReplyDeleteAnd unfortunately, it appears there may not be a sequel...At least I can always reread!
DeleteYou should check out her books, they're great!
I own this book! I haven't read it, but now I feel like I desperately need too! Don't you hate when standalones END? I always want more! <3
ReplyDeleteStandalones are simply evil. I NEED MORE!!! *cries*
DeleteYou should check it out, it's a fantastic book! Although it will leave you desperately needing more ;)
Ooo, so glad you loved this one, Lea! I lovvvve V's writing, and I'm currently reading ADSOM. VICIOUS is moving up faster than I thought it would!
ReplyDeleteOoh, ADSOM! So excited for that one!
DeleteYou should definitely check out VICIOUS when you have time, it's wonderful!
I finally got my hands on a copy of Vicious (you should have seen my face when I found it in the library!;)) and I can't wait to read it! This review has me even more excited:D
ReplyDeleteI've been craving that kind of book. The one that you can read endlessly- who needs sleep with a book like that?:P And so this book seems perfect!
I love when the characters can't so easily be classified as heroes or villains! Superpowers have become something I've started wanting more and more of in books (and real life...)
Lovely review!
Maya @ anotheronceuponatime.blogspot.com
YAY! I hope you love it!
DeleteThe pov and characters sounds well done and glad that it got you out of reading slump
ReplyDeleteIt was very well done. I wasn't expecting much, so this book was a nice surprise!
Deleteomg it's been a while since I read a book that was compelling like this too! Oh this sounds so exciting, the way that it just drew you in so much!! I've only read The Archived of Victoria Schwab's, but I definitely need more of her writing in my life, so I shop to be able to read this one sometime soon-ish :) Great thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHope you get a chance to read it soon! It's wonderful.
DeleteOoo this sounds amazing! And I had no idea it was an adult fantasy! :) I do love her writing and I look forward to reading this one and Darker Shade of Magic!
ReplyDeleteIt is incredible! A very intriguing story. I also cannot wait for ADSOM - it's bound to be amazing!
DeleteThis has been on my reading list for absolutely forever! I adore Victoria Schwab's writing style and have heard nothing but great things about Vicious. Must read this as soon as possible.
ReplyDelete