Mini-Review: VICIOUS by V.E. Schwab

Title: Vicious
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.

The Queen's Library (21)

Printed Books
Unremembered by Jessica Brody (ARC for review)

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (purchased)

Bookish Swag

Two signed The Archived bookmarks plus a sticker

Vengeance Bound bookmarks, wristbands, stickers

I adore the pretty pink packaging for Unremembered. Colorful packages are always just a bit more fun to receive....I'm excited to reread The Hobbit, since it's been about eight or nine years since I last read it.  I can't wait for the movie! Many thanks to Victoria Schwab and Justina Ireland for the swag, and Ksenia for Unremembered!

What did you get this week?

Why THE ARCHIVED Is On My Wishlist (And Why It Should Be On Your Wishlist Too)

I was patrolling Netgalley a week ago when I noticed a sneak peek for THE ARCHIVED by Victoria Schwab was available to read, and I quickly downloaded it for my Kindle. Fast-forward a few hours, and I was done, left both completely fascinated by the story and very upset that it is not January 22nd yet. But, while the release date may not be here yet, these are some reasons why THE ARCHIVED is high on my wishlist, and why this story should be on your wishlist too:  

Great Main Character

THE ARCHIVED features a strong and smart heroine with its narrator, Mackenzie. She's not quite like other YA protagonists, but I like that about her. Being a Keeper makes her unique from other bookish heroines, and I'm hopeful she'll continue being awesome as the story progresses. 

Interesting Narrative

There's (1) a main, present day narrative and (2) brief recollections of Da (Mackenzie's grandfather), and the latter proves itself to be very gripping. Sometimes little interruptions in narrations can be frustrating, but trust me when I say these ones will only make you want to keep reading. 

Strong Emotions / Writing

Mac and her family are still dealing with a death in the family, so emotions are a bit high-strung. Also, there's the fact that Mac's a bit more sensitive to emotions because she's a Keeper. Schwab manages to get these emotions to come across to the reader. I felt for these characters, related to them, and understood them. I just hope there will be some growth. 

Excellent Worldbuilding 

I was worried that the concept for this story wouldn't be fully realized and fleshed out, but I had no reason to worry whatsoever. Schwab expertly lays the groundwork for what it is to be a Keeper, what Histories are, and gives tantalizing glimpses into the Archive and the Narrows, giving just enough info at the right moments. Schwab seems to be developing this story slowly, so I'm sure there will be even more to learn throughout the entire novel. 

Multiple Mysteries

There are a few mysteries floating around in this story, and I'm curious to see what Schwab does with them.  

Wesley

He is a very intriguing young man....This sneak peek left off at an interesting point with him. 

It Will Likely Get Even Better 

I'm just guessing, but it seems like a strong possibility that this book will be fantastic. You can't go wrong with a fascinating concept and a great protagonist. 

THE ARCHIVED by Victoria Schwab

January 22nd, 2013

Disney Hyperion

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. 

"Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall." 

The Queen's Library (15)

ARC's From Netgalley

Shadows (Ashes #2) by Ilsa J Bick

Sneak Peek of The Archived by Victoria Schwab 

Purchase for Kindle

The Assassin and the Empire by Sarah J Maas

Thanks to Netgalley, Egmont for Shadows, &  Disney Hyperion for the sneak peek of The Archived! It made me very excited for the release :)

What did you get this week?

Credit / Inspiration

Waiting on Wednesday (times two!) (80)

WOW is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Linked by Imogen Howson

S & S Children's Publishing

2013

Elissa discovers her nightmarish visions and inexplicable bruises are caused by a telepathic link to a twin she didn’t know existed. When she helps the girl evade government capture, a Bourne Identity style chase ensues.

I was sold at "Bourne Identity style chase," because I love a good BI style chase. Can't wait to see a full summary... 

***

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Hyperion

January 2013

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. 

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive. 

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall. 

I like the sound of this one, a lot. And the cover is so eerie & cool!

What are you waiting on? 

In My Mailbox 44

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren, inspired by Pop Culture Junkie

Books from last few weeks: 

For Review

Almost True by Keren David (so excited to read this!)

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab ARC

Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens (won from RB)

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter + Bookish Swag 

(Pen, two mini notepads, compact hairbrush/mirror! So cute!)

All You Get is Me by Yvonne Prinz

Bought

Matched by Ally Condie (my review)

She's So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott (my review)

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney 

(signed to me with a very nice note - and I recommend going to Daisy's events if you can!)

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand 

(I couldn't resist buying it signed - it was too tempting!)

Kindle Freebies

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Thank you so much to Deborah from Disney Hyperion for sending two fabulous books, Jessica, Eileen, Random Buzzers/Random House, Stephanie Dray and Kayleigh, and to Yvonne Prinz and HarperCollins :)