Every now and again I go to the local Barnes and Noble to pick out a new book. I know I could go to the local library and check out books without spending money…. I have no excuse for not going to the library. Hmm. Maybe I should try that next time? Anyways. Each time I go to the book store I force myself to find something new because I don’t want to limit myself to just one genre; I want to venture out! This usually involves some quick research on Goodreads and Google. After a few “Top 10” lists of fiction I come to the conclusion: I still have no idea what I want to read. Am I the only one with this problem?
I stumbled upon the fantasy section and saw this bright red cover that caught my attention (well played, marketers). This book happened to be Vicious by V.E. Schwab. There was a paper beneath it saying that some employee recommended anything that was written by Schwab. So I researched it, liked the synopsis, and took it home. Let’s say I don’t regret that decision at all. Thanks random employee!
Quick Synopsis:
“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 arch nemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?”
Impressions
The book is well written and the relationship between the main characters sets a dark tone for the book. The narrative challenges the reader to take a long, uncomfortable ride with a couple of sociopaths determined to destroy each other. A consistent page turner, Vicious is a satisfying read from start to finish with well-crafted character development and an engaging plot.
Who Should Read it?
Anybody who is a fan of the darker, more grounded superhero genre will appreciate what Schwab has written here. If you’re looking for a story that will make you feel like you’re taking sides with villainous characters then this is for you. The writer does a great job at getting the reader interested in these characters who are lost to their own self-centered beliefs and the people who fall victim to their presence.
Summary+Notes
Vicious is a compelling read involving two undergraduate students who take their thesis project to a dark, unethical level. This exploration of people who gain abilities through unorthodox methods is intense at times and challenges the perception of what is right and wrong when viewed through the lenses of sociopaths and the people who get caught up in their schemes.. This book is great for anyone interested in the darker genres of fiction and makes for a quick weekend read.