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.

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.

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.

- Vicious was originally published in 2013 and became popular enough to earn a re-release in a special collector's edition, complete with a new cover and additional content like a foreword by the author.
- The novel was inspired in part by V. E. Schwab's interest in moral ambiguity and the gray areas between good and evil, which she explored through the complex relationships between the characters.
- Vicious was recognized in 2014 by the American Library Association's Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) as part of their reading list for outstanding genre fiction.

**Victor Vale**  
The anti-hero protagonist who is motivated by personal vendetta and has the unique power to control pain, both his own and that of others.

**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**  
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**  
Sydney's older sister with the ability to bend others to her will, leading her to become Eli's ally.

**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.

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Chapters 1-4

Vicious Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-9

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Chapters 10-14

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Chapters 15-22

Vicious Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-27

Vicious Chapters 23-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-31

Vicious Chapters 28-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 32-34

Vicious Chapters 32-34 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 35-37

Vicious Chapters 35-37 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 38-41

Vicious Chapters 38-41 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 42-44

Vicious Chapters 42-44 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 45-48

Vicious Chapters 45-48 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 49-53

Vicious Chapters 49-53 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 54-62

Vicious Chapters 54-62 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 63-66

Vicious Chapters 63-66 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 67-71

Vicious Chapters 67-71 Summary & Analysis

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