“Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.”
– V. E. Schwab
Genre: Sci-fi, Magical Realism, Supernatural Fiction, Fantasy Fiction
Vicious is at its core a book about two over achievers who thrive to be the best in everything they do. And when these college roommates make a scientific (and supernatural) discovery that completely change what they thought was possible, their friendship is put to the test!
This book does an incredible job of exploring the nuances of good and evil, showing us that morality is rarely as black-and-white as it seems. V.E. Schwab does a great job at raising the question: should we judge people for what they do or why they do it? And even though I thought I knew the answer before reading the book, she managed to make me reevaluate what I think is true.
The characters are absolutely captivating and so well-developed that I couldn’t help but feel attached to them. I found myself rooting for their success, even when their goals weren’t exactly noble. Victor, in particular, stands out as one of my all-time favorite book characters. His dynamic with Mitch and Sydney was one of the best aspects of the book, unexpected, but filled with so much loyalty and heart that it made me love them even more.
The plot is just as compelling as the characters. It hooks you from the start and keeps you turning pages, one after another. I think the pacing is also particularly spot-on: it begins with a slow build, diving into backstories and time jumps that tease just enough information to keep you on edge. Then, as the story progresses, it ramps up into a series of action and twists, keeping you stuck to the pages until the very end. The way the characters get their powers is another highlight, it’s unique, scientific yet mystical, and plays such a huge role in shaping who they become.
Personally I found the best part of the book to be the dynamic between Victor and Eli. Their relationship is so intense and complicated, and it’s what really drives the story. It’s not a battle between good and evil, but rather bad and worse. Both characters kill, both lack empathy, and both are entirely driven by their own personal agendas. Yet, what makes them different is the way they justify their actions. Their opposing perspectives make for such an interesting philosophical question: how do we determine what’s right and wrong? Is it through rational thinking, or through what feels right, what doesn’t provoke a negative response from our conscience?
The book doesn’t tell you who to root for—it just presents these morally gray characters and lets you decide for yourself. And honestly? I loved that.
Please don’t be put off by the mention of superheroes or science fiction elements: this world actually feels close to our own, making it a perfect read even for those who don’t typically dive into this genre and want to give it a try!
Finally, if you’re a fan of Attack on Titan, I highly recommend giving this book a try. The moral dilemmas and overall themes share a similar vibe that’s sure to resonate with you!
Fun Fact: The V.E. in the author’s name stands for Victoria Elizabeth, which also happens to be the two main character’s names: Victor and Eli 🙃
Sara Unfiltered 
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