Vicious

About the book

V. E. Schwab's New York Times bestseller Vicious is a gripping tale of ambition, jealousy, desire, and superpowers.

Victor and Eli began as college roommates - brilliant, arrogant, solitary young men who saw the same brilliance and ambition in each other. During their final year, a shared interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural occurrences uncovers a fascinating possibility: that with the right circumstances, one could develop extraordinary abilities. However, when their research transitions from theory to practice, everything goes awry.

A decade later, Victor escapes from prison, intent on catching up to his former friend (now enemy), with the help of a reserved young girl hiding a remarkable power. Meanwhile, Eli is on a quest to eliminate all other super-powered individuals - except for his partner, a mysterious woman with unwavering determination. With immense power on both sides, fueled by memories of betrayal and tragedy, the rivals are headed for a showdown - but who will emerge victorious?

In Vicious, V. E. Schwab paints a vivid, gritty comic-book-esque world in vivid detail: a world where acquiring superpowers doesn't automatically equate to heroism, and a time when loyalties are put to the test.