Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
TL;DR: Victor Vale and Eli Ever were college roommates who became rivals after they discovered how to give themselves powers through near-death experiences. Ten years later, Victor escapes from prison and goes after Eli, who thinks he is a hero. Both are dangerous, and the line between hero and villain blurs.
Table of Contents
Vicious at a Glance
| Author | V. E. Schwab |
| First published | 2013 |
| Type | Dark superhero fantasy |
| Best for | readers who like morally gray antiheroes |
Vicious is a novel by V. E. Schwab, first published in 2013. The book is the first in the Villains series. It jumps between past and present. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains violence and death.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Friends in college
Victor and Eli are brilliant students. They study ExtraOrdinaries (EOs).
The experiment
They try to create EOs by triggering near-death experiences. It works, with unintended results.
Rivalry
Eli believes EOs are an offense against God and decides to hunt them. Victor is imprisoned.
Escape
After ten years, Victor escapes and sets out to destroy Eli.
A team
Victor gathers a group of allies, including a girl named Sydney.
Showdown
The final conflict forces choices.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| Friends in college | Victor and Eli are brilliant students. |
| The experiment | They try to create EOs by triggering near-death experiences. |
| Rivalry | Eli believes EOs are an offense against God and decides to hunt them. |
| Escape | After ten years, Victor escapes and sets out to destroy Eli. |
| A team | Victor gathers a group of allies, including a girl named Sydney. |
| Showdown | The final conflict forces choices. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Heroes and villains are not fixed.
- Obsession can destroy.
- Power changes people.
- Revenge has costs.
- Found family can emerge.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The nonlinear structure builds suspense.
- Both main characters are flawed.
- The tone is dark.
Who Should Read Vicious?
Read it if you like antiheroes. It is violent.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Vicious:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Vicious by V. E. Schwab (2013)
- Type: Dark superhero fantasy
- Best for: readers who like morally gray antiheroes
- Main idea in one line: Heroes and villains are not fixed.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Vicious is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Vicious, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of Vicious on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Vengeful by V. E. Schwab: the sequel
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab: a woman cursed to be forgotten
- A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab: parallel Londons
Related: 15 Books Like Vicious You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vicious a series?
Yes, Villains.
Is it a superhero story?
It is a dark take on one.
What age is it for?
Adults and older teens.
Is Vicious worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like morally gray antiheroes. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Vicious?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
Is Vicious worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like morally gray antiheroes. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Vicious?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.