Quick Summary: Vicious is a gripping tale of two brilliant college roommates, Victor Vale and Eli Ever, whose scientific ambitions lead them to experiment with extraordinary abilities, but their friendship turns into an intense rivalry filled with betrayal and danger.
Vicious Book Summary
Vicious by V. E. Schwab is a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction, exploring complex themes of ambition, morality, and the nature of good and evil. The story is centered around Victor Vale and Eli Ever, two college students who begin as friends but rapidly become adversaries as their experiments on extraordinary abilities lead to dire consequences.
The novel opens with Victor, who has already spent ten years in prison after a disastrous experiment gone wrong. We learn through a series of flashbacks that in college, Victor and Eli were both top-notch students in a field of medical sciences. Their curiosity leads them to delve into the concept of ExtraOrdinary abilities, inspired by near-death experiences. They theorize that if a person encounters the brink of death and survives, they might come back with superhuman abilities.
As the story unfolds, Eli manages to gain extraordinary abilities but believes he is a superhero of sorts, on a mission to rid the world of what he perceives as ‘villains.’ Victor, on the other hand, becomes increasingly skeptical about the morality of their actions and the consequences of their experiments. Their friendship deteriorates as Victor grapples with the darker sides of human nature, ultimately leading to Eli becoming a self-proclaimed hero while Victor takes on the role of a villain.
The intricate play between the two characters continues to escalate, especially as their pasts come back to haunt them. Each character is flawed, and their motivations are layered with dualities of heroism and villainy. Eli believes in his mission to eliminate people with extraordinary abilities, whom he sees as threats, while Victor seeks revenge against Eli for his actions that led to Victor’s imprisonment and altered his fate forever.
As the narrative alternates between the present and flashbacks, readers are introduced not only to Eli and Victor but also to other characters like Serena, Eli’s closest ally, and Mitch, Victor’s faithful companion. These characters further enrich the story, bringing additional depth and perspective to the unfolding action. The parallel narratives help to build a sinister tone, where the line between good and evil is deliberately blurred.
The conflict between Victor and Eli ultimately leads to an explosive climax, which tests not just their physical abilities but also their moral compasses. By the end, the reader is left questioning many things about the characters, including the nature of heroism, revenge, and whether extraordinary abilities are a curse or a blessing. Their final confrontation embodies the overarching theme of the novel: that in the quest for power and understanding, one must consider the potential for destruction and the impact on those around them.
Lessons From Vicious
Lesson 1: The Consequences of Ambition
One major lesson from Vicious is the potential consequences of unchecked ambition. Both Eli and Victor start with noble intentions; they want to explore the boundaries of science and what it means to be extraordinary. However, as they dive deeper into their experiments, their thirst for power leads to disastrous outcomes. This lesson resonates with readers as it reflects real-life scenarios where individuals push boundaries without considering the ramifications of their actions. The characters become entrenched in their own desires, making choices that obliterate their original dreams.
Ambition can be a double-edged sword. It inspires innovation and creativity, yet it can also foster an insatiable hunger for more, ultimately leading to moral decay. This presentation encourages readers to reflect on their ambitions and whether they are allowing them to motivate ethical choices or lead to destructive behaviors.
Additionally, the comparison of Eli’s and Victor’s fates showcases different paths that ambition can carve based on individual choices and moral compass. Ambition with a conscience can result in meaningful achievements, while ambition founded on envy or revenge can spiral into catastrophe.
Lesson 2: The Complexity of Good and Evil
The book challenges traditional notions of good versus evil, illustrating that these moral extremes are often intertwined. Victor and Eli embody both hero and villain traits, leading readers to contemplate the perceptions of right and wrong in their interactions. Eli presents himself as a hero determined to eradicate what he considers threats, while Victor might be seen as a villain through Eli’s eyes. However, Victor’s motivations stem from a need for justice after being wronged, making him a morally grey character.
Schwab urges readers to reconsider who truly deserves to be labeled as a hero or a villain. Both characters act on their beliefs, developing from their experiences and interpretations of events. They showcase how moral ambiguity can drive individuals to commit actions that are later rationalized by their beliefs.
This complexity mirrors real-world situations, where societal labels do not always align with the truth or deeper motivations behind actions. Understanding this lesson encourages empathy and a more nuanced perspective of others, fostering a sense of open-mindedness when confronting moral dilemmas.
Lesson 3: The Power of Choices
The choices made by Victor and Eli drive the narrative forward and highlight the importance of personal responsibility. Every decision they make propels them further into their battles, influencing not just their lives, but the lives of those around them. Victor’s choice to prioritize revenge over reconciliation illustrates how decisions can create a chain of negative outcomes.
This lesson serves as a reminder that we are always at the mercy of our choices. Each character’s journey reflects the impact of manipulation of fate driven by individual decisions. Readers realize that short-term gains achieved through poor decisions can lead to long-term consequences.
Real life often demands choices that can alter one’s own path significantly. This lesson encourages readers to think critically about their decisions and their motivations, ultimately helping to make choices that define themselves positively rather than leading them towards destruction.
Vicious Book Review
Vicious has gained recognition not just for its engaging plot but also for its compelling characters and thematic richness. Schwab’s writing style captures the reader’s attention with vivid storytelling, intense emotions, and a sense of urgency in the character’s journeys. The book presents complex characters with relatable imperfections, encouraging readers to empathize with both Eli and Victor despite their morally questionable choices.
The intricate world-building is another highlight. Schwab expertly crafts a universe filled with science fiction elements, exploring the idea of extraordinary abilities from a fresh perspective. Rather than adhering to conventional superhero narratives, she presents a thought-provoking examination of power and the human condition.
Readers will appreciate the strong character development threaded throughout the story. Each character serves a purpose, from allies to adversaries, and they contribute significantly to the book’s tension. The unpredictability of their choices keeps readers engaged until the very last page.
While Vicious is an exceptional read for many, it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to its darker themes and moral complexities. However, for older readers, it inspires a rethink about conventions, morality, and the true cost of ambition.
Who Would I Recommend Vicious To?
Vicious is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy dark fantasy blended with real-world issues. It appeals to fans of character-driven stories that challenge traditional notions of good versus evil. Readers who appreciate moral complexity and are intrigued by superhero narratives presented with a twist will find this book particularly engaging.
If you enjoyed books like The Darkest Minds or Six of Crows, you will likely appreciate Schwab’s storytelling. It is also recommended for readers who enjoy authors such as Neil Gaiman and Marissa Meyer, who similarly weave intricate tales filled with depth.
Final Thoughts
Vicious is a powerful read that resonates with its themes of ambition, morality, and the duality of human nature. Through the complex relationship between Victor and Eli, readers are prompted to consider the definitions of heroism and villainy, the ramifications of choices, and the depth of ambition. V. E. Schwab’s writing grips the reader from beginning to end, creating an unforgettable experience that compels them to reflect on the story long after finishing the book.
For more thrilling stories and engaging themes, consider exploring other book summaries like The Tale of Despereaux or Blindness. Each offers rich narratives that draw on similar themes, capturing the complexities of human emotion and ambition.