A Dance with Morality in Shades of Gray
In a world saturated with superhero narratives, Victoria E Schwab’s Vicious emerges as a stark reminder that power doesn’t create heroes—it merely amplifies who we already are. This darkly compelling tale challenges the traditional superhero paradigm, weaving a complex tapestry of morality, revenge, and the thin line between heroism and villainy.
The Symphony of Vengeance
Plot and Narrative Structure
Schwab masterfully orchestrates a dual-timeline narrative that alternates between the present and ten years prior. The story follows Victor Vale and Eli Ever, former college roommates whose shared fascination with ExtraOrdinary people (EOs)—humans who develop supernatural abilities after near-death experiences—leads them down a path of scientific experimentation, betrayal, and ultimately, destruction.
The narrative’s non-linear structure creates a delicious tension, revealing crucial pieces of information at precisely the right moments. Like a chess master setting up her pieces, Schwab carefully positions each character, each revelation, until the inevitable collision of past and present creates an explosive finale.
Character Dynamics
The heart of Vicious lies in its characters’ complex relationships and moral ambiguity. Victor Vale, our nominal protagonist, is far from heroic—he’s calculating, ruthless, and driven by revenge. Yet Schwab’s skillful characterization makes him compellingly sympathetic, particularly through his protective relationship with Sydney Clarke, a young EO who can raise the dead.
Eli Ever, the self-proclaimed hero, is perhaps the most fascinating character study. His descent from charming college student to religious zealot hunting other EOs is both tragic and terrifying. The transformation is made more powerful by Schwab’s careful attention to Eli’s psychology, showing how his God complex intertwines with his abilities to create a monster who genuinely believes he’s doing holy work.
Strengths and Literary Merit
World-Building and Atmosphere
Schwab creates a world that feels simultaneously familiar and alien. Merit, the city where much of the action takes place, becomes a character in itself—its dark corners and abandoned buildings providing the perfect backdrop for this tale of power and revenge. The author’s prose is lean yet evocative, painting vivid scenes without unnecessary flourish.
Thematic Depth
The novel excels in its exploration of profound themes:
- The nature of heroism and villainy
- The corruption of power and ambition
- The role of choice versus circumstance in shaping who we become
- The price of revenge and the cycle of violence
- The complex nature of friendship and betrayal
Scientific Foundation
Schwab’s approach to superhuman abilities is refreshingly grounded in scientific theory. The discussions of adrenaline, near-death experiences, and the psychological impact of trauma give the fantastic elements a credible foundation that makes the story more compelling.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Inconsistencies
While the dual timeline generally works well, there are moments when the pacing feels uneven, particularly in the middle section. Some readers might find the theoretical discussions about EOs in the college timeline slightly prolonged.
Secondary Character Development
While the main characters are brilliantly crafted, some secondary characters, particularly Serena, could have been developed further. Her relationship with Eli and her motivations sometimes feel less fully realized than other aspects of the story.
Literary Context and Influence
Vicious draws from various literary traditions while creating something uniquely its own. There are echoes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in its exploration of science and morality, and parallels to Alan Moore’s Watchmen in its deconstruction of superhero tropes. Yet Schwab’s voice remains distinctly her own, bringing fresh perspective to these familiar themes.
Impact and Significance
The novel’s success led to a sequel, Vengeful, and established Schwab as a major voice in adult fantasy fiction. Its influence can be seen in the growing trend of morally complex superhero narratives that question traditional hero/villain dichotomies.
Technical Execution
Prose and Style
Schwab’s writing is precise and powerful, with a careful balance of action, dialogue, and introspection. Her descriptions are vivid without being purple, and she has a particular talent for conveying complex emotions through small gestures and details.
Dialogue and Character Voice
Each character has a distinct voice that reflects their personality and background. The dialogue crackles with tension and subtext, particularly in the confrontations between Victor and Eli.
Final Verdict
Vicious is a masterclass in moral complexity and character-driven storytelling. While it has minor flaws, they’re overshadowed by its innovative approach to the superhero genre, compelling characters, and sophisticated exploration of morality and power.
Recommendations for Readers
This book is perfect for:
- Fans of morally ambiguous characters
- Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with supernatural elements
- Those who appreciate complex, non-linear storytelling
- Anyone interested in fresh takes on the superhero genre
Similar works worth exploring:
- The Rook by Daniel O’Malley
- Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
- Worm by Wildbow
- Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman
Author’s Evolution
Vicious marked Victoria E Schwab’s successful transition from YA to adult fiction, following her earlier works The Near Witch and The Archived. The maturity and complexity of themes in Vicious showcase her growth as a writer and her ability to craft sophisticated narratives that appeal to a broader audience.
Conclusion
Vicious by Victoria E Schwab is more than just another superhero story—it’s a profound exploration of power, morality, and the choices that define us. Schwab has created a work that manages to be both intellectually stimulating and viscerally entertaining, proving that genre fiction can tackle complex philosophical questions while maintaining narrative momentum. Despite its few shortcomings, it stands as a significant achievement in contemporary speculative fiction and a must-read for anyone interested in the darker side of power and humanity.
