A review by 30something_reads
Vicious by V.E. Schwab

adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"It's why I let you stay... why I liked you. All that charm outside, all that evil inside. There was a monster under there, long before you died." 

Just. Yes. This was everything I needed. This story had me hooked from page 1.

A thesis about the existence of EOs goes from theoretical to experimental for college roommates/friends Eli Carsale and Victor Vale. The aftermath is dark and gritty. 

Eli had a purpose and Victor has a score to settle. 

You want morally grey? Victor Vale is the textbook definition of morally grey, anti hero. Honestly, on paper, there is no reason to root for Victor, but here I am, loving this character to death. (I'm sure it has to do with his penchant for "taking in strays".) 

Schwab creates such great tension in her storytelling. The majority of the book is told in a nonlinear timeline- jumping back and forth by years, weeks, days -  but then as we approach the end, every chapter is a countdown to the final act. SO GOOD. I could not put it down.