Vicious

Like Vicious, this novel explores the devastating consequences of ambition and power, following a protagonist whose moral compass fractures under the weight of war and vengeance. It captures that same dark, gritty intensity where the line between hero and villain becomes dangerously blurred.

Fans of Schwab's character-driven narrative will appreciate the complex, morally grey ensemble cast of this heist story. Much like Victor and Eli, these characters are deeply flawed, driven by past trauma, and forced into dangerous alliances where trust is a luxury they cannot afford.

This book shares the weird, dark, and high-stakes supernatural atmosphere found in Vicious, featuring characters with god-like abilities who are essentially broken people. It is a masterclass in building a unique, unsettling magic system that feels grounded in a harsh, unforgiving reality.

If the superhero-gone-wrong aspect of Vicious was your favorite part, this series is a perfect match. It explores a world where people with powers are not heroes, but tyrants, forcing the protagonist to rely on wit and planning rather than supernatural strength to survive.

This book flips the superhero narrative on its head, focusing on the overlooked 'henchmen' who clean up the collateral damage caused by caped crusaders. It shares the cynical, analytical, and darkly funny tone that makes Schwab's writing so addictive.

This novel offers a brilliant, dual-perspective look at the rivalry between a supervillain and a superhero, mirroring the Victor/Eli dynamic. It delves deep into the psychology of power, ego, and the obsession that drives two brilliant minds to destroy one another.

Readers who enjoy Schwab's deconstruction of fantasy tropes will find a kindred spirit here, as it portrays magic as something dangerous, exhausting, and often disillusioning. It features an academic, slightly cynical tone that explores the darker side of having special abilities.

For those who loved the non-linear, complex structure of Vicious, this intense and visceral fantasy offers a similarly challenging and rewarding experience. It is a dark, character-focused journey where the narrator's reliability is constantly in question.

This book combines a secret supernatural organization with a gripping, high-stakes mystery, echoing the 'hidden world' vibe of Vicious. It features a protagonist who must navigate a treacherous political landscape while dealing with the loss of her own identity and memories.

It is impossible to recommend books similar to Vicious without suggesting another masterpiece by the same author. This series showcases Schwab's signature ability to craft morally grey characters and intricate magic systems, offering that same fast-paced, atmospheric storytelling.