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Vicious
by V.E. Schwab
Vicious throws you into a high-stakes, morally murky world where two brilliant, broken men, Victor Vale and Eli Ever, are locked in a relentless pursuit. They were once college roommates who discovered a dangerous path to acquiring superhuman abilities, but a catastrophic betrayal turned them into archenemies. The story unfolds as a tense, psychological cat-and-mouse game, each man convinced of his own righteousness while operating firmly in the grey. You'll find yourself wrestling with who to root for, if anyone, as Schwab meticulously peels back layers of ambition, obsession, and the dark side of power. This is for readers who crave anti-heroes, intricate revenge plots, and a gritty narrative that doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable questions about what makes a monster—or a hero.
10 Books similar to 'Vicious'
If Vicious left you craving more stories about morally grey characters wrestling with extraordinary power, our curated list is for you. We've gathered books that explore the thrilling, often brutal, consequences of ambition and revenge, featuring protagonists who walk the line between hero and villain. Whether you're drawn to the intense rivalries and psychological games, the gritty deconstruction of superhero tropes, or the dark academia vibe of dangerous friendships, you'll find a new obsession here. These selections delve deep into power dynamics and the difficult choices made when extraordinary abilities come with a steep moral cost.
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by Olivie Blake
Like Vicious, this novel features a cast of highly ambitious, morally grey characters with unique powers competing in a high-stakes environment. It explores the dark side of academia and the thin line between brilliance and obsession.
This book offers a cynical, grounded look at the collateral damage caused by superheroes, much like Schwab's deconstruction of the 'hero' archetype. It focuses on a protagonist who uses data and logic to seek revenge against the caped elite.
by Donna Tartt
While not about superpowers, this is the definitive 'dark academia' novel that mirrors the intense, obsessive friendship and eventual betrayal between Victor and Eli. It captures the same atmospheric tension and intellectual arrogance.
Fans of Schwab's sharp prose and 'found family' of outcasts will appreciate this gritty heist novel. It features a master manipulator lead and a group of criminals navigating a world where power comes at a steep price.
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by R.F. Kuang
This dark military fantasy explores the psychological toll of power and the transformation of a student into a ruthless weapon. It shares the bleak tone and the 'villain origin story' feel of Victor Vale's journey.
Featuring twins created through alchemy to achieve godhood, this story echoes the 'science-meets-magic' experimentation found in Vicious. It is a complex, non-linear narrative about fate, power, and dangerous ambition.
by Marie Lu
This series is a rare YA exploration of a true villain protagonist who is consumed by her own power and desire for vengeance. It mirrors the dark, superpower-driven rivalry that defines Schwab's work.
by Jay Kristoff
With a sharp-tongued protagonist and a focus on a school for assassins, this book captures the same 'morally grey' energy and dark wit. It features a quest for revenge that drives the plot forward at a breakneck pace.
by Pierce Brown
While set in a dystopian future, the intense rivalry, strategic brilliance, and themes of social upheaval will resonate with Vicious fans. It focuses on a protagonist who must become a monster to destroy a corrupt system.
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