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 Vicious has one of the best premises I've ever read recently, who doesn't want to read about superheroes (or should I say Extra Ordinaries)? Superheroes are my kryptonite, and ever since I was little I've been obsessed with them. It doesn't matter where it was Spiderman, Hulk, Iron Man, I loved them all (except Aquaman, but that's a whole different story). Vicious is a completely new angle on the classic superhero story and it's just as gritty, intense, and provocative as it's title suggest. Schwab makes Marvel and DC Comics look tame in respect to Vicious. 
 At the surface, Vicious is just a super hero tale, but it is truly a tale of friendship, betrayal, and about the thin line between good and evil. When Schwab wasn't impressing me with her beautifully twisted prose, I was extremely mesmerized by her ability to create an unpredictable plot. I loved the way Schwab seemed to constantly incite questions in my mind about what it means to be good or evil. There are just so many ways this novel could have gone astray because stories about superheroes are usually cheesy by nature (how many times does the super hero have to save the damsel in distress?). Schwab does an excellent job of avoiding all cliches and making this story entirely her own by making it relevant to modern society. There truly is no 'good' or 'evil' in Vicious; in life, no one is good or evil and we're all a mix of both qualities. 
 Just when you thought that Schwab's books couldn't get any more intense, she managed to one up herself and prove me wrong. Vicious is intense, thrilling, and absolutely spectacular in each and every way. Schwab doesn't waste a second in Vicious and immediately creates a creepy, strange atmospheric tone that resonates throughout out the entire book. There are a few dull moments after the riveting beginning, but other than that, the rest of the book is completely enthralling. 
 The superpowers in Vicious aren't the focus at all, instead Schwab delves into characters' relationships and backstories. Each character is finely crafted and is wonderfully faulted in a realistic way. Both Victor and Eli aren't the most likeable of characters, yet like a bug to light I couldn't help but be drawn to each of them. Victor and Eli are alluringly despicable in their own way and I couldn't help but root for both of them, despite the fact that they are enemies. Through Victor and Eli, Schwab showcases human nature in a thought-provoking and interesting way. Another theme that Schwab explored was 'nature vs. nuture' and I really would like to see that message furthered in a possible sequel. 
 V.E. Schwab never holds back in Vicious and she is wonderfully brutal to her readers right up until the last sentence. The ending of Vicious is a total killer and I really hope that a sequel is in the works to be released ASAP. I wouldn't say that the ending is a cliffhanger, but it's an ending that has made me extremely anxious to find out what happens. 
 Vicious by V.E. Schwab is one of the most intense, gritty books that I've ever read and I really hope it's successful enough to merit a sequel. Vicious is perfect for fans of Watchmen and I really think this is Schwab's best book to date. Do yourself a favor and read Vicious!