Check out why I chose to read this in my Trick or Treat-athon post.
Finished 10/5/19 (Started 10/4/19)
This was quick, easy, and a blast to read. This novel has been recommended and praised by so many prominent Booktubers (to name a few). Notably absent from that list is my current favorite Booktuber, BooksandLala, with whom I seem to share a similar taste in books. I say this because this book was really good, but its not the best thing since sliced bread, as so many seem to sell it as.
Let me be clear, I am glad I read this book. I will almost certainly read the next in the series, and I can gladly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fantasy. The novel is fast paced and enjoyable to read. Schwab writes about two friends turned enemies, jumping between past and present timelines to show us how their friendship has deteriorated into its current state. The characters are complex, unique and real people. We explore the concept of good and evil, hero vs villain as our characters break the mold of conventional archetypes. It all works really well. Couple that with a very effective writing style, and you have a fantastic book.
I suppose my only issue is a personal one. I never quite connected to the story or the characters on an emotional level. In a way, I am like the EOs (the extra ordinarys) who lack a fundamental connection to the world after they become “super”. I enjoyed the ride, and I want to continue and learn where they go from here. Nevertheless, I can sense there is something missing. I understand the main characters aren’t supposed to be likable (although I certainly pushed for the fall of the religious zealot), but emotion can be both negative or positive.
I am focusing so much on the negative here, when my opinion of the book is still quite high. After all, I finished it in a day. Granted, it was on audio, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t take a fair bit of my attention (gladly given). I recommend you give it a go; it’s an easy book to love. 4.5/5 stars, rounding down.
For the Love of Science 
3 thoughts on “Vicious by V.E. Schwab ★★★★☆”