Vicious (Villains, #1) Summary & Key Insights

V.E. Schwab's Vicious explores the complex and morally ambiguous relationship between two exceptionally gifted individuals, Eli Cardale and Victor Vale, and the devastating consequences of their ambition and hubris. The narrative unfolds across decades, alternating between their college years and their later lives, revealing the full extent of their intertwined destinies.

At the heart of the story lies the pursuit of "extraordinary" abilities. Eli and Victor, brilliant but morally flexible students at the prestigious University of Chicago, become obsessed with unlocking powers beyond the realms of natural human capacity. They forge a volatile partnership, driven by a shared thirst for power, fueled by intense rivalry and a deep, if twisted, understanding of each other's ambitions. Their research centers around near-death experiences (NDEs) as a catalyst for unlocking these abilities, resulting in Victor's ability to create "efficients" – essentially, near-death experiences that are controlled and repeatable.

Their collaboration, initially fruitful, takes a dark turn when their methods and goals diverge. Victor, consumed by his desire for power and self-preservation, betrays Eli, leaving him for dead. While Victor embraces his powers and develops a public persona as a formidable hero, Eli is presumed dead and believed to have become a villainous, mysterious figure known only as "Victor’s” antagonist. The narrative then jumps forward in time, revealing the long-term consequences of their actions and their enduring, albeit strained, connection.

The novel explores the blurred lines between hero and villain, good and evil. Victor, despite his heroic public image, is revealed to be self-serving and ruthless. Eli, despite being demonized by Victor's narrative, possesses a complex morality, motivated by revenge and a desire to even the score. The story highlights how the pursuit of power, particularly unchecked power, corrupts and distorts even the best intentions, twisting individuals into figures that resemble their perceived enemies.

The overarching themes revolve around the nature of good and evil, the consequences of ambition, the complexities of friendship and betrayal, and the subjective nature of truth. Schwab masterfully uses shifting perspectives and unreliable narrators to maintain suspense and challenge the reader's assumptions about the characters' motivations. The novel is ultimately a compelling examination of the human capacity for both extraordinary good and extraordinary evil, ultimately revealing the dangerous allure of unchecked power and the lasting repercussions of betrayal.