Hello, Folks!
This post is about a duology exploring superpowers, grief, revenge and power in a fantastical/sci-fi perspective in our world.
V. E. Schwab wrote Vicious and Vengeful to tell us the story of Eli Cardale (Even) and Victor Vale, two pre-med students obsessed with the EO’s – ExtraOrdinaries An EO is a person who, after a near death experience, develops a unique power that makes them superior than our regular humans. Eli and Victor tried to recreate the experience themselves to become EO, but although they succeeded on this, it changes the way they feel because of one event that leads to Victor’s prison and they became enemies.
With two morally grey characters, V.E. Schwab explores discussions of science versus religion, questioning the real motives of the main characters and their point of views. Eli believes EO’s are bad and they don’t deserve to live. Victor is all for science and after spending ten years in prison and seen Eli lives fully while committing a lot of murders, he only wants revenge.
It’s a fast-paced sci-fi with mix of science and religion, superhero components, power fights. It’s fun, full of twist and turns and one of my favourite things in these books is the shady principles. One of the common discussions about this duology is who are you rooting for. A lot of readers find hard to pick a side. I didn’t have a problem at all. Don’t get me wrong, Eli and Victor are both murderers, with shady morals and principles (if any), but that what makes it so fun. About the side (no spoilers, promise) let’s just say I can’t stand the God complex. I realized I didn’t explained the books (LOL)
Vicious focuses on the two sword enemies. From their friendship in college, lab experiences, becoming an EO and then murderers. After prison time, ten years later the revenge plot starts and the crazy wide journey begins. The side characters are also good, especially the EO’s (I hated the detective)
Vengeful presents new characters, new EO’s, a new powerhouse and, of course, our very own enemies Eli and Victor to their final battles. Here, Eli’s dreams come true when a society called EON which the main goal is hunting EO’s.
It’s quite a ride. Truly, I recommend it.
Ratings: Vicious 5/5 stars – Vengeful 4.5/5 stars (it’s a solid closure to the story, I just liked the atmosphere of Vicious more)
See Ya!
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