Vengeful

Vengeful continues the story that began in Vicious, following Victor Vale and Eli Ever - two former college friends turned mortal enemies with extraordinary abilities. A new power player named Marcella emerges in Merit City, threatening to upend the delicate balance between EOs (ExtraOrdinary humans) and those who hunt them. The narrative moves between past and present, revealing how trauma and near-death experiences can transform ordinary people into beings with supernatural powers. Through parallel storylines, the book tracks multiple characters' intersecting paths as they pursue vengeance, control, and survival. The plot revolves around shifting alliances and escalating tensions as various EOs compete for dominance in Merit City. At its core are questions of power - who deserves it, how to wield it, and what it truly costs. This urban fantasy explores themes of ambition, corruption, and the thin line between hero and villain. The story challenges conventional morality by presenting characters who defy easy categorization as good or evil.

Readers praise the complex character development, particularly Victor Vale and Marcella Morgan's arcs. Many note the book surpasses its predecessor Vicious with deeper world-building and moral ambiguity. The multiple timelines and revenge plots keep readers engaged. Frequent praise points: - Strong female characters and their dynamics - Exploration of power dynamics and corruption - Sharp, precise writing style - Satisfying conclusion to character arcs Common criticisms: - Slower pacing compared to Vicious - Too many perspective shifts - Some found Marcella's storyline predictable - Less focus on Victor/Eli dynamic than expected Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (48,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,800+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 "The character work is phenomenal. Each person feels distinct and their motivations make sense, even when they're terrible people," writes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review notes: "The pacing dragged in the middle sections, but the ending made up for it."

Vicious by V. E. Schwab The first book in the Villains series follows two college students who discover how to create superhuman abilities through near-death experiences.

The Power by Naomi Alderman Women develop the ability to release electrical jolts from their bodies, shifting the power dynamics of society and exploring the moral implications of newfound abilities.

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch A quantum physicist navigates multiple realities after being kidnapped and forced to confront alternate versions of his life and choices.

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins A woman trained in forbidden knowledge by a god-like figure must use her supernatural abilities to prevent catastrophic consequences for humanity.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab A woman makes a deal with a dark entity to live forever but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets, leading to centuries of complex relationships and survival.

🗡️ While the book features antiheroes and villains, author V.E. Schwab was inspired by the real-world concept of near-death experiences, particularly the reported psychological changes in survivors. ⚡ Vengeful was written during a particularly challenging time in Schwab's life, as she was simultaneously working on three different book projects while dealing with severe chronic pain. 🌃 The city of Merit, where much of the action takes place, is loosely based on Detroit, Michigan, with elements of Chicago blended in to create its noir atmosphere. 💪 The character of Marcella Morgan was partially inspired by mob wives of the 1950s and their complex relationships with power and society's expectations. 📚 The book took five years to write, significantly longer than its predecessor Vicious, as Schwab wanted to ensure it exceeded readers' expectations for the long-awaited sequel.