Why does EVERYONE love VICIOUS?

[@ReadswithRachel]

The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare skl.sh/readswithrachel11241

[@rodeoclowm]

the TERROR of seeing my favourite read from high school in the thumbnail vs the RELIEF of hearing your review LOL

[@dfretter]

I gasped

[@Assorted_Muffins]

100% my response too!

[@XZeroDragoonX]

I absolutely tore through this book. Very satisfying read. But ngl, with the way Victor and Eli were written in college I might actually summarize this book as: Evil boys refuse to smooch 27 dead, 13 injured

[@KatieColson]

This popped up in my feed and I said “Oh no, Rachel. Don’t do this to me, girl.” But then five seconds into the video I was clapping

[@ohmyelliejean9156]

I actually met V.E Schwab at a panel two weeks ago, and it was a dream come true so many years after getting into her work via Vicious. She spoke so passionately about her characters and her work and the writing process in general, and answered my question so thoughtfully (even though it was very silly). And after the panel, I was able to get a picture with her and she said that I was sweet.

[@artsandcraft8041]

i've forever and always summarized these books as "what if your sophomore year situationship had a body count in the 30s". thats all people really need to know about them (/j)

[@ReadswithRachel]

HAHAAHAHAHA

[@justokayemilay6029]

Idiot me early in the video, "Who is enforcing these NDA's they sign before they become superhumans?" 😂

[@heroicfool8541]

Did i subscribe to Schwab's newsletter so i could eat up every crumb mentioning her progress on book 3? Maybe. Will i have to apologize for my feral behavior when that book finally drops? Definitely. Victor and Eli are proof that you don't have to have a problematic fave when literally everyone involved is a problem. 😂 Also, when you said Victor felt abandoned by Eli, it kinda blew my mind because Of Course! His absentee parents left him with massive detachment issues. No wonder he's so obsessed with poking the Eli shaped hornets nest. He doesnt know how to make people love him so the best he can do to keep himself in their thoughts is inspire their hate. Ah! Gorgeous character writing.

[@Beerambling]

I really like this cover, It seems so simple. I love simple covers, they should be more common.

[@JelloSalad9556]

I just bought it and I'll watch this after I finish it! A 5⭐ from you is impressive!

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m so excited for you! I think you’ll love it!

[@JelloSalad9556]

@ReadswithRachel omg star struck! 🥰

[@84rinne_moo]

25:22 Kilgrave! Slightly OT but David Tenant played that soooo good, man still get chills thinking about some of those scenes.

[@ReadswithRachel]

Same

[@CaughtBetweenPages]

I am so glad this book worked for you! The sequel didn’t hit for me as much but Vicious was so well paced and the characters had so much chemistry that I keep coming back to it. If you have other recs of media that’s like this, I’d love to hear em!!

[@missmalinky]

this book hasn't left my mind since I read it, I love rereading vicious whenever I am in between books!! I'm so excited for the 3rd book to release

[@KatizeLuka]

So glad I can finally watch one of your positive reviews since I've already read this book! Vicious is one of my all-time faves and has become the book I use to get out of reading slumps. I'm a sucker for non-linear storytelling and I think this book does it perfectly! I also love the dynamic between Victor and Eli so much, I always thought of them as bringing out and enabling each other's worst traits, which leads to a really fascinating read. I also found I didn't like the sequel quite as much as the first book, but I still really liked it and enjoyed the expansion of the world and characters. I really hope we get the third book some day just because I'd be curious to see what she does with it!

[@yarnpenguin]

Rachel not the only person chasing that Heroes high... I chased it even through 3/4 seasons!

[@rileypie-ps6lz]

Yes!! VE is working on book three!! It’s called Victorious, and she talked a bit about it at her panel at NYCC. I’m soooo excited. I also had a hard time getting fully into Vengeful after loving Vicious sooo much, but it does pick up towards the middle/end so hopefully you enjoyed it too!!

[@c.lstrife]

When I read the book, I noticed that Victor mustve known that Eli wasn't good because I remembered that Victor would often look for any signs for the "real Eli" to show but I think he mistaken that those "real eli" moment were "good," instead of "Bad." Also I love the fact that they stayed in the same hotel and had many near interactions especially when Victor went out to get food (I think) and he was in the elevator right when Eli walked out of his room nearby.

[@angiechamberlain2326]

The relief and joy I have that you gave it 5⭐️. Are you going to deep dive Quicksilver, bc I need it 😅

[@ReadswithRachel]

Funny story I filmed it yesterday and that review is 2 1/2 hours long so I’ll be editing that this week and it should be up on Friday

[@Lee-rn9mz]

Bro I was soooo scared for a second😅

[@JigokuShoujo_4]

VE Schwab!? Sign me in... she is an awesome writer!!! Glad to see that Rachel liked her work!

[@Sola-Noir222]

My kid told me to read this many years ago and now I must you rarely give 5 stars ~ love this, thanks Rachel 📚

[@Kaz0o24]

i know i really loved vicious when i read it as a teenager i liked the second book but not as much as the first, i was happy enough with it being a standalone but also i love the world and the characters that i just took it as it was. ill probably re-read it eventually regardless if the third comes or not. great video!

[@GaryMcSnail]

Serena and Sydney were easily my favorite characters!!!! I'd die for Sydney and she wouldn't have to bring me back

[@ReadswithRachel]

SAME and the little dog too!

[@missxfaith]

I think this was the first VE Schwab book I ever read and I absolutely loved it. She’s one of my favorite authors 😄

[@justanormalfish]

The scene with Eli’s NDA gave me a panic attack in real life. I was fine in the end! But man, very few books have elicited emotions out of me like that.

[@Smartpplz161]

You said to gave it 5 stars, I paused, waited a little bit to get the book at my library, read it and loved it, and now I’m back!

[@sagekay]

I literally had to go check your goodreads to make sure you 5 starred this because I love this book so much, it almost beats out Addie LaRue which I often say is my favorite book of all time. Thank god you have impeccable taste 🖤✨

[@sagekay]

Also I really loved vengeful and lowkey don’t get why people don’t like it because Marcella?!? Loml gorgeous babe? Like it wasn’t a 5 because that first book is a masterpiece but I genuinely think it’s underrated

[@cocoaddams4502]

@@sagekay idk Marcella just felt glommed on to the story. Lots of rough edges. When Sydney and Vic and Eli showed up, the words just shot off the page. I waded thru Marcella.

[@hydreigonite3439]

Vicious is probably my favorite book of all time, I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it! Also, there's a standalone (?) comic set in the same universe called Extraordinary that you might be interested in.

[@volatilechemicalz]

Ever since I read this book I've been waiting for you to review it honestly. In the beginning I was a little scared that it would be negative but I am so sooo glad that you loved it

[@sojabursche]

I also loved heroes. Especially Claire because people were always like “oh yikes” and then she healed. And people are always “oh yikes” when I dislocate something and then I just put it back because it’s normal to dislocate stuff for me (I have eds). 😂 Also I forgot her name but the deaf cellist. I’m legally deaf now but I have residual hearing and that’s enough to still get my synesthesia fireworks visions from sound, very similar to how she has in the show. 🤭

[@sojabursche]

1 of my younger sisters has chosen her ideas over me, as has my older sister, my father and his entire side of the family. Some qanon stuff (yes we also got that in Germany tho that one has gotten a little more quiet now, it was louder in 2020/21), nazism, COVID denial, anti-vax, anti-mask. And I’m intersex trans queer and born disabled, as is my Partnerperson of over a decade who is also not from Germany. It was my decision in the end to cut them off, but what choice do I really have when always when I came by they started talking about how little my life is worth and how it’s not worth protecting. It’s not healthy to keep that in your life, so it was better to cut them off. I hope it won’t come to that with your sister. It’s a very difficult thing to do.

[@brdbecks]

If you're looking for more dark superhero novels, you might like Hench by Natalie Zina Walshots!

[@Meg_Sprite]

I’m so glad everyone else had the same reaction to the title of the video 😂😂😂

[@dulcimerthefairy4793]

I’m so glad you loved this. It’s one of my favorite books, and my favorite of her series.

[@anishinaabae]

one of my partners favourite books ever! he read it so long ago now yet he still remembers every aspect of the plot and storytelling, which is high praise considering his ADHD memory. 😂 perhaps i’ll finally give it a go, despite him telling me the entirety of the book!

[@Rhialia]

Was so worried when i saw this but im so happy you like it! It was one of my first ve schwab books and i fell in love with her works

[@isaacbenrubi9613]

Wow! High praise coming from RwR! Thats awesome!

[@PandaBearsXc]

Yes, Young Justice love!!! One of my fav. shows. Thank you for this review. This isn't my favorite V.E. Schwab book (it's the Shades of Magic series) but still such a good book and series.

[@sita9071]

I loved this book in HS (I still have yet to read the sequel despite owning it for like 5 years) and was nervous for a second when I saw the thumbnail. Glad you liked it!

[@emmy8495]

Have you considered reading Dark Heir? I feel like it also does a really good job of discussing who is just and moral and who is truly evil.

[@ManEatingTeddyBear]

Vicious is one of my all time faves. Really glad you ended up enjoying it! While I didn't like the sequel quite as much, I still really enjoyed it for different reasons. Curious to see what you think of it!

[@InOurTalons]

ohhh i ADORE this book. so glad you enjoyed it. the sequel definitely didnt hit as hard for me, and im curious to see how you feel about it at the end.

[@saraharwood9434]

I read this back in 2013 and still think about it, despite never having re-read it. Definitely one of my all time favorite books, I’m so glad you liked it! The sequel…i remember not being as impressed, and Im hesitant to read the third installment. I think she said she’s writing that anyway…i reserve judgement haha

[@MariaAlexia24]

I was reluctant to read this but you convinced me to do it, your review made me excited to read this 😅❤

[@jxeioex]

I read this book earlier this year and LOVED it. Also as I was watching this I realized the main characters are named after the author’s initials: Victor Vale, Eli Ever, Sydney & Serena 😄

[@JHa]

I just finished this book recently too and I really enjoyed it. I was a bit worried you were going to hate it or think it was fine but I'm glad you loved it too!

[@SingingWithMyself-Frozen]

I've only read one book by V.E. Schwab, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and I loved that. It also had a non-linear timeline, which I thought was very well done. Vicious also sounds very interesting. Maybe I'll order it into my library...

[@katherinesanderson8990]

Just finished Addie LaRue (loved it) but Vicious was the first (and only other) book of hers I read and it instantly made me want to read more of her books (I do have the sequel but haven't started it yet).

[@ademers03]

V.E. Schwab is my FAVORITE author. Period. Addie Larue was great, Gallant was amazing, Darker shade of magic rearranged my DNA. LOVE. HER. WORK.

[@crouchingidiot]

A 5 star from Rachel? You know it’s good

[@Rain-c5m]

I'm so curious if you've ever read Worm by Wildbow. If you haven't, it's a reconstruction of the entire superhero genre and tries to make the tropes understandable. One example being, the revolving door of villains that never get killed or have their identities outed. Anyway, it's like 1.7 million words long and free. I'd also recommend every other Wildbow story, though my favorite is Pale.

[@maggi1]

Hi Rachel, I know you and Carlos (and your kids!) like anime/manga and I was wondering if y’all had ever heard of Choujin X? It’s written by Sui Ishida (the author of Tokyo Ghoul) and it is FANTASTIC. It’s currently being published and I haven’t heard anything about it being turned into an anime yet but I would be literally so happy if it got an adaptation. I haven’t read Vicious (it’s now on my TBR thanks to this video, haha) but it definitely deals with the topics of how one wrong choice can lead you from being an exalted, beloved hero to a dark villain and how people get swept up in that plus what it means to be a hero and the trauma that comes with this sort of choice. In the manga they are called Choujin (which basically means super-human) and how people become Choujin, what the different types and their powers are and how their personality and life and dreams affect what they can become, the jealousy people can face seeing their friends overtake them, how your powers can completely overtake you, what not living up to the expectations placed on a person can do to them - if you know anything about Tokyo Ghoul (particularly the manga as the anime adaptation had some SERIOUS issues lol) you already know how Ishida can just write that atmospheric darkness that seeps into your soul and how profound and introspective and unlike anything else his ideas are. And it’s funny because you talking about how you named your cats after characters from the show made my mind IMMEDIATELY jump to Choujin X because one of my cats is named Palma after one of my favorite characters in CX. I know most anime lovers heard “hero” and immediately went to My Hero Acaddemia which isn’t bad by any means but CX is so, so, SO much better. And anyone else who may come across this comment and likes manga, please give Choujin X a read, you will NOT be disappointed :)

[@Dinograb07]

I can’t wait to listen to this on my drive home from work!❤

[@caceyhopper2887]

Adding this to my Christmas list for my teenage son! Also, as someone who has actually had a legit NDE i find the super power concept very interesting 😅😅

[@Senidhr]

This books has been on my to read list quite sometime (years). Glad you liked it. Just saw it, until the spoiler section (don't want to know everything before i read it)

[@luise.j]

I absolutely loved the first book! Like you, I was constantly questioning in the beginning whether Eli saw their relationship the same way or if the admiration, rivalry and the extreme jealousy was all on Victors side. Like when Eli does something and Victor is sure that he only does it to outdo him, I couldn’t help but flip flop between „yes, you are right, he wants to be better than us“ and „no, I’m sure that’s not his intention.“ 😅 The ending was predictable but I thought that only made it better. I was anticipating it playing out for so long, it was really satisfying to read! I immediately went into the second book and was a little disappointed. It’s alright but no where as good. Where as I was interested to read from all characters in the first book, I didn’t really vibe with the new characters as much in the second. Plus, I lost a bit of love for Victor and did not like the ending. But since I thought the first ending was perfect, it was a difficult one to follow. I did like that we got more backstory for Eli in the second book, though I still think Vicious should have been a standalone.

[@cocoaddams4502]

I think Schwab originally was going to write the series as a trilogy but for some reason the publishers decided to cut it to a duology. To me, it seems like the 2nd book is her trying to jam a trilogy into a duology.

[@pauieeepau]

Quincredible mentioned! I liked volume 1. It was cute. I can't find the next volume/s easily in my country though. I'll try looking for it later.

[@roselover411]

I was expecting a bad review based on the bait in the title so i audibly gasped when i heard you say you gave it 5 stars! Now I'm really interested to hear the story!

[@sophiel1599]

Ohhhhhh my goodness okay this vid might convince me to reread this book! to be honest i feel like this book was hyped up so much it fell a little flat for me... my favorite parts were the flashbacks, and i found myself not skimming but trying to get through the present chapters faster and i didn't care enough about the characters in their present form that it didn't quite hit for me. BUT. this video might convince me otherwise. i've heard that the second book goes into more of what i wanted from the first - the religious aspects of eli's character, their time at school, etc. so i might give it another try..... thank you for this video lol i've heard people talk about this book a ton and i really want to understand the hype !!

[@Maria_x04]

Omg I’m so happy you loved it because I’ve been wondering if I should read it, after being disappointed by a previous VE Schwab book (Gallant). But now i feel confident i will like Vicious! 🙏

[@tirisgarde]

YAY oh my god i’m so overjoyed. i’ve read vicious like five times since i bought it in 2019 & it’s genuinely one of my favorite books ever. i like v.e. schwab as a writer very much but vicious made me feel crazy. so glad to hear you enjoyed it!!

[@glowlngx]

i read this book in december of last year and it was so amazing. of course, my little brother sharing a name with the main villain of the novel made it a little difficult at times.

[@valeriarossini543]

I've been recommend this book ad nauseam but never been too convinced, so hearing that you gave it 5 stars is very promising!!! Can't wait to hear your thoughts :)

[@fr4nkensk4nk]

okay i am less than a minute in and im gonna immediately pause because if you gave it 5 stars, i just need to read it for myself, especially with the synopsis u gave. i trust your judgement and am thirsty for some good fiction that is not FAN fiction (mostly so i can acutally answer when my parents ask what i'm reding rn lol)

[@kriseaf]

If you're looking for something good in the superhero genre, try Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots. It's a henchman's villain origin story, so weird, so fun, highly recommend!

[@chan8199]

Stop I love this book so much 😂 I'm scared to watch this

[@yobymaguire]

if you liked the 2022 batman movie you would probably like the prequel novel of it! the downfall of it is no selina backstory stuff but its still a fun take on bruces handling of his trauma and alfred is such a badass lol

[@danaslitlist1]

I really admire VE Schwab even though their writing isn’t for me. I have a very hard time getting into the flow of their style, but I fully understand the appeal and their creativity.

[@saringanwarrior09]

The Thumbnail almost made me pee my pants. Veschwab is my favorite author ever and i would die for Victor he's my acid baby

[@Shortstack732]

This isn’t my normal genre, but the way you describe the plot and characters really made me want to read this. College friends experimenting with the idea people getting superpowers from a near-death experience reminds me so much of the movie FLATLINERS. P.S. As a Batman fan, have you seen the Penguin origin story miniseries with Colin Farrell yet? If so, what did you think?

[@maevem316]

It's very funny reading all of the comments from people who loved the book that were terrified at the title, because honestly you baited me in the opposite direction, lol. I am, unfortunately, a bit of a hater (Victor was so irritating to me), but I'm glad you enjoyed it (I do *wish* I had because the concept was very interesting to me)

[@zoipappabeatha]

I enjoyed both books very very much

[@JessCsBooks]

If you like superhero books I have to recommend The Apex Cycle by MT Zimny! It's so good and the author is a beautiful person!

[@sunbrah]

I wanna read this now. Let's see if it can beat Crime and Punishment for the top stop of my favourite books. Seriously this book sounds right up my alley

[@MeekReviews]

Haven't watch yet, just preemptively panicking as Vicious is top 3 favorite books ever and I'm terrified

[@isabellajohnson956]

I read the series earlier this year. I loved Vicious and thought it could have remained a strong book on its own. I also really enjoyed Vengeful, but I will admit it did take me a bit to find my footing with it! Also- book 3 was lightly announced a while ago on Instagram, and will be called Victorious! I believe it’s still several years away though! Additionally, I have the renegades trilogy by Marissa meyer on my shelf but I’m hesitant to start it after reading the lunar chronicles and feeling like that one dragged far too much!

[@zephyr2167]

The second book isn't quite as good as the first but I still enjoyed it. And I believe she just started writing the third, so you chose a good time to read it. I'm glad you liked it! It's one of my favorite books.

[@Mrbluefire95]

The interesting thing you point out about Schwab’s prose is that the things Schwab are good at is almost tunnel vision-like. She loves to focus on character work in every book she writes, but not every plot works with such things. That’s why in my opinion that her Villains series is better received as a whole than her Shades of Magic one. High Fantasy can’t stumble through plot.

[@3545monkey]

If you haven't read it, you might enjoy Hush by Natalie Zina Walschott. It's one of the best superhero fiction prose stories I've read in a long time!

[@meetmeatthebookshelf8169]

Oh thank god. I was terrified you didn’t like it 😂

[@AurYouReading]

I just reread this duology on audiobook! Terrified to hear your thoughts. 😂 The one thing that threw me out of the story *every time* was Eli crossing himself. He seemed kind of fundie (definitely Protestant) and it’s just not something they would do.

[@ccdaly2561]

Well, this is fun. I knew less than you; all I knew was the Ian McKellan TV series of the same name

[@Leo-rp1cw]

i’ve been hyperfixated on a story about superhumans for a few years now and finding vicious was such a delight! what’s heroes, also? it’s mentioned at 0:44 ish and it sounds interesting

[@ReadswithRachel]

omg its SUCH a good tv show from a while ago!

[@LaineMann]

@@ReadswithRachelokay but now you need to tell us what you named your cats?

[@ReadswithRachel]

Artemis and Raven!

[@LaineMann]

@ I don’t think Raven was IN Young Justice but I’d assume if you saw that I’d assume you saw Teen Titans also. 😅

[@ReadswithRachel]

I didn’t watch teen titans the animated show but Carlos did. I am a fan of the Teen Titans comic series by Kami Garcia and we did watch the live action series Titans.

[@Dizzintegration]

Onto the TBR it goes!!! I just finished crooked kingdom without having read shadow and bone and now I'm debating picking up the trilogy, y'all think it's worth it? Stay safe, Rachel!

[@sallyisbestgirl6908]

i loved vicious so much, so i'm really glad you liked it too. unfortunately, vengeful is nowhere near as good imo. the first bit of the book was great, but as it went on i went from being confused to being annoyed & just wanting to hurry up and finish it. it was sloppy, pacing was weird, and at times i felt the cast either went ooc a lot or were really irritating.

[@cocoaddams4502]

"He doesn't know you like I do." "No one ever has." OMGGGGGG

[@dfretter]

Sidney is best girl

[@cocoaddams4502]

Sydney is a precious angel who must be protected at all costs.

[@BookishRaider]

I love the DC Icons Series and The Teen Titans Graphic Novels and highly enjoyed them

[@eirhanhayes8960]

Stopping the vid so I don't spoil myself, I'll have to actually read this one

[@jjaystar]

i recently picked this up at a thrift because i found the cover stricking!! excited to hear your thoughts :D

[@dandelionpuff]

Check out Batman: Black Mirror. Hella dark and boy howdy the human condition is wild. It's been a long time since I've read it but it haunts me lol

[@route7635]

I'm actually so scared, this was such a good book??? But like excited scared cuz even if you somehow hate it ik I'm gonna at least have a good laugh because of it

[@route7635]

Oh thank GOD

[@neea8807]

I just read it! (!!! Spoilers follow !!!) I almost rage quit after Angie's death, not because she died but because Victor was SO BAD at lying to the cops after it. I mean DUDE, just tell them you woke up in pain and she was dead, you're physically fucked up enough to make that believable. You called Eli first? Well he was both her boyfriend and your "best friend", you were in shock, that was stupid but understandable. I know it's meant to show that suppressing all his pain suppressed also his self preservation and he wasn't thinking clearly after almost dying twice in less than a week, but I hate when very intelligent characters act stupidly and it's never clearly said that they acted stupidly. Putting the blame on Eli for killing Serena while Eli is still alive so Sid might learn the truth was also very stupid of him and will 100% bite his ass (I didn't read the second one yet but I have absolutely no doubt about it) I still enjoyed it very much. The writing is glorious, Mitch is indeed a sweet cinnamon roll, Sid is my girl and I would die for her. I'm curious about the second one, I'm on the waitlist at the library.

[@UzumakiNarue]

Me: i have this in my " to read list" should i continue watching the video? 🤔 Me, not even 5 mins in: yep!! : 🍿😀

[@Hyopomora]

Yay me a video for me to eat dinner to

[@Calm_And_Peace_]

I liked Vicious too but not the second book.

[@supernaturalaesthetic6295]

I tried reading it but I really genuinely dislike her writing style and characters… 😅 she’s just not for me

[@ReadswithRachel]

You’re not alone One of my friends says ve Schwab is her nemesis because apparently a darker shade of magic killed her love of reading 😂

[@supernaturalaesthetic6295]

@ oh no 🤣 these two series have great ideas so I definitely see why people can love it so much and I did genuinely enjoy hearing your take and talking about what youve heard from others!

[@MrRoro_su]

❤❤❤

[@The_onset_tutor]

I only thought it was okay 3/5⭐️. I maybe missed something. I don’t remember anything about it.

[@cocoaddams4502]

One of my favorite books of all time. Perfect little circle of a book. A freaking masterclass in writing. -- Schwab explains complicated ideas -- such as why the resurrection would work -- so simply that it's believable. It's elegant without seeming wordy. She never seems to stumble on cliches, either. What she does is go up to them, and you think you know what's coming but then she'll veer in the other direction. It's such an art.

[@bluseadragon]

I DNF’ed Addie LaRue and it made me hesitant to read other V E Schwab. Not sure I’d read Vicious either with this video 🤨 Are any of her other books worth it?

[@ReadswithRachel]

I think if you didn’t like the writing of Addie Larue, definitely skip vicious

[@bluseadragon]

@@ReadswithRachelomg thanks for responding! I think I might just do that. I was actually a bit sad that Addie LaRue didn’t work for me. Unfortunately I was just bored the entire time.

[@PistachioGold]

Ohhhhh I liked Vicious ❤ I wasn't able to root for Victor 100% because of the way he handles having killed the woman he liked (also Schwab's tendencies against female characters apways have me like 😂 giiiirl). I haven't started Vengeful yet, and I dont feel a rush until the third book release date rolls around 😂 AHHH and the power to manip ppl by telling them what to do, I'm currently reading a book that has it ❤❤❤ I love when characters have such an ability (the book is Mistress of Lies ❤❤)