In a world where extraordinary abilities come at the cost of death itself, who decides what makes a hero or villain? Victoria E Schwab’s Vengeful, the highly anticipated sequel to Vicious, dives deeper into this morally ambiguous universe, where the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred with each resurrection.
The Rise of a New Power
Vengeful picks up five years after the events of Vicious, but rather than simply continuing Victor and Eli’s story, Victoria E Schwab brilliantly introduces a new force of nature: Marcella Riggins. Left for dead by her mobster husband, Marcella emerges from the ashes with the devastating ability to destroy anything she touches. Her rise to power serves as the catalyst that brings Merit’s most notorious EOs (ExtraOrdinaries) back into explosive collision.
Character Depth & Development
The Old Guard
- Victor Vale: His character arc takes a fascinating turn as he grapples with the consequences of his resurrection, adding layers of vulnerability to his otherwise controlled persona
- Eli Ever: Even in captivity, Schwab manages to make Eli more complex and compelling, providing glimpses into his troubled past that shed new light on his zealous mission
- Sydney Clarke: Her growth from a scared child to a young woman wrestling with her power and past relationships is particularly well-crafted
The New Players
- Marcella Riggins: A masterfully written antagonist whose ruthless ambition and calculated manipulation make her a worthy addition to the cast
- June: Perhaps one of the most intriguing new characters, whose shapeshifting abilities serve as a perfect metaphor for the book’s themes of identity and belonging
Strengths
Narrative Structure
Schwab employs a non-linear timeline that weaves past and present seamlessly, revealing crucial information at precisely the right moments. The multiple POVs add depth to the story while maintaining tension throughout the narrative.
World Building
The author expands on the EO mythology established in Vicious, diving deeper into the nature of these powers and their psychological impact on those who possess them. Merit City becomes a character in itself, its darkness and corruption perfectly mirroring the moral ambiguity of its inhabitants.
Themes & Symbolism
- Power and its corruption
- Identity and transformation
- Revenge versus justice
- Family—both blood and chosen
- The price of ambition
Areas for Improvement
While Vengeful is a strong sequel, there are a few elements that could have been strengthened:
- Pacing: The first third of the book moves somewhat slowly compared to its predecessor
- Character Balance: Some established characters, particularly Mitch, feel slightly underutilized
- Resolution: Certain subplot threads could have been tied up more satisfyingly
Writing Style
Schwab’s prose remains sharp and evocative, with a noir-like quality that perfectly suits the story’s dark themes. Her ability to craft memorable lines and poignant moments continues to shine.
Impact & Relevance
In an era increasingly fascinated with superheroes and moral complexity, Vengeful offers a fresh perspective on power dynamics and the cost of revenge. It challenges readers to question their assumptions about good and evil, while delivering a thoroughly entertaining story.
Comparison to Similar Works
While Vengeful by Victoria E Schwab shares DNA with works like Watchmen and The Boys, it carves out its own unique niche in the superhero deconstruction genre. Unlike its contemporaries, it focuses more on the psychological and personal consequences of power rather than social commentary.
Target Audience
This book will appeal to:
- Fans of morally complex fantasy/sci-fi
- Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives
- Those interested in superhero deconstruction
- Anyone who appreciates dark, psychological storytelling
Final Verdict
Vengeful by Victoria E Schwab is a worthy successor to Vicious, expanding the universe while maintaining the core elements that made the original so compelling. While not without its flaws, it succeeds in being both a thoughtful meditation on power and a gripping thriller.
Who Should Read This Book?
Consider picking up Vengeful if you:
- Enjoyed Vicious and want to see the story continue
- Like your fantasy with a heavy dose of moral ambiguity
- Appreciate complex female antagonists
- Are interested in unique takes on the superhero genre
However, start with Vicious if you haven’t read it yet – while Vengeful can technically stand alone, you’ll get much more out of it having read the first book.
Similar Books to Consider
- The Rook by Daniel O’Malley
- Worm by Wildbow
- The Power by Naomi Alderman
- Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Vengeful proves that Victoria E Schwab continues to be one of the most interesting voices in contemporary fantasy, crafting stories that are both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. While it may not be perfect, it’s a compelling addition to the Villains series that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.