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Vicious
- Villains, Book 1
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
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Warm Up
- A Tor.Com Original Prequel to Vicious
- Written by: V.E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 24 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
It's been 297 days since David died - and came back. He may have survived the avalanche, but the aftermath has been far worse. His wife moved out, taking his son with her, and a devastated David hasn't left his house since, terrified of the mysterious new power that followed him home from the ill-fated expedition. After months in seclusion, David's ready for a fresh start, and ventures out, determined to keep his power in check. But David's power isn't the one he needs to worry about.
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A great introduction to a great series.
- By Review Rob on 2019-11-02
Written by: V.E. Schwab
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A Darker Shade of Magic
- A Darker Shade of Magic, Book 1
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Steven Crossley
- Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Kell is one of the last Travelers - magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes. As such, he can choose where he lands. There's Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there's Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. There's White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. And once upon a time, there was Black London...but no one speaks of that now.
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Very good book, hated the narration. Bought physical copy instead.
- By Jordan on 2021-03-13
Written by: V. E. Schwab
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Gallant
- Written by: V.E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for Girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home; it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile, or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.
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Lacking depth.
- By Anonymous User on 2023-03-08
Written by: V.E. Schwab
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The Near Witch
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"The Near Witch" is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely and always looking for company. There are no strangers in the town of Near. These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger, a boy who seems to fade like smoke, appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
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A Bit Disappointing
- By Jamie @ Books and Ladders on 2022-09-20
Written by: V. E. Schwab
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Belladonna
- Written by: Adalyn Grace
- Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
- Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Nineteen-year-old Signa Farrow, orphaned as a baby, has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her last remaining relatives are the Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at the glittering and gloomy estate of Thorn Grove. Thorn Grove’s patriarch, Elijah, mourns his late wife, Lillian, through wild parties and drink, while eldest son Percy grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation and daughter Blythe suffers from the same mysterious illness that killed her mother.
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Unique story and amazing narration
- By Arielle Hautcoeur on 2023-03-25
Written by: Adalyn Grace
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Ninth House
- Written by: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang, Michael David Axtell
- Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Galaxy "Alex" Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug-dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. In fact, by age 20, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most prestigious universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?
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Good Narration. Story is just a mess of half ideas
- By John on 2022-02-17
Written by: Leigh Bardugo
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Warm Up
- A Tor.Com Original Prequel to Vicious
- Written by: V.E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's been 297 days since David died - and came back. He may have survived the avalanche, but the aftermath has been far worse. His wife moved out, taking his son with her, and a devastated David hasn't left his house since, terrified of the mysterious new power that followed him home from the ill-fated expedition. After months in seclusion, David's ready for a fresh start, and ventures out, determined to keep his power in check. But David's power isn't the one he needs to worry about.
-
-
A great introduction to a great series.
- By Review Rob on 2019-11-02
Written by: V.E. Schwab
-
A Darker Shade of Magic
- A Darker Shade of Magic, Book 1
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Steven Crossley
- Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kell is one of the last Travelers - magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes. As such, he can choose where he lands. There's Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there's Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. There's White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. And once upon a time, there was Black London...but no one speaks of that now.
-
-
Very good book, hated the narration. Bought physical copy instead.
- By Jordan on 2021-03-13
Written by: V. E. Schwab
-
Gallant
- Written by: V.E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for Girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home; it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile, or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.
-
-
Lacking depth.
- By Anonymous User on 2023-03-08
Written by: V.E. Schwab
-
The Near Witch
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"The Near Witch" is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely and always looking for company. There are no strangers in the town of Near. These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger, a boy who seems to fade like smoke, appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
-
-
A Bit Disappointing
- By Jamie @ Books and Ladders on 2022-09-20
Written by: V. E. Schwab
-
Belladonna
- Written by: Adalyn Grace
- Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
- Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nineteen-year-old Signa Farrow, orphaned as a baby, has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her last remaining relatives are the Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at the glittering and gloomy estate of Thorn Grove. Thorn Grove’s patriarch, Elijah, mourns his late wife, Lillian, through wild parties and drink, while eldest son Percy grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation and daughter Blythe suffers from the same mysterious illness that killed her mother.
-
-
Unique story and amazing narration
- By Arielle Hautcoeur on 2023-03-25
Written by: Adalyn Grace
-
Ninth House
- Written by: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang, Michael David Axtell
- Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Galaxy "Alex" Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug-dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. In fact, by age 20, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most prestigious universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?
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Good Narration. Story is just a mess of half ideas
- By John on 2022-02-17
Written by: Leigh Bardugo
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If We Were Villains
- A Novel
- Written by: M. L. Rio
- Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
- Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Story
Oliver Marks has just served 10 years in jail - for a murder he may or may not have committed. On the day he's released, he's greeted by the man who put him in prison. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what really happened a decade ago.
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Excellent read for Shakespeare Lovers
- By Ellen on 2023-03-09
Written by: M. L. Rio
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The Atlas Six
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The Alexandrian Society, caretakers of lost knowledge from the greatest civilizations of antiquity, are the foremost secret society of magical academicians in the world. Those who earn a place among the Alexandrians will secure a life of wealth, power, and prestige beyond their wildest dreams, and each decade, only the six most uniquely talented magicians are selected to be considered for initiation. Enter the latest round of six: Libby Rhodes and Nico de Varona, unwilling halves of an unfathomable whole, who exert uncanny control over every element of physicality.
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Multiple narrators confusing
- By Paul Van Alstyne on 2022-04-04
Written by: Olivie Blake
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Book of Night
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- Narrated by: Sara Amini
- Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
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In Charlie Hall’s world, shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences—but also to increase power and influence. You can alter someone’s feelings—and memories—but manipulating shadows has a cost, with the potential to take hours or days from your life. Your shadow holds all the parts of you that you want to keep hidden—a second self, standing just to your left, walking behind you into lit rooms. And sometimes, it has a life of its own.
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Interesting story, but annoying narrator
- By A on 2022-05-13
Written by: Holly Black
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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
- Written by: V. E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Julia Whelan
- Length: 17 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Story
France, 1714: In a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever - and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.
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Breathtaking from start to finish
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Written by: V. E. Schwab
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These Violent Delights
- A Novel
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- Narrated by: Michael Crouch
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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When Paul enters university in early 1970s Pittsburgh, it’s with the hope of moving past the recent death of his father. Sensitive, insecure, and incomprehensible to his grieving family, Paul feels isolated and alone. When he meets the worldly Julian in his freshman ethics class, Paul is immediately drawn to his classmate’s effortless charm. Paul sees Julian as his sole intellectual equal — an ally against the conventional world he finds so suffocating.
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An Intellectual Novel of Toxic Codependence and Unspeakable Violence
- By Matthew on 2022-09-17
Written by: Micah Nemerever
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Fortuna Sworn
- Fortuna Sworn, Book 1
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- Narrated by: Emma Lysy
- Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Performance
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Story
Fortuna Sworn is the last of her kind. Her brother disappeared two years ago, leaving her with no family or species to speak of. She hides among humans, spending her days working at a bar and her nights searching for him. The bleak pattern goes on and on...until she catches the eye of a powerful faerie. He makes no attempt to hide that he desires Fortuna. And in exchange for her, he offers something irresistible. So Fortuna reluctantly leaves her safe existence behind to step back into a world of creatures and power.
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A Unique Idea
- By Bookish Britt on 2022-12-20
Written by: K.J. Sutton
Publisher's Summary
V. E. Schwab's New York Times bestseller Vicious is a masterful tale of ambition, jealousy, desire, and superpowers.
Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.
Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?
In Vicious, V. E. Schwab brings to life a gritty comic-book-style world in vivid prose: a world where gaining superpowers doesn't automatically lead to heroism, and a time when allegiances are called into question.
"A dynamic and original twist on what it means to be a hero and a villain. A killer from page one…highly recommended!" —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Marvel Universe vs The Avengers and Patient Zero
One of Publishers Weekly's Best Fantasy Books of 2013.
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books.
What the critics say
2013, Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year, Long-listed
Entertainment Weekly's 27 Female Authors Who Rule Sci-Fi and Fantasy Right Now
"Fresh, merciless, and, yes, vicious. Wow." (Mira Grant, New York Times best-selling author of the Newsflesh Trilogy)
“Schwab's characters feel vital and real, never reduced to simple archetypes.... In a genre that tends toward the flippant or pretentious, this is a rare superhero novel as epic and gripping as any classic comic. Schwab's tale of betrayal, self-hatred, and survival will resonate with superhero fans as well as readers who have never heard of Charles Xavier or Victor von Doom.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
“A fun, morally-flexible revenge tale...Vicious methodically ratchets up the tension as Victor and Eli circle each other for the inevitable kill.” (Daniel H. Wilson, NYT best-selling author of Robopocalypse)
More from the same
What listeners say about Vicious
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Amazon Customer
- 2022-02-10
Struggled to finish
It was like Cancel culture was mixed with a Clockwork Orange, and stirred with a magic stick
The protagonists were ugly, and the loyalties of the sub-characters, was wacked. Narrator was good.
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- Anonymous User
- 2022-03-17
captivating
from tension building to character pov's and the great job of Arthur, every moment was a joy
1 person found this helpful
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- Erika
- 2022-02-12
So far so good!!!
Theres just not enough reviews for this book yet, but I wanted a thriller so I went for it. It's got a touch of sci-fi it it. I'm halfway through and find myself sucked in every time I start listening. Narration is really good. Story goes back and forth with past and present, but it's all pretty juicy stuff. I'll update when I'm done but so far this book has been great with how it doesnt lag and keeps you coming back to listen.
1 person found this helpful
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- Disco Inferno
- 2022-02-02
Excellent!
Wow. I’m a huge fan of this writer’s work (Loved Addie LeRue and the “Darker Shade of Magic” series). And for some reason this book has not been available on Audible until yesterday (it’s been out for a few years—you could get the sequel, but not this one!). Thank you for finally coming through!
Schwab writes consistently complex characters who grapple with ideals, failures, imperfections, and resilience. This text disrupts some sci-fi and comic-book conventions in an unusual and interesting way—especially the concept of what makes a “hero” and what makes a “villain.” I will root for authors who resist cliches!! I’m really looking forward to reading the next in the series. Highly recommend.
File Under: Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
1 person found this helpful
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- BDREY
- 2023-05-25
Disappointing
First book I’ve listened to from Schwab. It was Well written but the story just wasn’t compelling.
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- Molly
- 2023-05-25
I loved it
Captivating until the end. A wonderful book that unfolds so beautifully with excitement and mystery!
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- Melanie G. Melendez
- 2023-05-20
No surprises but a good story
I’d say it the ending was a bit anticlimactic. I mean, if Eli lost his head too I’m sure it wouldn’t fix itself. Otherwise it was a good read with a little “save the cheerleader, save the world” feel.
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- Jack Toomey
- 2023-04-30
A good lead-in to the series
Took a little while to attach to the characters, but once I was in, I was hooked.
Really love how Schwabb toes the line with the morals of each character and makes you really question, "Are there any 'good guys' in this series?" (it is called "Villains" after all lol)
Definitely recommend jumping straight into the 2nd book to keep the details fresh if you liked the 1st.
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- Amazon Customer
- 2023-04-23
Loved it!
I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve listed to by V.E. Schwab, and the narrator and characters in this one were fabulous and the plot was gripping. A great listen!
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- Joseph Crabtree
- 2023-04-20
Amazing!!!!
I went in expecting this to be good but I was blown away by just how good it was.
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- Anonymous User
- 2023-04-17
Speechless.
New reader and now a fan of V.E. Schwab, and all I can say about this audiobook and novel are lovely things. Jeremy was a perfect pick for narrator, and he kept me in the story every second, just as the characters themselves had. Can’t wait to listen to the next.