Villains ✓
In the Villains series by V. E. Schwab, morality is a shifting shadow, and the line between hero and villain is drawn in ever-changing ink. Set in a world where extraordinary abilities can be both a blessing and a curse, this series dives deep into the nature of power, revenge, and the dangerous allure of becoming what you’ve always feared.
At the heart of Villains are two brilliant, morally complex characters—Victor Vale and Eli Ever, former friends turned bitter enemies. Both have powers that should have elevated them to the status of saviors, but instead, their ambitions spiral into a violent clash of ideals, beliefs, and identity. Victor, with his quest for vengeance, and Eli, who views himself as a savior, explore what happens when individuals with godlike powers are also deeply flawed and driven by personal demons.
The world Schwab builds is dark and gritty, with a sharp exploration of what happens when the desire for greatness leads to catastrophic consequences. Each book in the series twists the classic superhero narrative into something entirely its own, blending themes of hubris, loyalty, and the price of pursuing vengeance. With every character both complex and unpredictable, Villains refuses to offer easy answers, instead embracing the ambiguity that comes with the exploration of power and its consequences.
Villains consists of two primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
