The triumphant conclusion to the Villains trilogy from V.E. Schwab, the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.
The ExtraOrdinary of Merit City, a secret group of individuals gifted with a power connected to their manner of near-death experience, have been keeping a low profile, avoiding the ever-watchful eye of EON in the wake of the showdown with Marcella, Eli, and Serena.
But when EON―and its relationship to the ExtraOrdinaries― begins to change under the leadership of a new director with a terrifying agenda, the time for hiding is over. The path to the truth of what happened to EON leads Victor, Sydney, Mitch and the rest into the enemy’s lair at EON headquarters, where they encounter unexpected allies, shocking new abilities, and the ultimate confrontation.
Against all the years, the betrayals, and the odds―the arch rivals and their allies will meet for a final time, on a chess board laid out by a rival they didn’t expect.
The series
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.
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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.
The atmospheric storytelling and morally gray characters invite readers to rethink traditional notions of right and wrong, offering a refreshing perspective on the anti-hero trope. Schwab’s trademark wit and precision with character development shine through, creating a world where no one is entirely good, and everyone has something to lose.
Villains is a series that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly questioning who the real villain is—and whether it’s possible to escape the pull of becoming one yourself.
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