Read every series in the right order
Villains Books in Chronological Order – Complete Reading Guide
Table of Contents
The Villains Books in Chronological Order are a masterclass in moral ambiguity, power struggles, and the fine line between hero and villain. Written by #1 New York Times bestselling author V. E. Schwab, this dark and intelligent series asks: What if getting superpowers didn’t make you a hero?
Through razor-sharp prose and a narrative that bends time, Schwab introduces us to Victor Vale and Eli Ever—former college roommates turned bitter enemies—whose experiments with near-death experiences unlock extraordinary abilities and set them on violently different paths.
The series isn’t about saving the day. It’s about ambition, revenge, manipulation, and what happens when people with powers see themselves above morality. In this guide, we’ll cover the Villains series in both chronological and publication order, dive into the companion short story, explore character arcs, and highlight every format available so you can experience this morally complex world the way Schwab intended.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Books | 2 main novels + 1 companion short story |
| Pages | Vicious ~368, Vengeful ~480, short story ~15 pages |
| Total Reading Time | ~25–30 hours (novels) |
| Reading Difficulty | Adult/upper YA (non-linear narrative, dark themes) |
| Genre | Supernatural Thriller, Science Fiction, Dark Fantasy |
| Content Warnings | Violence, murder, moral ambiguity, medical experimentation |
| Media Adaptations | None yet, but the series has strong cinematic potential |
| Ideal Age Range | 16+ for mature content and violence |
About the Book Series
The Villains series began in 2013 with Vicious, which quickly became a cult favorite for readers craving morally complex characters and a gritty, comic-book-inspired world without capes or costumes.
Set primarily in the fictional Merit City, the books follow characters known as EOs (ExtraOrdinarys)—individuals who have gained superhuman abilities through a deliberate, dangerous process: dying and coming back under extreme conditions. But instead of becoming protectors, most EOs are driven by personal vendettas, greed, or survival instincts.
At the heart of the series is the volatile relationship between Victor and Eli, framed by betrayal, shifting alliances, and escalating revenge. Each book alternates between past and present timelines, slowly revealing how friendships became rivalries and how rivalries became full-scale wars.
Books at a Glance (with Amazon Buy Links)
| Title | Publication Year | Pages | Goodreads ★ | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vicious | 2013 | 368 | 4.2 | Amazon |
| Vengeful | 2018 | 480 | 4.1 | Amazon |
| Warm Up (short story) | 2013 | ~15 | 3.9 | Amazon |
Chronological Reading Order (Detailed Blurbs)
0.5 – Warm Up (Short Story)
Setting: Prequel to Vicious
A standalone short story that serves as a chilling introduction to the world of EOs. We follow journalist David Ward as he investigates the aftermath of an EO’s violent rampage. While Victor and Eli aren’t the focus here, the story captures the paranoia and awe surrounding superpowered individuals. For returning readers, it offers thematic foreshadowing; for newcomers, it’s an atmospheric appetizer.
1 – Vicious
Setting: Merit University (past), Merit City (present)
Victor Vale and Eli Cardale start as brilliant, ambitious pre-med students researching the link between near-death experiences and supernatural abilities. The line between academic curiosity and obsession blurs, leading to risky experiments—on themselves.
The results: both become EOs, each with a unique and dangerous power. But the experiment fractures their friendship into lethal rivalry. Ten years later, Victor escapes prison determined to confront Eli, who’s spent the decade “cleansing” the world of other EOs. The ensuing cat-and-mouse game is sharp, brutal, and devoid of clear heroes.
2 – Vengeful
Setting: Several years after Vicious
Merit City’s power balance shifts with the arrival of Marcella Riggins—a ruthless, newly minted EO with the ability to destroy anything she touches. Rising from her own “death,” Marcella begins assembling her empire, drawing both Victor and Eli into her schemes.
Victor’s health deteriorates as his power spirals out of control, forcing him into dangerous territory in search of a cure. Meanwhile, Eli’s past comes under scrutiny, revealing layers to his obsession with purging other EOs. Loyalties are tested, alliances shift, and every move sets the stage for an inevitable—and explosive—confrontation.
Series Timeline & Character Development
- Victor Vale: From ambitious student to vengeful strategist. Power: manipulates pain (others’ and his own). Cold, calculating, but not without loyalty to his chosen few.
- Eli Ever: Charismatic, devout in his belief that EOs are unnatural and must be eliminated—except himself. Power: regeneration. Moral compass warped by self-righteousness.
- Sydney Clarke: Young EO with necromancy abilities. Navigates trauma, trust issues, and survival alongside Victor.
- Marcella Riggins: In Vengeful, becomes the embodiment of ambition unchecked. Power: molecular disintegration.
- Serena Clarke: Sydney’s sister, whose persuasive voice can bend anyone’s will—complicating every alliance she’s part of.
Novels Sorted by In-Universe Events
- Warm Up (short story)
- Vicious
- Vengeful
Novels Sorted by Publication Order
- Vicious (2013)
- Warm Up (short story, 2013)
- Vengeful (2018)
Companion Works
- Warm Up – Prequel short story (best read before Vicious or between books if you want extra atmosphere).
- Forthcoming Third Book – Schwab has hinted at a possible continuation, but nothing confirmed.
Editions & Formats
- Hardcover – Collectible, with bold minimalist covers; some signed editions available.
- Paperback – Lighter, often with updated cover art in reprints.
- Kindle – Instant delivery, adjustable text.
- Audiobook – Full cast narration adds cinematic flair, perfect for the series’ shifting POVs.
- Special Editions – Foil-stamped covers, sprayed edges from Illumicrate and OwlCrate.
Villains Series: Vicious, Vengeful, Warm Up
Kindle Edition
Villains Duology Boxed Set: Vicious, Vengeful
Paperback
Why Read Villains Books in Chronological Order?
The Villains Books in Chronological Order preserve the series’ slow-burn reveals and emotional gut-punches. Schwab structures her narratives with non-linear timelines, but publication order aligns with her intended pacing—allowing relationships, betrayals, and power shifts to hit with maximum impact.
Author Spotlight – V. E. Schwab
Victoria “V. E.” Schwab is a literary shapeshifter—writing across YA, middle grade, and adult genres, always with her signature blend of atmospheric worldbuilding and morally complex characters. Her bibliography includes the Shades of Magic trilogy, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and the City of Ghosts series.
Her works have been translated into over 25 languages and optioned for multiple screen adaptations, including Netflix’s First Kill. Known for writing in Edinburgh cafés, Schwab is as much a storyteller of human flaws as she is of fantastical worlds.
Media Adaptations
No adaptation is currently in production, but given the series’ cinematic tone—layered flashbacks, anti-heroes, high-stakes confrontations—it’s prime material for a prestige TV drama.
FAQs
Do I have to read the short story Warm Up?
No, but it adds valuable context to the EO concept.
Is the series complete?
For now, yes—though Schwab has hinted at more.
Are these superhero books?
They’re more like anti-superhero thrillers—powers, but no capes or moral absolutes.
Suitable for teens?
Best for 16+ due to violence and mature themes.
Is it connected to Schwab’s other series?
No, it’s a standalone universe.
Conclusion
The Villains Books in Chronological Order aren’t about good triumphing over evil—they’re about ambition colliding with morality, where every character is both hero and villain depending on the page. Schwab’s tight plotting and layered character work make this duology unforgettable for fans of dark fantasy and morally grey narratives.
Start with Vicious, follow it with the short story Warm Up if you’d like the added depth, and finish with Vengeful. Then join the rest of us in hoping Schwab returns to Merit City for round three.
