ππππππ’π . V. E. Schwab. 2013.
Urban fantasy. Dark fantasy. Science fiction. Book One in the Villains series.
When a college research project grants two best friends terrifying superpowers, it launches a vicious feud that turns one into a serial killer and the other into a vigilante seeking vengeance.
ππππππ’π is proof that not every successful story requires a clear protagonistβor villain, for that matter. Labeling either major character, in this particular story, depends on oneβs perspective. Look at it from Victorβs perspective and he is clearly the hero. Look at it from Eliβs, and Victor is clearly the villain.
V. E. Scwab has said publicly that Victor is the βprimaryβ protagonist. She notes that he was created in the mold of a modern anti-hero. But, ultimately, she has also said, ππππππ’π is a story that does not treat protagonists/antagonists in a traditional way.
The narrative voice in ππππππ’π is tragic and emotionally repressed. The story is constructed of brief scenes and small moments that feel like panels in a graphic novel. A non-linear arrangement of these scenes creates an impression that the reader is not getting the whole story.
The vibe here is superhero, but with a morally grey flavour. It is spiced with plenty of evil genius, garnished with unhealthy nonsexual obsession, and accompanied by a generous serving of modern moral ambiguity.
AUTHORS – Contact me through my website if you want to swap chapters with a well-read critique partner.