"Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human." Holy asjkdhkajhsdk. I don't even know how to properly review this book because it was just so awesome. The idea of this story being about super villains as opposed to super heroes is what had me interested right away. I had no idea how twisted and crazy and cruel these characters could be! I am so impressed with this story because it's truly magnificent. It has all the elements that make a story amazing: interesting and unique characters, suspenseful writing that keeps you turning the pages, an intriguing opening chapter, and a shocking ending. Right from the beginning with the graveyard scene I was immediately curious and intrigued and it was a very mysterious introduction to the story which I loved. I also like how the story is told from when Eli and Victor are in college, but also the chapters are constantly alternating to the present. Victor and Eli experience so much character development throughout this story and it was amazing to watch it unfold. Their hunger for power and control was constantly growing, and their bitterness and hatred towards one another got more and more intense with every chapter. They desperately wanted revenge. I was so entranced by the writing and everything about this story really.

This story is very much about discovering the fine line between heroes and villains and questioning what exactly makes someone a villain or a hero. And I love all the morals and ideas that come with this because it's very rare to find a book that dives so deep into this topic. Victor and Eli were both so twisted and cruel in their own ways, but was one worse than the other? It's hard to say. But that's why I really loved this book because it promotes discussion and not everyone is going to agree on who was worse and who was slightly better. I also really loved Sydney and Serena as side characters because their entire story and background was just as interesting and intense as Victor and Eli. It was sad to watch them fall apart as sisters just because Eli led them to believe they weren't the same people they used to be. Victor is in some ways like a Walter White character in my eyes. He is an evil genius who you still tend to like and root for because we are reading the book from his perspective and we see some good in him. Eli is narcissistic and selfish and thinks God has given him his powers to eliminate all other EO's (even though I believe he only does this because he is conceited and wants to be the only EO left). I also loved diving into Mitch's background with this curse and his past in prison, and I really enjoyed his character too. This is one of the most unique stories I have ever read and I am so fascinated by everything about it. The last 50 pages were so suspenseful as it builds up to this final scene where you're unsure of what's going to happen and it was just amazing! The book continued to shock me throughout the entire story and I was never able to predict any plot points. And the fact that each EO had a unique ability was really cool. I love all the research that went into discovering the EO's, and how it all seemed really technical and science-y, and it never came off as cheesy or unrealistic. It was like watching a marvel superhero movie unfold, but from the villains perspective (and there really weren't any superheroes). I also really appreciate the little things, like the double V's in Victor Vale and the double E's in Eli Ever; I don't think it's a coincidence that the authors initials are V.E. Schwab, and I just thought that was a really cool and creative touch. This book simply reminded me why I love reading.

I think it's safe to say that this book is full of surprises and twists and turns that will constantly keep you guessing. Its easily one of my favorite books of the year, and arguably of all time. I didn't think I would like it as much as I did, but I am so impressed.