Vicious (Villains, #1)

There is very little romance, though one character uses her powers to manipulate attraction.

Graphic depictions of shootings, stabbings, and medical experimentation occur throughout the story.

The book contains frequent use of strong language, including several instances of the F-word.

Characters occasionally use God's name as an exclamation or in a casual, irreverent manner.

Characters use various medications and drugs to manage pain or facilitate their experiments.

The plot centers on intentional near-death experiences and contains themes of self-inflicted harm.

The tone is dark and clinical, featuring unsettling descriptions of death and reanimation.

Powers are gained through pseudo-scientific means rather than traditional magic or demonic rituals.

One main character is canonically asexual, though this is not a major plot point.

The story promotes a deeply cynical, morally relativistic view where no one is truly 'good'.

Eli's character justifies his killings through a twisted, self-appointed divine mandate from God.

Characters show persistence, but their actions are driven by revenge rather than self-sacrifice.

Religious belief is portrayed primarily as a delusion used to justify a character's murders.

The bond between Victor and Sydney provides a rare glimpse of protective, platonic care.

The narrative is driven entirely by a refusal to forgive and a deep-seated desire for vengeance.