Vicious

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Romance depends on the “happily ever after”—or the sense that the love interests’ relationship is stable and capable of overcoming obstacles. Did you find Vicious and Emilia’s “happily ever after” credible? Why or why not?

2. Discuss when you were or were not rooting for Emilia and Vicious to get together. What made you change or mind? What made your position remain fixed?

3. Compare this book to another title by L. J. Shen (such as Beautiful Graves) or another dark or bully romance. What features of Vicious do you see as being specific to this text, and what do you see as being part of the genre or the author’s style?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Do you think you could ever forgive someone who bullied you? What would it take for them to earn your forgiveness?

2. Do you agree with Emilia’s parents that wealth is admirable or with Emilia that wealth leads to moral corruption?

3.