Who Would Like This Book:
If We Were Villains is the ultimate treat for fans of dark academia, Shakespeare, and twisty, character-driven mysteries. Imagine an elite group of theater students living and breathing Shakespeare, their intense friendships blurring the lines between performance and reality until tragedy strikes. The book is gorgeously atmospheric, with crackling tension and a deep dive into love, obsession, and the thin boundary between villain and victim. Lovers of The Secret History, theater kids, and anyone who enjoys morally complex characters in lush literary settings will find plenty to savor here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone will fall for the Bard-laden spell. Some readers found the characters pretentious or unlikeable, and the frequent Shakespearean dialogue can feel gimmicky or even overwhelming if you’re not a fan. If you prefer your mysteries with rapid pacing or want deeply original plots, you might find this book a tad derivative (especially if you’ve read The Secret History). Those expecting a classic whodunit or traditional thriller structure may also be put off by the slow-burn, literary approach and focus on atmosphere over intricate plotting.
About:
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a dark and suspenseful novel set in an eccentric conservatory college where seven fourth-year acting students are deeply immersed in Shakespearean theater. The story unfolds through the memories of Oliver, who has just been released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for a crime that is gradually revealed. The book delves into the relationships, secrets, and tragedies that unfold among the students, all while incorporating Shakespearean quotes and themes throughout the narrative. The writing style is described as captivating, emotionally arresting, and filled with tension, making the book a thrilling and engrossing read.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for the book include themes of murder, mental health issues, substance abuse, bullying, and intense emotional conflicts.
Has Romance?
The novel features a high level of romantic tension, particularly between the main characters, which is an integral part of the story.
From The Publisher:
On the day Oliver Marks is released from jail, the man who put him there is waiting at the door. Detective Colborne wants to know the truth, and after ten years, Oliver is finally ready to tell it.
A decade ago: Oliver is one of seven young Shakespearean actors at Dellecher Classical Conservatory, a place of keen ambition and fierce competition. In this secluded world of firelight and leather-bound books, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingénue, extras.
But in their fourth and final year, good-natured rivalries turn ugly, and on opening night real violence invades the students' world of make-believe. In the morning, the fourth-years find themselves facing their very own tragedy, and their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, each other, and themselves that they are innocent.
If We Were Villains was named one of Bustle's Best Thriller Novels of the Year, and Mystery Scene says, "A well-written and gripping ode to the stage...A fascinating, unorthodox take on rivalry, friendship, and truth."
"Much like Donna Tartt's The Secret History, M. L. Rio's sparkling debut is a richly layered story of love, friendship, and obsession...will keep you riveted through its final, electrifying moments."
-Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, New York Times bestselling author of The Nest
"Nerdily (and winningly) in love with Shakespeare…Readable, smart."
-New York Times Book Review
Ratings (216)
Incredible (60) | |
Loved It (64) | |
Liked It (47) | |
It Was OK (24) | |
Did Not Like (18) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (604):
Read It (227) | |
Currently Reading (6) | |
Want To Read (308) | |
Did Not Finish (13) | |
Not Interested (50) |
9 comment(s)
If We Were Villains is something as close to modern Shakespeare as it gets in my humble opinion. As someone who enjoys a good bit of Shakespeare’s works I have to say this book was utterly enjoyable.
If you want your heart ripped from you chest at some point while reading, I highly recommend. The Shakespearean nature of the book should help you cope though.
Now we all no this has nothing against The Secret History and we all know Donna Tartt wrote the better book. BUT!! this book does everything I loved from The Secret History but putting a more gay twist on, which we can all appreciate!
Not my typical read but I really enjoyed. Fast paced for the most part. There is a lot of Shakespeare so those parts were a bit hard to decipher.
Honestly I just skimmed through till the end. The Shakespeare stuff I just do not know enough about to get all the references. And the rest didn't really feel likely to me.
There was a LOT of Shakespeare, and it was such a TRAGEDY. I loved the writing and structure of the plot. It was so sad.
Im a three time college drop out and this book asked me why i didnt try harder
Tedious and I hated all the characters, so I just wasn' invested in what happened
shaking crying throwing up.
the questioning ending, the futile hope that it brings. soul crushing. i loved it
What can you read after
If We Were Villains?
About the Author:
M. L. Rio has worked in bookstores and theatres for years, and holds a master's in Shakespeare studies from King's College London. If We Were Villains is her debut novel.
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