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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I was in the mood for some dark academia this past week, and this book definitely delivered. It is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel that feels like a Shakespeare play. It’s moody, lyrical, and brimming with tension as a group of acting students spiral toward tragedy. While the plot kept me hooked, I had mixed feelings about certain elements of the execution.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Shakespearean quotes. Yes, these are students of classical theater, but did they really need to quote Shakespeare all the time? I get that Rio was creating a hyper-literary, immersive vibe, but it felt over the top and, at times, downright pretentious. Real people—even dramatic theater kids—don’t speak like they’re auditioning for Hamlet 24/7.
Another issue I had was the lack of background and context for some of the central characters. Richard, for instance, is a huge driving force in the story, but we never get a clear sense of what made him who he is. Their motivations are hinted at but not fully explored, which left me craving more depth.
That said, the book shines when it leans into its strengths: the prose is stunning, and the exploration of friendship, obsession, and art feels authentic. The dynamic between the seven main characters is tense and tangled, and the blurred line between performance and reality creates a palpable sense of dread. Oliver, as a narrator, is compelling—both unreliable and tragically human.
If you love Shakespeare, dark academia, and stories of beautiful, broken people destroying each other, this is worth the read. Despite its flaws, the book is haunting, elegant, and deeply engrossing. Just be prepared to roll your eyes once or twice when someone quotes King Lear in casual conversation.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Shakespearean quotes. Yes, these are students of classical theater, but did they really need to quote Shakespeare all the time? I get that Rio was creating a hyper-literary, immersive vibe, but it felt over the top and, at times, downright pretentious. Real people—even dramatic theater kids—don’t speak like they’re auditioning for Hamlet 24/7.
Another issue I had was the lack of background and context for some of the central characters. Richard, for instance, is a huge driving force in the story, but we never get a clear sense of what made him who he is.
Spoiler
Why is he so domineering, so violent? James and Filippa, too, remain a bit of a mystery - why did they do what they did? what drove them to that?That said, the book shines when it leans into its strengths: the prose is stunning, and the exploration of friendship, obsession, and art feels authentic. The dynamic between the seven main characters is tense and tangled, and the blurred line between performance and reality creates a palpable sense of dread. Oliver, as a narrator, is compelling—both unreliable and tragically human.
If you love Shakespeare, dark academia, and stories of beautiful, broken people destroying each other, this is worth the read. Despite its flaws, the book is haunting, elegant, and deeply engrossing. Just be prepared to roll your eyes once or twice when someone quotes King Lear in casual conversation.
mysterious
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was so good. Maybe I just loved how theatrical the whole thing felt, but I was enthralled the whole book. I feel like I definitely would’ve understood some of the Shakespeare quotations if I didn’t only know like three of his plays, but at the same time it didn’t feel like I was missing out on too much.
I almost wish this could’ve been slightly longer and I say that not because I think the story wasn’t told to the best of the authors ability, but because I love character interactions. Like when James showed up at Olivers house during their thanksgiving break, I wish that we could’ve had a couple more pages of that experience. The connections were strong enough to that you could feel like the characters were close but I wish I could’ve seen a bit more into their interactions.
Other than that slight note this book was absolutely incredible, please go read it. You won’t regret it.
I almost wish this could’ve been slightly longer and I say that not because I think the story wasn’t told to the best of the authors ability, but because I love character interactions. Like when James showed up at Olivers house during their thanksgiving break, I wish that we could’ve had a couple more pages of that experience. The connections were strong enough to that you could feel like the characters were close but I wish I could’ve seen a bit more into their interactions.
Other than that slight note this book was absolutely incredible, please go read it. You won’t regret it.
I loved this.
Having been to the San Juan Islands, I, too, would disappear there.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
oh!
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes