Reviews

If We Were Villains, by M.L. Rio

connoranws's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lonelycitrus's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

alireads's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

the_archivist_jon's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I enjoyed this book, it really kept me guessing. Not one of the turning points were predictable, and I really felt as if I was in the dark alongside Oliver, I didn't expect any of it. 

Spoiler

I do however really wish Oliver and James' relationship was explored more, I feel like with how close they were, it should've been more in-depth. I don't think James' death was particularly necessary, I understand the guilt was eating him alive but I feel as if it was only done to further the damage done by the act the group committed. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Drug abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Murder, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Toxic friendship, Cursing, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, and Eating disorder

bookishdxni's review against another edition

challenging 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

5.0

savanah_r's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

What. The. Fuck. 
That is all I have to say but in a good way. I need a sequel immediately.

catthehuman's review against another edition

4.0

this book made me absolutely furious on multiple levels. if you want proof that writers are evil, evil people read this book. I say this all to mean please read this it was amazing.

sultryhaze's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

taylorgarcia's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was so determined to hate this book because they had me annoyed with how much Shakespeare they were quoting, but then it made me cry, so 🤷🏻

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder and Death

Minor: Homophobia

sydc27's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25