A review by cowardlyteaman
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This seems like one of those books you either hate or love. I really enjoyed this book. What's most controversial about it, I think, is the writing style and characters. Because a lot of the book bases itself on dramatic poetry, the author sometimes writes as if the book is a play script. I wasn't a fan of this at first, but it grew on me.
On to the characters, I personally?? Love them. I liked Alexander, but I think James ultimately is my favourite character.
Good choice killing off Richard, I loved that part. As usual my favourite character—James in this case—dies, but I found it sort of justified here. Unlike what a certain [cough cough] Le*gh B*rdugo might do.

Alcohol, drugs, sex: we love to see it. Can't say I'm surprised that theatre kids smoke so much weed. (Or American students in general.) Odd place, thar United States of America.
Anyway, I'd like to point out that Shakespeare is constantly nipping on your balls during this read. It's justitied, but still. I'm so, SO tired of Shakespeare. Imagine being tired of Shakespeare without having read Shakespeare. What happened to the Ibsen representation? Richard would've made a perfect Peer Gynt.
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