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

dark mysterious sad tense medium-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

“But that is how a tragedy like ours or King Lear breaks your heart—by making you believe that the ending might still be happy, until the very last minute.”

The dark academia genre has wormed its way into my soul and it can stay there. I read this book in a day. A day! Do you know how long it has been since I consumed a full novel within a mere 24 hour period? A while, I assure you. 

I should have read this book sooner and I wish that I could read it again for the first time already. The characters and their relationships were an absolutely highlight, I truly echo Alexander’s statement of not knowing if I wanted to kiss or kill them as I read through their personal brand of tragedy. 

Words fail me, and suffice to say I loved this book. The playbook formatting was truly a cherry on top. 

And I must say, characters caught at the homo fork in the road contemplating whether or not to veer down the path of cide or sexual has to be one of my favourite genres.
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