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

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was an amazing book!! I didn't even have to think about what to rate this book because it was such a clear 5-star read for me. I loved the dark academia, I loved the obsession, I loved the friendships and I loved the Shakespeare.

This was a pretty intense read but it completely captivated me. I started reading at 9pm and read until 3am because I just couldn't stop. And then I woke up and continued reading until I got so hungry I had to get out of bed. 

This book really gave me all of the emotions. I was happy (though not a lot), I was really really angry, I was super sad (and cried). All in all, the characters are super flawed but also so amazing to read about.

All the twists and turns where so unexpected and even in the last few pages EVERYTHING changes! I was crying because I was so sad for Oliver, and then after reading the last sentence I just didn't know what to think anymore. I pretty much thought about this book for the rest of the day after reading it, and I'm sure that it's going to stick with me for quite a while.

I had a few theories about what happened and they turned out to be true (which amazes me because I usually never figure stuff like that out) but it didn't lessen my enjoyement at all.

I read this book as an ebook and I definitely need to get a physical copy! I had the urge to annotate so incredibly often! And I really feel like it would still be an amazing experience rereading it. And then I can annotate everything! :D

So basically, read this book! I don't know what else to say. I thought it was amazing and so incredibly well done and well written. Especially if you like Shakespear and/or like acting (which is both true for me) READ THIS BOOK! (Oh and also maybe read the trigger warnings - especially domestic abuse / toxic relationships)

Expand filter menu Content Warnings