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mmanuelap 's review for:
If We Were Villains
by M.L. Rio
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.