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fionamclary's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is beautifully written, and the threads of plot and character are expertly entwined and spooled out. The queer love triangle (arguably square, or even pentagon) slowly takes center stage with all the satisfaction of any good tragedy.
I just wish that the book had explored earlier times more. It is a staple of this genre to show the Golden Days, before everything went wrong, even if there were always hints of darkness. (Think The Secret History, or Babel.) For the first part of the book I was distracted by wondering what the dynamic of the seven was before 4th year, if something changed and why, and if they had ever been more than seven, given that we are told that Dellecher regularly cuts students from the program every year. It made the beginning of the story feel rather abrupt and meager, although this issue became increasingly less prominent as the story progressed.
In summary, I am gay and sad and relieved that I stopped being a theater kid in high school.
I just wish that the book had explored earlier times more. It is a staple of this genre to show the Golden Days, before everything went wrong, even if there were always hints of darkness. (Think The Secret History, or Babel.) For the first part of the book I was distracted by wondering what the dynamic of the seven was before 4th year, if something changed and why, and if they had ever been more than seven, given that we are told that Dellecher regularly cuts students from the program every year. It made the beginning of the story feel rather abrupt and meager, although this issue became increasingly less prominent as the story progressed.
In summary, I am gay and sad and relieved that I stopped being a theater kid in high school.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexism, Vomit, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Infidelity, Suicide, Medical content, Grief, and Sexual harassment
Brief depiction of a drug overdoseaudreyoodly's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It took me a month to get 100 pages into the book due to the almost unnatural amount of Shakespeare quotes. Once I did, I could not stop!
Although I didn’t appreciate the ended (iykyk) the book as a whole was an intriguing read.
Although I didn’t appreciate the ended (iykyk) the book as a whole was an intriguing read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Homophobia
stardustedb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
smallpanini's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If We Were Villains is an enthralling and atmospheric novel that dives deep into the intense world of an elite Shakespearean acting school. M. L. Rio crafts a compelling mystery set against a rich, dramatic backdrop where art and life dangerously intertwine. The story follows Oliver, one of seven theater students, whose close-knit circle becomes entangled in a murder that eerily mirrors the dark themes they perform on stage. Rio’s writing is poetic and filled with Shakespearean references that add layers to the characters’ relationships and their tension. While some plot points feel melodramatic, the novel’s twists and exploration of ambition, friendship, and rivalry make it hard to put down. It’s a unique, haunting story that will captivate mystery lovers and theater enthusiasts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Suicide
Minor: Eating disorder, Homophobia, and Vomit
dlrosebyh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-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
5.0
3 words: Shakespeare, Gay, Sad
This book went straight to the most me-coded books ever. For years, my friends have begged me to read this book because it's very me-coded and I would LOVE it. It's actually astounding—the amount of friends that recommended me this book. But all of them were right.
I have always loved theatre growing up, and I don't think that's a secret. I love Shakespeare(sometimes). I love found family. I love sad, misunderstood gay characters. All the stars were aligned. It was impossible for me to like this book. Not even my hater self can hate this book.
If there's one thing Rio did amazingly was to write the characters!! I probably shouldn't root for them, but Rio got me rooting for them. Like no, your honor, they didn't do anything wrong!! WHATTTT!!! I have always loved morally grey characters because they add so much dynamic to the story. Each character served its own purpose, and it's so interesting and entertaining see how they are fleshed out. James, Oliver, Meredith, and Flippa are all so me. It's insane. If you count how much times I have annotated the book with "He/She's so me", I would have hundreds of dollars.
When Rio said you can justify anything if you do it poetically enough, she was TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK. It was so poetic and beautiful. You could tell she poured her whole heart into it, and you know, she has EXPERIENCE being an actress. It's always so fun looking at the backstage of theatre works.
After this book, I want to throw myself because what the fuck was that ending??? This the type of book that will result to you opening ayet another new AO3 tab. Now, I stop here because I might accidentally spoil the whole book. But PLEASE, if you're looking for a next read, make it this one.
This book went straight to the most me-coded books ever. For years, my friends have begged me to read this book because it's very me-coded and I would LOVE it. It's actually astounding—the amount of friends that recommended me this book. But all of them were right.
I have always loved theatre growing up, and I don't think that's a secret. I love Shakespeare
If there's one thing Rio did amazingly was to write the characters!! I probably shouldn't root for them, but Rio got me rooting for them. Like no, your honor, they didn't do anything wrong!! WHATTTT!!! I have always loved morally grey characters because they add so much dynamic to the story. Each character served its own purpose, and it's so interesting and entertaining see how they are fleshed out. James, Oliver, Meredith, and Flippa are all so me. It's insane. If you count how much times I have annotated the book with "He/She's so me", I would have hundreds of dollars.
When Rio said you can justify anything if you do it poetically enough, she was TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK. It was so poetic and beautiful. You could tell she poured her whole heart into it, and you know, she has EXPERIENCE being an actress. It's always so fun looking at the backstage of theatre works.
After this book, I want to throw myself because what the fuck was that ending??? This the type of book that will result to you opening a
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Suicide
Minor: Homophobia
abernathy_33's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Suicide
Minor: Eating disorder, Homophobia, and Vomit
thebruce's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Blood, Grief, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Eating disorder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia
vegeterrain's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
the mystery pacing of this book is quite engaging and all of the characters have many layers to themselves and their interactions with each other. i guessed the twist / reveal as to what happened but i was still crying by the end of the book. even guessing the end, the characters were still so intricate and had such depth that i felt the emotional impact.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Homophobia
haleybooks0318's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Suicide, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
incefloscen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Suicide
Minor: Eating disorder, Homophobia, Rape, and Vomit