Reviews with content warning for Vomit - If We Were Villains

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If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

253 reviews

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.

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melaeki's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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lostinthelibrary's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I thought I would like this book but really it was both pretentious and silly. It dragged on in angst and melodrama without the plot moving forward, limping to a disappointing ending. I liked the scenes with the plays (even then, this book expects a level of knowledge of Shakespeare that I, as someone who enjoys Shakespeare, don't have) that was about it.

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smallpanini's review against another edition

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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.

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