hsythek's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.5
weisserbastelkleber's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ada_carpenter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cbhags's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.5
bookishbehavior's review against another edition
5.0
I have a major book hangover after reading this. UGH. The Secret History is one of my all time favorite books and after seeing so many people compare this to it, I jumped on it. I see a ton of similarities, yes but...surprisingly, I kind of feel like I enjoyed this even more. What a beautifully written novel. The Shakespeare throughout was so well done, the atmosphere, the world she built for these incredible characters to exist in was superb. This book has one of THE best narrative flows of any I think I've ever read, the pacing is perfection. The way she has managed to create a very character driven story but still throw in some classic thriller twists and tropes is damn near masterful. The friendships are so solid and you just want to crawl into the book and become a part of these peoples lives no matter how fucked up they may be.
Oliver and James. God. It's been well over 2 weeks since I finished this but I still think about them. I'm still heartbroken! But hopeful.
A beautifully written, highly impactful book that now has a permanent place among my favorites.
Oliver and James. God. It's been well over 2 weeks since I finished this but I still think about them. I'm still heartbroken! But hopeful.
A beautifully written, highly impactful book that now has a permanent place among my favorites.
lizziekins's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.0
connieyou's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
faerieads's review against another edition
5.0
“You can justify anything if you do it poetically enough.”
If We Were Villains is an absolute masterpiece! Although I was busy, every time I picked it up, I was hooked and did not want to put it down.
The main character, Oliver, is well-developed, exhibiting both brilliance and flaws. He possesses a sharp mind, but also has a troubled past. His relationships with the other characters, particularly his fellow actors, are complex and layered, adding depth and nuance to the story.
“I don't know, it's like I look at you and suddenly the sonnets makes sense. The good ones, anyway.”
The other characters are just as interesting. James, Richard, Meredith, Filippa, and Alexander each have their own distinct personalities and quirks. It's a great pleasure to watch them engage with one another. In their own unique ways, they are all imperfect, yet this only serves to make them more interesting and relatable.
“Which of us could say we were more sinned against than sinning? We were so easily manipulated - confusion made a masterpiece of us.”
The fact that the characters in this novel are so realistic is what I adore most about them. They have the impression of being real people with genuine issues and feelings. I became utterly engrossed in their life, supporting them at every turn. I experienced their delight and anguish as if it were my own as I smiled, cried, and experienced both together.
“Imagine having all your own thoughts and feelings tangled up with all the thoughts and feelings of a whole other person. It can be hard, sometimes, to sort out which is which.”
The writing itself is absolutely stunning - Rio has a way with words that is both poetic and raw, and I found myself completely lost in the beautiful prose. The pacing of the story is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I would give If We Were Villains 5 stars. I swear, every time I'll think about this book, I think I'll cry. This book is something I will never forget.
If We Were Villains is an absolute masterpiece! Although I was busy, every time I picked it up, I was hooked and did not want to put it down.
The main character, Oliver, is well-developed, exhibiting both brilliance and flaws. He possesses a sharp mind, but also has a troubled past. His relationships with the other characters, particularly his fellow actors, are complex and layered, adding depth and nuance to the story.
“I don't know, it's like I look at you and suddenly the sonnets makes sense. The good ones, anyway.”
The other characters are just as interesting. James, Richard, Meredith, Filippa, and Alexander each have their own distinct personalities and quirks. It's a great pleasure to watch them engage with one another. In their own unique ways, they are all imperfect, yet this only serves to make them more interesting and relatable.
“Which of us could say we were more sinned against than sinning? We were so easily manipulated - confusion made a masterpiece of us.”
The fact that the characters in this novel are so realistic is what I adore most about them. They have the impression of being real people with genuine issues and feelings. I became utterly engrossed in their life, supporting them at every turn. I experienced their delight and anguish as if it were my own as I smiled, cried, and experienced both together.
“Imagine having all your own thoughts and feelings tangled up with all the thoughts and feelings of a whole other person. It can be hard, sometimes, to sort out which is which.”
The writing itself is absolutely stunning - Rio has a way with words that is both poetic and raw, and I found myself completely lost in the beautiful prose. The pacing of the story is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I would give If We Were Villains 5 stars. I swear, every time I'll think about this book, I think I'll cry. This book is something I will never forget.