Scan barcode
A review by shay_talksbooks
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
dark
emotional
mysterious
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
Read for the cjtalks book club pick for August (although this book has been high on my to read pile for a while!)
Set at a performing arts college, that solely studies and performs Shakespeare's works, we follow a group of drama students as they enter their final year of study. One of the main actors is found dead, and the mystery of how and why is narrated by their fellow actor Oliver (no spoilers, the death is on like page 5 or something)
This was a mystery filled with twists, turns and reveals. It was chocked full of Shakespeare quotes and re-enactments of the plays (my favourite was 'watching' the Macbeth scenes come alive), but I wouldn't say you would have to know his works to enjoy or understand what's happening. The whole book was very dark academia, and filled with tension and atmosphere...and I loved it!!
ML Rio came out swinging with this debut novel, and I can't wait to read what they write next!!
Set at a performing arts college, that solely studies and performs Shakespeare's works, we follow a group of drama students as they enter their final year of study. One of the main actors is found dead, and the mystery of how and why is narrated by their fellow actor Oliver (no spoilers, the death is on like page 5 or something)
This was a mystery filled with twists, turns and reveals. It was chocked full of Shakespeare quotes and re-enactments of the plays (my favourite was 'watching' the Macbeth scenes come alive), but I wouldn't say you would have to know his works to enjoy or understand what's happening. The whole book was very dark academia, and filled with tension and atmosphere...and I loved it!!
ML Rio came out swinging with this debut novel, and I can't wait to read what they write next!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Drug use
Moderate: Physical abuse and Alcohol
Minor: Suicide