A review by mahamreads
If We Were Villains, by M.L. Rio
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't think any review I write could ever do this book justice, but I'll give it a try.
IWWV revolves around a group of 4th year theatre majors attending an Art school. At an after party for a production of Julius Caesar, something happens that sets into motion a catastrophic series of events that crescendo into an ending that left me in tears.
This book is very heavily influenced by Shakespeare, as are the characters who exclusively study and perform plays by the Bard. As someone who is also obsessed with Shakespeare, the constant references and quotations and allusions were such a treat to read and added to the long list of reasons why I adored this book.
One thing that may not appeal to everyone is the pretentiousness of this book. There are constant references to the Bard, vivid descriptions, and flowery language, so if that doesn't sound like something you'd enjoy you may not like IWWV. However, I loved the way Rio's writing has a dramatic flair to it that would have made Shakespeare proud.
All in all, a stellar book and one that I wish I could read again for the first time
IWWV revolves around a group of 4th year theatre majors attending an Art school. At an after party for a production of Julius Caesar, something happens that sets into motion a catastrophic series of events that crescendo into an ending that left me in tears.
This book is very heavily influenced by Shakespeare, as are the characters who exclusively study and perform plays by the Bard. As someone who is also obsessed with Shakespeare, the constant references and quotations and allusions were such a treat to read and added to the long list of reasons why I adored this book.
One thing that may not appeal to everyone is the pretentiousness of this book. There are constant references to the Bard, vivid descriptions, and flowery language, so if that doesn't sound like something you'd enjoy you may not like IWWV. However, I loved the way Rio's writing has a dramatic flair to it that would have made Shakespeare proud.
All in all, a stellar book and one that I wish I could read again for the first time
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence