A review by meeklovestoread
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25


Wow! Just wow! You know ever since I started reading again two years ago. I've seen this book many times and it's never tickled my fancy until probably towards the end of last year to the beginning of this year. However, although, it was on my radar I never had the inclination to pick it up till recently. And I'm so glad and annoyed that I took so long to pick this up because I felt like I read it at a great time because I waited until I was in the mood for it. But I'm annoyed because I ended up really enjoying this book and I could've enjoyed it sooner if I had read it sooner, but I genuinely believe that I read this at the right time, and at the end of the day, I read it and that's all that matter.

Not gonna lie, the first 70 pages weren't too intriguing to me. I find the overwhelming amount of characters overwhelming (you get used to it after a bit). When I was around the 40-page mark I was like "okay, where are we going with this?" I feel the inclination of dnfing creeping through, but I decided to let this book cook cuz I was only 40-something pages in at that point and I'm sooooo glad I did because this book did in fact deliver. 

I think those first 70 pages served as an intro into the dynamics of the characters, the story, the setting/environment, and the Shakespearean culture of it all. And then after that a certain a event happened and I was HOOKED after that. I really liked the writing. I enjoyed reading about the characters and the dynamics that each of them has with the main character, Oliver.
I loved the crumbs that we got of Oliver and James. Kinda wished we got more so it could be more convincing because I wasn't feeling it too much on James's side considering I do believe he felt strongly for Wren too. But I did enjoy how their story was told as well as how his dynamic with Meredith was intertwined their story I do believe he loved them both; I just think he loved James more.


Now I have read a book similar to this called, "In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife" by Ashley Winstead. I really enjoyed that book and gave it the same rating as I gave this one, however, although both books tackle the same underlying plot the way they're executed is completely different. 

One thing about  "In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife" is that it is more drama-centered and the characters, including the main character, are more unlikeable. However, it leans into the mystery aspect way more and like I stated previously much more drama-focused and dives more into the characters' personal lives than "If We Were Villains" did. And because of that, I really enjoyed it because it was just so entertaining. (so, I feel like if you didn't like this book, you might that one, but take note of all the things I listed above)

However, one thing  "If We Were Villains" has over  "In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife" is that it is more emotional. In my opinion, the characters, including the main character, are more likable in this book than the other one. And the way it's written (not saying that  "In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife" is written badly; I love Ashley's writing) is more nuanced and ornate that it provides a lot more thought-provoking and diverse emotions from the characters that it makes you feel more for them and the story. I think the inclusion of Shakespearean dialogue both adds and takes away from the story. I've only read two of his famous plays and that was a bit ago so some lines were familiar, but for the most part, I didn't really understand much if I'm being honest (proof that you don't need to know Shakespeare to read this, however, I think the added knowledge might help for a better reading experience), so at times it was a little annoying reading stanzas of dialogue that I didn't understand, however, some of the texts that I was able to interpret I felt did add to the story and it just set the atmosphere for real well for me. So although the Shakespearean dialogue could be annoying, I wouldn't take it out.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. I totally get why someone wouldn't like this and would think it was boring though. I feel like you really have to like the characters and their dynamics to enjoy this one. It's not common that I like books that are character driven so I didn't go into it expecting to love it and really feel for the story and the characters, but that's what ended up happening and I'm just so happy that this book ended up being worth the hype for me. I really like how the author writes and hopefully will read more from them in the future.
I do feel like the statuses of the other characters were a bit inconclusive though. We never knew anything about their personal lives so I really wished we got more about them and how they were doing. Goes to show how much I connected to these characters I guess if I'm asking for me.😅


Note: Totally recommend the audiobook for this. At first, I found myself hoping that there was both a male and female narrator however after a while I realized that the male narrator does a great job of differentiating the voices and making you aware of who's who.
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