Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by matilde_mero
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Torn between 4 and 5 stars, I found myself rolling my eyes every time the characters spoke in "Shakespearian."
However, the book captivated me. I could vividly feel and visualize everything unfolding, as if a movie were playing in my mind. The writing is so immersive that I felt like a silent spectator, present for every moment, every emotion, and even the weather and seasons (I couldn’t bring myself to read it when it was sunny outside—it just felt wrong). The characters are flawed in deeply human ways and they actually act their age (even though I was annoyed as hell every time they talked only in Shakespeare verses) making youthful, realistic mistakes that add to their authenticity.
As someone new to the dark academia genre, I think this book encapsulated its essence beautifully.
However, the book captivated me. I could vividly feel and visualize everything unfolding, as if a movie were playing in my mind. The writing is so immersive that I felt like a silent spectator, present for every moment, every emotion, and even the weather and seasons (I couldn’t bring myself to read it when it was sunny outside—it just felt wrong). The characters are flawed in deeply human ways and they actually act their age (even though I was annoyed as hell every time they talked only in Shakespeare verses) making youthful, realistic mistakes that add to their authenticity.
As someone new to the dark academia genre, I think this book encapsulated its essence beautifully.