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

dark mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Straightforward plot about a group of immature kids, their fragille friendship and the distinte ways they deal with a tragedy. Could be an interesting journey to follow but the characters are too shallowly described by the MMC to the reader deeply understand and, therefore, empathize with them.
The mystery surrounding the tragedy is too simple, and since the characters are simple as well, one can easily predict what is going to happen. This book don't feel like a retelling or reimagening of Shakespeare's work, but it's easy to point where the autor took inspiration. So it's more like a YA academic-ish bland mystery where characters express themselves in Shakespeare quotes, but don't seem to always understand the feelings they are supposed to carry.
And I know young people do stupid things for love, but what a dumb main character...