From the Bookshelf of Fictional Character Lovers…

If We Were Villains

M.L. Rio

Start date: November 1, 2024

Finish date: November 27, 2024

Discussion: OTM

Discussion leader: Selma Z L

Why we're reading this: November BOTM
[close] November BOTM

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Showing 2 of 6 topics — 211 comments total

OTM

BOTM
By ⁴ Bella ⁸¹ · 90 posts · 84 views

last updated Mar 27, 2025 12:47PM

BOTM Discussion
By ⁴ Bella ⁸¹ · 28 posts · 56 views

last updated Sep 15, 2024 04:14PM

What Members Thought

Mar 26, 2024 andy rated it liked it

★------- 3.5★ -------- ★important spoilers ahead!

do i like this book or is the tragedy what attracts me to this book? I fear i have a very soft spot for crap endings.(crap as in sad or strongly less than happy)

from the start, the end of this book was revealed! It came to me in a secret history/ illiad theme! but when written in acts and multi prologues, i was constantly reminded that the ending was never going to be perfect.

what i found horrifying is why Oliver was to be punished for the crime ...more

71 likes · Like · see review

Oct 30, 2023 Aarjavi rated it did not like it

Shelves: thriller-mystery

DNF AT 32%

12 likes · Like · see review

Mar 04, 2025 Isabelle rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I’ve had this on my shelf for years and I regret not reading it sooner! This was atmospheric and spooky and full of Shakespearean drama and tragedy. Absolutely the best Dark Academia novel I’ve ever read 🖤

11 likes · Like · see review

Mar 17, 2023 ٠࣪⭑aurora rated it really liked it

4½

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ??????!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE FUCK ?????!!!!!!
it went from actors obsessed with shakespeare to how to solve a murder to THIS ???!!!!
EXEUNT OMNES MY ASS

2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 26, 2023 Nicolette rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

I loved Secret History and I love Villains too, copycat or no. I regret it took me so long to pick it up. This goes among favorites.

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 01, 2023 Aleesha rated it it was amazing

This is the only way I want to consume Shakespeare from now on. Rio took the tired and over-played stories and gave them all new life so brilliantly it's made me fall in love with the plays again.

As for the story itself. Holy shit. My heart aches. But I'm also filled with joy and hope after that ending... it's such an odd sensation. I wasn't expecting this story to be as bitter sweet as it is. I wasn't expecting to want for the characters (read: Oliver and James) as much as I did.

And to not ge ...more

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