Scan barcode
A review by penguinna
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
While I was excited about starting this book, it didn't meet my expectations and left me disappointed. As a result, my review is very critical compared to all the glowing reviews it has received.
After serving a ten-year prison sentence for murder, Oliver decided to reveal the truth about what happened at the Dellecher Shakespeare Conservatory.
My main issue with the book was the excessive use of Shakespearean quotations. While I appreciate his art, reading it on every page became tedious, and it distracted from the plot. The characters often spoke in phrases from his works, which made it difficult to focus on the meaning of their dialogues.
The characters were unlikable and stereotypical. For example, when the hottest girl in town, Meridith, revealed her biggest fear was not being taken seriously, everyone acted shocked, but it was a typical fear for someone in her position. Additionally, some parts of the story seemed absolutely irrelevant, such as Oliver's sister's eating disorder and his toxic comments about it. This problem was not developed in the plot at all.
The pace was so slow, I found myself indifferent to the identity of the murderer(s). Moreover, from the start, I guessed the victim(s) and the killer(s), which ruined the impression of the book even more. The genre, in my opinion, wasn't a thriller, mystery, or suspense, but rather a tragedy.
Although I did not enjoy the ending, I cannot discuss it without revealing spoilers. Therefore, my opinion on it can be found below.
Overall, I found "If We Were Villains" tedious and wouldn't recommend it.
More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
The ending left me sad, but I had no sympathy for Oliver. If you love someone so much, why would you "kill" them by sacrificing yourself, knowing that that person suffers from the guilt on their shoulders?
It was obvious from James' behaviour that he was suffering a lot by keeping the secret. When Oliver sacrificed himself, he did not think at all how James would feel.
In fact, when James pleaded with him to allow him to confess, Oliver ignored him, leading to James's tragic decision to commit suicide. What was this sacrifice good for?
After serving a ten-year prison sentence for murder, Oliver decided to reveal the truth about what happened at the Dellecher Shakespeare Conservatory.
My main issue with the book was the excessive use of Shakespearean quotations. While I appreciate his art, reading it on every page became tedious, and it distracted from the plot. The characters often spoke in phrases from his works, which made it difficult to focus on the meaning of their dialogues.
The characters were unlikable and stereotypical. For example, when the hottest girl in town, Meridith, revealed her biggest fear was not being taken seriously, everyone acted shocked, but it was a typical fear for someone in her position. Additionally, some parts of the story seemed absolutely irrelevant, such as Oliver's sister's eating disorder and his toxic comments about it. This problem was not developed in the plot at all.
The pace was so slow, I found myself indifferent to the identity of the murderer(s). Moreover, from the start, I guessed the victim(s) and the killer(s), which ruined the impression of the book even more. The genre, in my opinion, wasn't a thriller, mystery, or suspense, but rather a tragedy.
Although I did not enjoy the ending, I cannot discuss it without revealing spoilers. Therefore, my opinion on it can be found below.
Overall, I found "If We Were Villains" tedious and wouldn't recommend it.
More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
The ending left me sad, but I had no sympathy for Oliver. If you love someone so much, why would you "kill" them by sacrificing yourself, knowing that that person suffers from the guilt on their shoulders?
It was obvious from James' behaviour that he was suffering a lot by keeping the secret. When Oliver sacrificed himself, he did not think at all how James would feel.
In fact, when James pleaded with him to allow him to confess, Oliver ignored him, leading to James's tragic decision to commit suicide. What was this sacrifice good for?