If We Were Villians
Product ID: 296918688
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A vivid and immersive story of obsession perfect for fans of dark academia and Donna Tartt’s The Secret History Oliver Marks has just served ten years for the murder of one of his closest friends – a murder he may or may not have committed. On the day he’s released, he’s greeted by the detective who put him in prison. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what really happened ten years ago. As a young actor studying Shakespeare at an elite arts conservatory, Oliver noticed that his talented classmates seem to play the same roles onstage and off – villain, hero, tyrant, temptress – though Oliver felt doomed to always be a secondary character in someone else’s story. But when the teachers change up the casting, a good-natured rivalry turns ugly, and the plays spill dangerously over into life. When tragedy strikes, one of the seven friends is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless. Review: Interesting - Very good read. Review: For Shakespeare Lovers - This was my first ever Dark Academia. And boy, I am so glad, I finally did read it. It was after months of contemplation of which book to start this genre with. It you are a die hard Shakespearan then don't miss If We Were Villains. For me it was a delicious plunge back in my high school O'lit classes(Optional Literature). Oliver after completing his ten years in prison, on his last day has a visitor, Colborne (retired investigating officer). After all these years, he wants closure; he wants to know what really happened. He doesn't believe in the one that was told to him. The story oscillates between the present time and ten years ago timeline. Seven students/ close friends studying literature and theatre live, eat and talk Shakespeare, until things start spiralling out of control. Oliver, James, Wren, Richard, Alexander, Flippa and Meredith. These are thorough method actors who don't realise how slowly the characters they perform start penetrating into their real lives. The narrative was immersive and addictive. Elements like love, jealousy, friendship, guilt, grief were touched upon with utmost finesse. Not to forget the perfect blend of Shakespeare's lines. At some point, I had to simply pause, inhale the goodness of Shakespeare and smile. Till the very end, I couldn't be sure of what really happened and who actually committed the crime. An absolutely gripping mystery, laced with literature. I cannot wait to read more of this genre.
| Best Sellers Rank | #14,218 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #242 in Thrillers and Suspense #257 in Science Fiction Crime & Mystery #268 in Mysteries (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 18,367 Reviews |
N**A
Interesting
Very good read.
S**D
For Shakespeare Lovers
This was my first ever Dark Academia. And boy, I am so glad, I finally did read it. It was after months of contemplation of which book to start this genre with. It you are a die hard Shakespearan then don't miss If We Were Villains. For me it was a delicious plunge back in my high school O'lit classes(Optional Literature). Oliver after completing his ten years in prison, on his last day has a visitor, Colborne (retired investigating officer). After all these years, he wants closure; he wants to know what really happened. He doesn't believe in the one that was told to him. The story oscillates between the present time and ten years ago timeline. Seven students/ close friends studying literature and theatre live, eat and talk Shakespeare, until things start spiralling out of control. Oliver, James, Wren, Richard, Alexander, Flippa and Meredith. These are thorough method actors who don't realise how slowly the characters they perform start penetrating into their real lives. The narrative was immersive and addictive. Elements like love, jealousy, friendship, guilt, grief were touched upon with utmost finesse. Not to forget the perfect blend of Shakespeare's lines. At some point, I had to simply pause, inhale the goodness of Shakespeare and smile. Till the very end, I couldn't be sure of what really happened and who actually committed the crime. An absolutely gripping mystery, laced with literature. I cannot wait to read more of this genre.
A**N
Review
An amazing book! Hooked from the first page. The copy I received was sort of dusty but I can live with it
Z**]
The BEST Dark Academia book out there + perfect Shakespeare tribute!!!
oKAY I AM SORRY, IDK HOW I HAVENT SPOKEN OF THIS BOOK YET BUT I LOVE IT SO MUCH AAAAHHHH, listen THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK IN THE WHOLE WUIDE WORLD (SSSSSHHH DONT TELL THE OTHER BOOKS I SAID THAT) but seriously, IM SO FRUSTRATED that this book is just compared to The Secret History all the time. I LOVE TSH! BUT THIS BOOK IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A SHADOW OF TSH! PLEASE READ THIS! Honestly love this so much, I will be feeling the feels for this book for years to come! Will probably reread it soon cause I can and I will. My dear dear dear Olver, I love you. And the rest of you as well. YOu know who you are. Top Book Of The Year!
K**D
Mediocrity.
The problem with this author is that this is a demo book with poor character build up. While reading the book, you will not be able to relate with the characters as they appear too forced and untrue. The story is ok ok. Overall I found it mediocre. You can skip it. Leaving 3 stars because some themes and depictions were decent. Dark Academia is not all that. If you want books to illuminate your life read Secret History or sense of an ending. Bye.
A**Y
Why did it take me this long to pick this up?
I was almost mad at this book because it was sold to me as a gay dark academia and most of the book was anything but that, however in a true dark academia murder mystery fashion this book took my breath away. The last Act, was brilliant. The epilogue ruined me for good. It's one of those books that will haunt me for a long time.
A**H
great book
its a good book, packaging was great
T**R
"Its all in the readiness"
Lets just say , being my first dark academia read , this gave a massive ride through my emotions . Though the Shakespeare part was a bit tough for me , Oliver is one person i just want to have in my life . All his imperfections , all his insecurities, his naive thinking and seeing good in everyperson , I mean thats a man who i can hold on to ! A great friend and a greater person for me . Not only Oliver but every character had shown something or other we go through . I loved how every character changes with one situation. Specially , the character development of Oliver, its unforgettable journey for me . I'm sure eveb after some years , i will love to read this again . Partly becuase its my first even book in this genre and partly because its Oliver.
S**U
cok iyi
daha once okumustum, arkadasıma hediye olarak aldım. cok sevdigim bir kitaptır, shakespeare ile ilgileniyorsanız oneririm.
N**N
Wrong cover
The printing is AWFUL. I bought this book because I wanted the cover in the product photo, but I got another one.
L**V
Love love love!
This is a great book! It was delivered 4 days early! In great condition and quality! This book is such a good and interesting read! I highly recommend!
C**E
Obsessed
This book has me in an absolute chokehold. I LOVE it. I really hope M. L. Rio writes something else soon because I need more of their beautiful storytelling.
C**Y
3/5 condition
Received book not in the best condition. There were some stains and foxing on pages, can tell the book is old. What a disappointment :(
Trustpilot
3 weeks ago
2 days ago