Book Review “If We Were Villains”

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a mesmerizing and darkly captivating novel that plunges readers into the world of Shakespearean theater, youthful ambition, and the fine line between performance and reality. Blending literary fiction with psychological thriller elements, this gripping story follows a group of drama students at an elite arts academy, navigating the dangerous complexities of friendship, rivalry, and unrestrained passion. Set in the intense and competitive atmosphere of an acting school, the novel masterfully explores the boundaries between art and life, the fragility of identity, and the consequences of obsession.

A Haunting Story of Passion and Betrayal

The novel is set in an elite conservatory and follows Oliver Marks, a talented and ambitious actor. The story opens with Oliver’s release from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for a crime he claims he did not commit. Taking the form of a retrospective account, Oliver recounts the events leading up to the crime to a detective. This framing device immediately creates a sense of mystery, leaving readers questioning what truly happened and why Oliver is now speaking out after years of silence.

At the heart of the novel is a tight-knit group of seven drama students, each playing roles both on and off the stage. Their deep passion for theater blurs the lines between character and reality, immersing them in a world where fiction and personal lives dangerously intertwine. The novel’s title, If We Were Villains, is a direct nod to Shakespeare’s themes, where the distinctions between hero and villain remain ambiguous, driven by emotion, desire, and human weakness. As the story unfolds, these characters grapple with their own identities, caught between artistic devotion and personal turmoil.

The High-Stakes World of Shakespearean Drama

Oliver, the novel’s protagonist, is a complex and deeply compelling character. His love for the stage fuels both his artistic passion and the simmering rivalries within his group. The cutthroat environment of the prestigious theater school is vividly portrayed, and Rio’s nuanced depiction of the students’ internal struggles adds layers of depth to the narrative. As Oliver and his peers dive deeper into their roles, the lines between acting and reality become dangerously blurred, raising profound questions about identity, self-perception, and the price of ambition.

Masterful Writing and Immersive Storytelling

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is M.L. Rio’s vivid and immersive prose. Her writing captures the intensity and raw emotion of the theater world while beautifully weaving in references to Shakespearean tragedies. The students’ performances serve as both an allegory for their personal conflicts and a mirror of their internal struggles. The use of Shakespearean quotes and themes enhances the novel’s depth, making it a treat for literature enthusiasts while offering a layered reading experience for all audiences.

Intriguing Characters and Relationships

Character dynamics are at the core of the novel, with relationships marked by loyalty, jealousy, love, and betrayal. A central conflict arises between Oliver and his best friend, James—an equally talented but more charismatic and manipulative actor. Their competition for lead roles, coupled with overlapping romantic entanglements, escalates tensions within the group. James, with his magnetic personality and emotional wounds, commands both admiration and animosity, profoundly influencing Oliver. Their friendship, fraught with tension, serves as the novel’s emotional core, exploring the fine line between devotion and destruction.

A Slow-Burning Mystery That Keeps You Hooked

The novel’s pacing is deliberate, gradually building tension through its dual timeline—Oliver’s recollections of the past and the present-day investigation. This slow-burn approach heightens the suspense, keeping readers engaged as they piece together clues leading to the novel’s climactic moment. The eventual revelation is both shocking and inevitable, reinforcing the novel’s themes of guilt, redemption, and the weight of one’s actions.

Thematic Depth and Philosophical Questions

A standout theme in If We Were Villains is the exploration of how art shapes and distorts reality. The students’ obsession with Shakespearean tragedies mirrors their own inner turmoil, making them lose sight of their true selves. As they become trapped in the roles they have created—both onstage and in life—they struggle to escape the consequences of their choices. The novel raises profound questions about identity, the power of art, and the dangerous allure of performance as both self-expression and self-deception.

A Few Minor Shortcomings

While the novel excels in many areas, it has minor flaws. Some secondary characters, though engaging, lack depth, making their motivations less compelling. Additionally, the frequent Shakespearean references, while integral to the story, might feel overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with his works. While this literary richness adds to the novel’s intellectual appeal, it could create a barrier for some readers.

Another potential drawback is the central mystery, which drives much of the plot. While the suspense is well-executed, it sometimes overshadows the deeper emotional and thematic layers. Some readers may find the resolution less satisfying, as the crime’s mystery takes precedence over the novel’s psychological exploration.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Literature and Thriller Enthusiasts

Despite these minor shortcomings, If We Were Villains remains a powerful and thought-provoking novel that masterfully explores the intersection of art, identity, and human nature. M.L. Rio’s skillful storytelling and deep understanding of Shakespearean themes make this book a compelling read for fans of literary fiction, psychological thrillers, and character-driven narratives.

For those fascinated by the complexities of ambition, guilt, and the blurred lines between reality and performance, this novel delivers a haunting, intellectual journey into the depths of human psyche. If We Were Villains is a dark and unforgettable tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page, making it a must-read for lovers of theater, mystery, and psychological depth.