If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio is a dark, atmospheric novel that blends mystery, psychological drama, and literary fiction into a haunting story of friendship, obsession, and tragedy. Set within an elite arts college, the book explores how ambition, loyalty, and love can slowly blur the line between performance and reality.

The story follows a close-knit group of seven drama students who are deeply immersed in Shakespearean theatre. Their lives revolve around rehearsals, performances, and intense emotional bonds. As they study Shakespeare’s plays, the characters begin to reflect the roles they perform on stage, adopting traits of heroes, villains, lovers, and traitors. This gradual transformation creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere that drives the narrative forward.

At the center of the novel is Oliver Marks, who is released from prison after serving ten years for a crime connected to his college days. As the story unfolds, Oliver recounts the events that led to a classmate’s death and the secrets that the group tried to bury. The novel moves between past and present, slowly revealing the truth through memory, guilt, and reflection.

One of the strongest aspects of If We Were Villains is its exploration of identity. The characters struggle to separate who they are from the roles they play. Their deep admiration for Shakespeare becomes both a source of inspiration and destruction. The book questions whether people shape their own choices or are driven by the roles they believe they are meant to play.

The writing style is lyrical, immersive, and richly detailed. M. L. Rio uses elegant prose and Shakespearean references to build mood and symbolism. Readers who enjoy dark academia, literary fiction, and character-driven stories will find the novel deeply engaging. The setting itself feels alive, filled with tension, beauty, and unease.

Themes of friendship and loyalty play a major role in the story. The group’s bond is intense and exclusive, creating an environment where secrets are protected at all costs. As ambition and jealousy grow, cracks begin to form within the group, leading to betrayal and irreversible consequences. The novel shows how devotion to a group can sometimes override morality.

Romantic tension also weaves through the narrative, adding emotional depth and complexity. Relationships are layered with unspoken feelings, rivalry, and longing. These emotional undercurrents heighten the tragedy and make the characters’ decisions feel both inevitable and heartbreaking.

If We Were Villains is often compared to other dark academia novels because of its academic setting, intellectual themes, and brooding tone. However, it stands out for its heavy focus on theatre and Shakespeare, which adds a unique literary dimension. Readers who appreciate books that challenge the mind and emotions will find this novel memorable.

This edition is an Indian locally published copy. It contains the same complete original content as the international edition, with no changes to the text or chapters. Any differences are limited to paper quality, cover finish, or printing style only. This makes the book more affordable and accessible for local readers.

The novel is suitable for readers who enjoy mystery, psychological fiction, and morally complex characters. It rewards slow reading and thoughtful reflection, making it ideal for readers who enjoy analyzing themes, symbolism, and character motivations.

If We Were Villains does not rely on fast-paced action alone. Instead, it builds tension gradually, drawing readers deeper into the emotional and psychological world of its characters. The ending leaves a lasting impression, encouraging readers to reflect on truth, guilt, and the cost of devotion.

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Overall, If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio is a beautifully written and haunting novel that explores the darker side of ambition, art, and human relationships. It is a compelling read for anyone drawn to literary mystery, dark academia, and emotionally intense storytelling.