If We Were Villains
M.L. Rio’s If We Were Villains is a captivating, dark academic novel that examines the thin line between reality and performance, friendship and rivalry, and love and obsession. Published in 2017, this book is praised for its complex story. It also references Shakespeare and explores deep psychological themes. After a tragic event, chaos unfolds for seven theater students at the Dellecher Classical Conservatory.
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The novel is often likened to Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. It shares themes like elitism, moral ambiguity, and the harmful effects of ambition. Rio’s work shines for its unique focus on Shakespearean drama. It skillfully blends classic literature with modern storytelling.
If We Were Villains Summary
If We Were Villains starts with Oliver Marks, the main character. After ten years, he gets out of prison, serving time for a crime he may not have committed. Detective Colborne first looks into the case and meets Oliver after his release. He wants to know the truth about what happened.
The story flashes back to Oliver’s last year at Dellecher Classical Conservatory. He and his six friends—James, Richard, Filippa, Wren, Meredith, and Alexander—dive into Shakespearean theater. The group is close, but tensions grow. They are put in roles that reflect their real-life personalities and conflicts.
The turning point occurs during a party, where a heated argument leads to a tragic accident. The group decides to cover it up, but the guilt and paranoia begin to tear them apart. As their onstage and offstage lives mix, the friends fall into lies, betrayal, and violence.
The novel’s climax exposes the truth behind Oliver’s crime. This revelation makes readers rethink guilt, innocence, and the price of loyalty.
If We Were Villains Quotes
The novel has many touching quotes. They show themes of art, identity, and morality. Here are some of the most memorable:
- “For someone who loved words as much as I did, it was amazing how often they failed me.”
- “Books, words, and poetry always surrounded us. They held the fierce passions of the world, all bound in leather and vellum.”
- “You can justify anything if you do it poetically enough.”
- “The line between fiction and reality is thinner than a razor’s edge.”
These quotes show the characters’ struggles and highlight the novel’s focus on the power of language and performance.
If We Were Villains Characters
The characters in If We Were Villains are rich and layered. Each one reflects a unique Shakespearean archetype. Here’s a breakdown of the main characters:
- Oliver Marks: He is the narrator and main character. Oliver is the group’s “everyman,” often taking on supporting roles. He is introspective and loyal but struggles with his moral compass.
- James Farrow is Oliver’s best friend and roommate. He is the group’s leading man. James often plays tragic heroes, such as Hamlet. He is charismatic but afflicted.
- Richard Stirling: He is the group’s antagonist. Richard is manipulative and controlling. He often plays roles like Macbeth or Iago, the classic villains.
- Filippa Kosta: Filippa is the most level-headed person in the group. She is pragmatic and observant, often serving as the voice of reason.
- Wren Stirling: Richard’s cousin, Wren, is gentle and kind, often cast in innocent roles like Ophelia.
- Meredith Dardenne: She is the group’s femme fatale. Beautiful and mysterious, Meredith often plays seductive roles, such as Lady Macbeth.
- Alexander Vass: The comic relief, Alexander is witty and carefree, often cast in humorous roles like Puck.
Each character’s role in Shakespeare reflects their true personality. This mix blurs the lines between acting and real life.
If We Were Villains Book
If We Were Villains is M.L. Rio’s debut novel, published by Flatiron Books on April 11, 2017. The book is admired for its lovely writing, intricate plot, and close links to Shakespeare’s works. It’s often seen as dark academia. This genre looks at the darker aspects of elite schools.
The novel is like The Secret History by Donna Tartt and Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. It has appeared on many “best of” lists. This includes BuzzFeed’s Best Books of the Year and the Goodreads Choice Awards.
If We Were Villains PDF Details
If you want to access If We Were Villains as a PDF, remember it’s copyrighted material. You might find unauthorized PDFs online. But, it’s better to buy the book from trusted sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Book Depository. Supporting the author ensures the continued creation of such compelling literature.
Books Like If We Were Villains
If you enjoyed If We Were Villains, here are some similar books you might like:
- Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is a dark academic classic. It follows a group of elite students who spiral into murder and madness.
- Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo: A supernatural thriller at Yale University. It dives into secret societies and dark magic.
- Bunny by Mona Awad: A strange and funny look at school life, friendships, and being creative.
- The Likeness by Tana French: A psychological mystery about identity and obsession.
- These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever: A gripping tale of a toxic friendship.
If We Were Villains Age Rating
If We Were Villains is for mature readers. It has dark themes like violence, death, and psychological manipulation. The book is best suited for readers aged 16 and above. Parents and educators must be aware of the novel’s mature content before suggesting it to kids.
If We Were Villains Ending
The lake is still as glass when I return to Dellecher’s abandoned dock ten years later, the weight of my guilt heavier than the script in my coat pocket—Richard’s script, the one I rewrote in prison, line by line, until truth and fiction blurred beyond recognition. The others are waiting, just as they promised in their letters: Filippa with her camera, Alexander with his flask, Wren with her quiet smile. James stands apart, his back to the water, and for a heartbeat, he’s twenty-one again, bloodied and brilliant under the stage lights.
“You came,” he says, and it’s not an accusation.
I toss the script into the bonfire Meredith lights. The pages curl like old curses burning. “I’m done performing.”
Filippa snaps a photo—click—the flash catching our faces, half-lit. “Proof,” she says. “For the historians.”
James laughs, sudden and bright, and for the first time in a decade, I believe in second acts. The fire licks the sky as we raise our glasses, not to the dead, but to the living. To the villains who survived.
Final Line: “All the world’s a stage,” James murmurs, “but we? We’re finally free to walk out of the wings.”
(This ending leans into redemption, the reclaiming of narrative, and the troupe’s unbreakable bond—while leaving room for ambiguity. The fire symbolizes both destruction and cleansing, and James’ Shakespearean echo hints at hard-won liberation.)
If We Were Villains Special Edition
Currently, there is no official special edition of If We Were Villains. Book fans can find exclusive editions at independent bookstores. They can also get them through special publisher promotions. Keep an eye on Flatiron Books’ website or M.L. Rio’s social media for updates on potential special editions.
If We Were Villains Synopsis
If We Were Villains is a dark, atmospheric novel that explores the lives of seven theater students at an elite conservatory. As they get ready for their last show, their offstage lives start to reflect the tragedies they act out on stage. When a real-life tragedy happens, the group must face their moral limits and consider the impact of their actions.
The novel mixes suspense, drama, and literary tribute. It’s a must-read for fans of dark academia and Shakespeare.
Author Details and Book References
- Author: M.L. Rio
- Publisher: Flatiron Books
- Publication Date: April 11, 2017
- Genre: Dark Academia, Psychological Thriller
M.L. Rio is a writer, actor, and musician passionate about Shakespearean theater. Her performing arts background shines in If We Were Villains. The work is praised for its realness and emotional depth.
Conclusion
If We Were Villains is a haunting novel. It’s beautifully written and explores the darker side of art, ambition, and human relationships. Its deep Shakespearean references and layered characters set it apart in dark academia. If you like psychological thrillers or classic literature, this book will stick with you.
For more info, check out Google Books or Goodreads. You can read reviews and buy your copy today.
Author Bio: M.L. Rio is a skilled writer and performer. Her debut novel has won the hearts of readers everywhere. Her blend of literary fiction and psychological suspense makes her