If We Were Villians

Excellent In All' Respects 👌

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.

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.

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.

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!

The book has a lot of Shakespeare references.. So much so that the characters sometimes communicate using phrases from the play! If this isn't your cup of tea then I suggest finding a different book

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.

the cover and paper quality was so good, it came perfectly well. also loved the story, a must buy