If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio | Hardcover

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📖 About this Book

At an elite arts conservatory, Oliver Marks and his six closest friends spend their days immersed in Shakespeare, playing the same roles onstage that seem to follow them into real life.

But when the group’s carefully balanced friendships begin to fracture, rivalry, jealousy, obsession, and ambition take a darker turn. Then one of them is found dead.

Ten years later, Oliver is released from prison after serving time for the murder. Waiting for him is the detective who never quite believed he had uncovered the whole truth.

Now Oliver is finally ready to tell the story of what really happened between seven young actors whose devotion to Shakespeare became dangerously real.

❤️ Why Sumaia Recommends It

This is the kind of dark academia book that completely pulls you into its world.

I loved the theatrical atmosphere, the complicated friendships, and the way Shakespeare is woven into everything without making the story feel like homework, because apparently literature can survive without punishing us.

The characters are intense, obsessive, dramatic, and deeply flawed. Their friendships constantly blur into rivalry, jealousy, love, and resentment, which makes the entire story feel increasingly dangerous.

If you love dark academia, morally grey characters, beautiful writing, murder mysteries, and friendships that become a little too consuming, this one is absolutely worth reading.

✨ Perfect For

🎭 Shakespeare lovers 🏛️ Dark academia readers 🔪 Murder mysteries 🖤 Morally grey characters 📚 Literary thrillers 🌙 Atmospheric reads 🎓 Elite school settings 💔 Complicated friendships 🤫 Secrets & betrayal 🔥 Slow-burn tension

📦 What’s Included

📘 If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio ✔ 1 Hardcover Book ✔ Condition: Brand New 📦 Ships across the UAE, GCC & Middle East