If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio,  A Dark Academia Thriller You Will Not Put Down

About the Book

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio is a dark academia masterpiece that blurs the line between fiction and reality, performance and truth. Set at a prestigious performing arts college, it follows seven young Shakespeare students whose intense world of drama, desire, and rivalry takes a deadly turn — and asks one haunting question: how far will you go to protect the people you love?

This is the kind of book that pulls you in on page one and does not let go.

About the Author

M. L. Rio holds a master’s degree in Shakespeare studies, and it shows on every single page. Her deep understanding of theater, language, and human obsession brings a rare authenticity to this novel. If We Were Villains is her debut, and it announced her as one of the most exciting new voices in literary fiction.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is a perfect read for lovers of dark academia, fans of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, and anyone who enjoys atmospheric thrillers with rich literary roots. If you love stories where friendships are fierce, loyalties are tested, and nothing is quite what it seems — this novel belongs on your shelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is If We Were Villains similar to The Secret History by Donna Tartt? Yes, very much so. Both books are set in elite academic environments, feature close-knit groups of intense students, and center on a death that unravels the group from within. If you loved The Secret History, If We Were Villains is the next book you should read. Many readers actually find M. L. Rio’s prose equally gripping and her characters just as compelling.

Q2: Do I need to know Shakespeare to enjoy this book? Not at all. While the story is steeped in Shakespeare’s plays and references them throughout, M. L. Rio weaves everything in a way that feels natural and never overwhelming. Readers with no prior Shakespeare knowledge enjoy this book just as much as those who studied it in school. The story stands completely on its own.

Q3: Is If We Were Villains appropriate for teenagers? The book is primarily written for adults 18+, but mature readers aged 16 and above can enjoy it. It contains themes of obsession, identity, grief, and death, along with some mature content. Parents of younger teens may want to review it first before recommending it.

Q4: Is this a standalone novel or part of a series? If We Were Villains is a standalone novel. It tells one complete, self-contained story, so there is no need to read any other book before or after it. The ending is satisfying and does not leave you hanging, though it will stay with you for a long time.