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IF WE WERE VILLAINSM. L. RioDeniz %u015eAHBAZSheraton Ankara and Lugal Ankara Marketing and Communications ManagerB. M. L. Rio's %u201cIf We Were Villains%u201d stands out as one of modern literature's most gripping and profound works. While drawing inspiration from Shakespeare%u2019s plays, the novel captivates with its powerful storytelling and intricate character exploration, delving into the dark and complex layers of human nature through a tragic narrative.The story centers on seven theater students at the prestigious Dellecher Conservatory. Bonded by their shared love for Shakespeare and their devotion to the arts, these students become entangled in a web of jealousy, ambition, betrayal, and hidden secrets. Through her masterful characterization, Rio immerses readers in the inner worlds of these young individuals.Each character embodies the essence of a Shakespearean tragedy, grappling with inner conflicts. James, Richard, Oliver, Meredith, Wren, Filippa, and Alexander blur the line between stage performance and reality, leading dramatic lives that heighten the story%u2019s tension. As they adopt their stage roles in real life, the stakes grow higher, pulling the reader into a world of suspense and uncertainty.Rio skillfully incorporates Shakespearean quotes throughout the narrative, enriching the story%u2019s depth and resonance. These quotes not only illuminate the characters%u2019 inner struggles but also influence the course of the plot. Like Shakespeare%u2019s own works, the novel revolves around timeless themes of fate, love, death, and betrayal. Each chapter unfolds like a theatrical act, drawing readers deeper into the characters%u2019 hidden worlds.The protagonist, Oliver Marks, narrates the story retrospectively, intensifying the mystery. From his perspective, the weight of the past and present is keenly felt, and the novel%u2019s structure gradually immerses readers in the heart of the unfolding drama, maintaining suspense until the very last page. %u201cIf We Were Villains%u201d is far more than a crime story; it is a profound psychoanalysis and a nuanced study of character. Rio intricately examines her characters%u2019 fears, vulnerabilities, and inner conflicts, prompting readers to confront an age-old question: Are we born with an inherent capacity for evil, or is it shaped by our circumstances? Shakespeare%u2019s universal themes find a fresh and modern expression in Rio%u2019s hands.By the end of the novel, readers are left reflecting not only on the fragility of the characters%u2019 relationships and decisions but also on their own. Walking the fine line between tragedy and evil often requires confronting the depths of one%u2019s own soul. %u201cIf We Were Villains%u201d is a masterpiece for those brave enough to embark on this journey. For anyone seeking a novel that lingers in the mind and invites repeated reflection, this book is an extraordinary choice. 79