It’s been a while since I posted by last book review (time gets away from me on occasion), so I want to make sure I get this one up because, well, it’s one of the best stories I’ve read.
This is How You Lose the Time War exceeded my expectations. Co-written by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, the story follows two Agents, bio-engineered adversaries who begin to taunt one another through handwritten letters. Eventually, the taunting becomes teasing, which then evolves into something deeper.
At least, that’s the most spoiler-free summary I can provide. If you’d like to know more…
There’s a time war underway between the Garden and the Agency. They create the Agents and send them out to not only fight each other, but to undermine the time stream. The Agents can slip from one thread of time to another to make adjustments and changes that will benefit their side.
The two protagonists, Red and Blue, are the best Agents of their respective sides. One initially leaves a handwritten letter for the other on a battlefield. Interest piqued, they initiate a game of cat and mouse that spans centuries, timelines, and worlds. And, as I noted above, their relationship evolves from one of hatred and competition to something akin to love.
But it’s not just the story that I enjoyed, it was the way it was written. El-Mohtar and Gladstone switch between a third-person narrative and the letters themselves, alternating chapters focused on Red and Blue. The writing is exceptional, with beautiful descriptions and metaphors that flow like poetry.
This isn’t necessarily a straight-up science-fiction novella (although it won the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards). It’s also an adventure story, a romance story, and a beautiful look at how love can transform people.
This is How You Lose the Time War is a quick read – just under 200 pages, and contains a lovely afterward by the authors which ends with a wonderful line by them: “Keep reading. Keep writing. Keep fighting. We’re all still here.”
I highly recommend this book. Please, pick up a copy if you see it in your local bookstore.
RB
Intriguing! Thanks for the recommendation! 💞
My pleasure, Dawn! 🙂
Excellent review! I’m glad the book exceeded your expectations. It sounds like a captivating and unforgettable story thanks for sharing your recommendation. Happy reading!
Thank you for taking the time to read my review!
You’re most welcome 🤗
I will check this out.
It really is a great story, well-written, and gave me things to think about afterwards.
You got me at “how love can transform people”!
It isn’t my typical genre, but I can always do with something heartwarming with all the trillers and true crime I read on a nearly daily basis! 😅
And how true it is, love, not necesarily always the romantic type, does make things better 🙂
You may enjoy this, Andrea. It is a romantic love, nothing physical (well, physical in an action sort of way, not the sexy kind 🙂 ). There’s also a wonderful misdirection in the story that comes to light near the end. I found it a story that satisfies. 📚
Not a genre I read but there’s always a first time.
I hope you give it a chance, Sheree. 🙂
The book you recommended has been published in a Japanese edition.📖
I would certainly love to read it.🥰💖💕💕💕
I love science fiction.🧑🚀
That’s wonderful, Hitomi! I hope you get the opportunity to read it. It’s a wonderful story. 🙂
You’ve twisted my arm…it’s now in my Kindle library. Thank you!
LOL…well, that was easier than expected! 🙂
Hope you enjoy it, Miss Parker.
I’ll let you know….I’m in the middle of a book now, but will make it my next selection.
Sounds intriguing. Thanks, Richard.
Very much so, Pat. Thanks!