Solid
4 stars
It's an fun read. Quick, easy, engaging.
It's an fun read. Quick, easy, engaging.
eBook
English language
Published July 16, 2019 by Arcadia Books.
This Is How You Lose the Time War
Two time-traveling agents from warring futures, working their way through the past, begin to exchange letters—and fall in love in this thrilling and romantic book from award-winning authors Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone.
In the ashes of a dying world, Red finds a letter marked “Burn before reading. Signed, Blue.”
So begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents in a war that stretches through the vast reaches of time and space.
Red belongs to the Agency, a post-singularity technotopia. Blue belongs to Garden, a single vast consciousness embedded in all organic matter. Their pasts are bloody and their futures mutually exclusive. They have nothing in common—save that they’re the best, and they’re alone.
Now what began as a battlefield boast grows into a dangerous game, one both Red and Blue are determined to win. Because winning’s what you do in war. Isn’t it?
A …
Two time-traveling agents from warring futures, working their way through the past, begin to exchange letters—and fall in love in this thrilling and romantic book from award-winning authors Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone.
In the ashes of a dying world, Red finds a letter marked “Burn before reading. Signed, Blue.”
So begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents in a war that stretches through the vast reaches of time and space.
Red belongs to the Agency, a post-singularity technotopia. Blue belongs to Garden, a single vast consciousness embedded in all organic matter. Their pasts are bloody and their futures mutually exclusive. They have nothing in common—save that they’re the best, and they’re alone.
Now what began as a battlefield boast grows into a dangerous game, one both Red and Blue are determined to win. Because winning’s what you do in war. Isn’t it?
A tour de force collaboration from two powerhouse writers that spans the whole of time and space.
Jason reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Linguistic Beauty for a Short Story
4 stars
The use of language is an absolute delight, although the plot frequently borders on baffling. I did enjoy Red and Blue’s inner voices although they were both hard to get that invested in. That said their love story is pretty adventurous in its unconventional delivery and it’s certainly a likeable book.
Niko reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
None
2 stars
I'll admit this was probably not the greatest pick for my bedtime reading as I was half asleep for much of the book... but I didn't really care for the plot or the romance or the characters. The prose was beautifully written though.
I'll admit this was probably not the greatest pick for my bedtime reading as I was half asleep for much of the book... but I didn't really care for the plot or the romance or the characters. The prose was beautifully written though.
A Poetic Duel Across the Ages
4 stars
This is one of those books that's tough to describe but impossible to forget. It’s a sci-fi, time-traveling, spy-vs-spy love story told in a way that feels more like a narrative poem than a straightforward novel. Let me be clear: this isn't a book for a drifting mind. You have to pay close attention, but the payoff is a story that really sticks with you.
The story follows two rival agents, Red and Blue, who are on opposite sides of a vast temporal war. Red is part of a tech-heavy, machine-like society, while Blue serves a nature-based, garden-like consciousness. They weave through history to alter events and secure victory for their respective futures. But one day, on a bloody battlefield, Red finds a letter from Blue, and so begins a correspondence that spans millennia. The amorphous, shape-shifting nature of these two characters is fascinating; one moment they're human, the …
This is one of those books that's tough to describe but impossible to forget. It’s a sci-fi, time-traveling, spy-vs-spy love story told in a way that feels more like a narrative poem than a straightforward novel. Let me be clear: this isn't a book for a drifting mind. You have to pay close attention, but the payoff is a story that really sticks with you.
The story follows two rival agents, Red and Blue, who are on opposite sides of a vast temporal war. Red is part of a tech-heavy, machine-like society, while Blue serves a nature-based, garden-like consciousness. They weave through history to alter events and secure victory for their respective futures. But one day, on a bloody battlefield, Red finds a letter from Blue, and so begins a correspondence that spans millennia. The amorphous, shape-shifting nature of these two characters is fascinating; one moment they're human, the next they're part of a hive mind, or even living water. They leave messages for each other in the rings of a tree, the ingredients of a tea, or the seeds of a fruit, risking everything for a connection with their sworn enemy.
What starts as professional taunting and clever barbs slowly, beautifully, blossoms into something much deeper. You get to watch as these two powerful beings, who have only known war and duty, begin to admire and then truly fall for one another through their letters. It’s a classic Romeo and Juliet tale, but instead of feuding families in Verona, you have god-like entities battling across all of space and time. The risk they take with every exchanged word is immense, and you can feel the tension build as their secret connection becomes the most dangerous game of all.
While I loved this book, I won't pretend it was an easy read. The language is dense and packed with figurative language, so you have to work for the story. But that’s also its greatest strength. It’s a book that forces you to slow down, to think, and to appreciate the artistry of every single sentence. It’s not the kind of story you like in the same way you like a fast-paced thriller; it's one you admire for its cleverness and its heart. For making me think and forcing me to pay attention, this one is a solid four stars.
vlibs reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Floored
5 stars
This is the best book I’ve read all year. I’m absolutely bowled over by how incredibly captivating it was. Almost unputdownable other than by sheer force, which is why I didn't finish it in a day
This is the best book I’ve read all year. I’m absolutely bowled over by how incredibly captivating it was. Almost unputdownable other than by sheer force, which is why I didn't finish it in a day
Extremely cool and thought-provoking
5 stars
This is a mind-bending book, in a very good way. Not at all what I expected, and superbly engaging. Highly recommended!
Joy101 reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
None
(not provided)
G. Deyke reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Like one of those super-flowery poetic short stories, except a novella
4 stars
I like this style in short stories. It definitely wouldn't work for a novel. I'm surprised to find how well it works here. Exactly the right length.
I like this style in short stories. It definitely wouldn't work for a novel. I'm surprised to find how well it works here. Exactly the right length.
KnitAFett reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Too much, but also not enough.
3 stars
This was enjoyable overall. A love story unfolds amongst two rivals who are trying to destroy and revive the world respectively. It starts with little taunts left in unusual letters and blossoms into more as the story progresses. I found myself genuinely entranced with the characters and caring about their outcomes. The ending was not exactly expected so it took me by surprise a little.
The main reason I can't rate it higher is because of the world-building. There was both too much and not enough world-building going on. Too often I found myself confused and unable to track what was going on in the background. Once the story ramped up, it didn't matter as much because the information wasn't being handed out as much unless it directly affected the characters. I feel like if the world had been hashed out a little more, or even a little less, …
This was enjoyable overall. A love story unfolds amongst two rivals who are trying to destroy and revive the world respectively. It starts with little taunts left in unusual letters and blossoms into more as the story progresses. I found myself genuinely entranced with the characters and caring about their outcomes. The ending was not exactly expected so it took me by surprise a little.
The main reason I can't rate it higher is because of the world-building. There was both too much and not enough world-building going on. Too often I found myself confused and unable to track what was going on in the background. Once the story ramped up, it didn't matter as much because the information wasn't being handed out as much unless it directly affected the characters. I feel like if the world had been hashed out a little more, or even a little less, I would have found it a lot more enjoyable.
Admittedly, it might also just not be a good one to listen to on audiobook, which is what I did. I found it enjoyable enough that I might see about revisiting it in the future and reading a physical copy to see if it's easier to track what's going on and understand it better.
When two adversaries fall in love, winning or losing the time war may no longer be important
3 stars
An interesting story of a two characters on opposite sides of a war fought through time. It begins with Red finding a letter with the words, "Burn before reading," which turns out to be from her adversary, Blue, who teases and challenges her before their next encounter. This time war is fought between two forces, Agency and Garden, who move agents (like Red and Blue) through time to tease and alter events so that, far in the future, victory is theirs.
Each chapter features an event as seen by Red or Blue, in alternate, with a hidden letter discovered by one or the other once victory (or defeat) is tasted by one or the other. But after a few rounds, the tone of the story changes, as both Red and Blue start to talk about their past, and their lives during the war. Then, events happen that show that …
An interesting story of a two characters on opposite sides of a war fought through time. It begins with Red finding a letter with the words, "Burn before reading," which turns out to be from her adversary, Blue, who teases and challenges her before their next encounter. This time war is fought between two forces, Agency and Garden, who move agents (like Red and Blue) through time to tease and alter events so that, far in the future, victory is theirs.
Each chapter features an event as seen by Red or Blue, in alternate, with a hidden letter discovered by one or the other once victory (or defeat) is tasted by one or the other. But after a few rounds, the tone of the story changes, as both Red and Blue start to talk about their past, and their lives during the war. Then, events happen that show that at some time in the past, their lives have intersected with each other, thought they may not be aware of it at the time. It is then that romance and love being to blossom between the adversaries, an affair that both have to keep hidden from their masters.
At the end, as adversaries, one is given the task of killing the other, with not way out without betraying the other. Yet, there may be a way, and it may involve a shadowy character that has been following their steps, but not revealed until the end of the book.
Poltirsh reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
None
4 stars
The setting is paper-thin, the plot is broken, the characters are not characterized but the vibes would be great if I was vibing (a self-denial kink would help).
A love letter to love letters
5 stars
A recreation of feeling, of feelings, of imagination and purpose and the other side of it all. A wonderful story that asks only that you play along.
73pctGeek reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Lovely, but less engaging than last time
3 stars
Another re-read. First read this in 2020, and absolutely loved it but found myself a little less enamoured upon rereading. Still extremely romantic, and full of beautiful prose, but apparently I've changed and simply found it less engaging this time. This is definitely a “me” problem, however, and I'd still recommend this to anyone who enjoys lovely words, yearning, and science fiction.
Another re-read. First read this in 2020, and absolutely loved it but found myself a little less enamoured upon rereading. Still extremely romantic, and full of beautiful prose, but apparently I've changed and simply found it less engaging this time. This is definitely a “me” problem, however, and I'd still recommend this to anyone who enjoys lovely words, yearning, and science fiction.
aaron r. reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
"This is How You Lose the Time War" Review
5 stars
A quite beautiful and perplexing exploration of love between two enemies.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I especially loved the letters between the two. It was very sweet to see them slowly open up w/ e/o and reveal their inner feelings, and the mess and complexities that brings.
I did have a bit of trouble following who was who at times.
But other than that, this was fantastic.
John Lusk reviewed This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Amazing book, for someone who generally reads pulp
4 stars
I had to read this book 2.5 times. Once at my normal pulp-reading speed, once again at a pause-after-the-letter speed (like: a 1-day pause), and then a whole bunch of go-back-and-re-read-a-piece-because-I-clearly-missed-something.
It's great. I do recommend taking your time on your first read. The plot is macramé, and it's really nicely done.
I think I did have a little trouble with the transition from being competitors to being in love. Seemed a little abrupt. I guess I still missed something important. Maybe there was implied stuff I'm too dumb to comprehend.
Anyway. Good book. Have a crack at it. Maybe you'll do better than I.
I had to read this book 2.5 times. Once at my normal pulp-reading speed, once again at a pause-after-the-letter speed (like: a 1-day pause), and then a whole bunch of go-back-and-re-read-a-piece-because-I-clearly-missed-something.
It's great. I do recommend taking your time on your first read. The plot is macramé, and it's really nicely done.
I think I did have a little trouble with the transition from being competitors to being in love. Seemed a little abrupt. I guess I still missed something important. Maybe there was implied stuff I'm too dumb to comprehend.
Anyway. Good book. Have a crack at it. Maybe you'll do better than I.
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