Blurb:

From award-winning authors Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone comes an enthralling, romantic novel spanning time and space about two time-traveling rivals who fall in love and must change the past to ensure their future.

Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandment finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading.

Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, becomes something more. Something epic. Something romantic. Something that could change the past and the future.

Except the discovery of their bond would mean the death of each of them. There’s still a war going on, after all. And someone has to win. That’s how war works, right?

Cowritten by two beloved and award-winning sci-fi writers, This Is How You Lose the Time War is an epic love story spanning time and space.

Review:

“I want to meet you in every place I ever loved. Listen to me. I am your echo. I would rather break the world than lose you.”

Blending the intricate elements of time-warping science fiction with a romance steeped in longing, This is How You Lose the Time War chronicles the journey of two rival agents, Red and Blue, as they communicate across time from opposing factions in a relentless time war. Their relationship transforms from a taunting rivalry into a profound connection that transcends space and time, compelling them to question their roles in the conflict.

I approached This Is How You Lose the Time War without any prior knowledge, but the numerous accolades it had received piqued my interest. At just under 200 pages, it’s a quick read, with a pace that keeps you engaged throughout the story. However, it wasn’t until about halfway through that I found myself fully immersed in Red and Blue’s journey.

Given the novella’s brevity and focus on connection, there’s limited context on certain elements like setting, which can be crucial for grounding yourself in a sci-fi narrative, and this led to me spending too much time in the beginning trying to understand the world and the plot. My advice? Focus on the evolving relationship between Red and Blue and the love that develops between them, rather than getting caught up in the details of the war.

Time is unsurprisingly a central element in this story, acting as a crucial plot device. Red and Blue manipulate events across different timelines to benefit their respective factions, but time isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a driving force that allows the characters to interact in unique ways. Their correspondence, hidden throughout various points in time and woven into the ever-changing landscape of nature, deepens their connection. This approach makes the non-linear timeline feel fluid but also mind-bending in its complexity.

I loved the contrast between Red and Blue, from their methods of communication to the factions they fought for. Red is affiliated with the Agency, a highly technological faction that secures its place in the timeline through precise control. These values are reflected in Red’s disciplined and sometimes cold character. Blue, on the other hand, is an agent for the Garden, which represents nature and organic growth. Blue’s character is more nurturing, often finding beauty in each world they inhabit. As the story progresses, both characters begin to bridge the gap between them, growing to understand each other beyond their roles.

For such a short story, there are many thought-provoking themes to explore, and I appreciated the depth and complexity within this beautiful tale. Love achingly pours from each page, growing stronger as you progress through the book. I especially loved the idea that, in a story where paths are predetermined for everything and everyone, love can still grant a level of personal agency and even alter the course of history. Red and Blue managed to break free from the threads that bound them, ensuring that their supposed fate wouldn’t dictate their future.

Despite the incredibly high stakes surrounding Red and Blue, there is an incredible sense of hope in this story. These two characters, along with the factions they represent, are vastly different. Yet, as they find ways to connect, their desire for a different future grows. Their relationship demonstrates that reconciliation is possible, and that love can overcome any conflict.

There’s so much more I could say about This Is How You Lose the Time War, but I would be here all day. It’s easy to see why so many people resonate deeply with its themes and characters, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favourite novellas. If you’re looking for something beautiful and impactful to brighten a dark day, give this one a try.