A review by k_aro
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I really enjoyed this book! Honestly, aside from the whole time-travelling shtick (which, I mean, it's called This Is How You Lose The Time War), I wasn't very aware of what the book was about. I think the way the book throws you in media res without really explaining what's going on is quite nice.

I'm also a big fan of epistolary novels, I loved The Guersney Literary Potato Peel Pie Society, so this was right up my alley.

And that ending! I had had a feeling it would have a circular ending (it's really the only time travel shenanigan that involves back and forth that works), and it works so nicely. There's another media, it's on the tip of my tongue but for the life of me I cannot remember it, that when I finished the book I was reminded of. Maybe Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood? But I don't really think that involves too much cyclicality, so I cannot remember it.

I do think Red kissing Blue to give her the antidote was a little weirdchamp... but then I'm assuming Red and Blue were once children. Maybe that's wrong.

I also think that the lack of complete closure works, though it's obviously a little sad to not see their 'happily-ever-after.'


Ultimately, it didn't blow my mind, but it was a really good book, and I'd recommend it.
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