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

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Conceptually, this is absolutely brilliant. I loved seeing Red and Blue engaging with each other through time, and I found the storytelling structure of tableaus (or very short scenes) and love letters more compelling than a string of action sequences would have been. Less is more and all that. The relationship between them is the main pillar of the narrative, with all its poignant developments and puzzling complexities; the plot is more straightforward than it may initially seem, and the worldbuilding is imaginative but more implied than immersive — which I think is for the best, given the condensed format.

I couldn't quite give this 5 stars because I just wanted more from it, but it's wonderful just the way it is.

Recommended by Para @ To Other Worlds & Kal @ Reader Voracious.

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CONVERSION: 12.2 / 15 = 4.5 stars

Prose: 8 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 8 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 6 / 10
Setting: 10 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: 4 / 5
Intellectual Engagement: 4 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5
Rereadability: 5 / 5
Memorability: 5 / 5