A review by whats6
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This Is How You Lose the Time War is a beautiful love story written in a uniquely enjoyable way as an epistolary novel that combines romance with science fiction. 

Although the flowery language went a bit (okay, more than a bit) over my head, it was undeniably swoon-worthy. The book did not include the gradual and informative world-building usually seen in complex science fiction books. It was more of a slapped in the face and dropped in the middle of a literal war zone world-building process. I was intrigued by this tactic and enjoyed discovering the world in pieces over time. I did not connect as deeply with the characters as I wanted due to the overwhelming prose, but their sweet, growing love is undeniable throughout the narrative. 

I can't claim I grasped the entire plot due to not completely understanding how the world always worked or the characters' feelings. However, I can claim that I really enjoyed the story!