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A review by banannatoast
This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read and I loved it so much. The writing is absolutely beautiful.
In terms of plot, well - there is no plot, not really. Fortunately, I’ve never much cared for plot as long as the story is delivered in a nice package (and what a nice package this is). This story is lovingly crafted and delivered with precision and FEELING and it’s just. so. good.
The slow escalation from enemies to rivals to friends to lovers to burn the world for you is executed so wonderfully in just the letters between the two characters alone. This is somehow the most romantic book I’ve ever read and they never even meet face to face! The descriptions of real true love here had me clutching my hand to my chest and getting all misty-eyed.
I found myself having to read out loud at many points to keep my eyes from reading faster than my brain could keep up. I think this book is perfect for a slow, close read, and I can’t wait to see what new little nuggets of poetic language I can discover on a second or third read through.
In terms of plot, well - there is no plot, not really. Fortunately, I’ve never much cared for plot as long as the story is delivered in a nice package (and what a nice package this is). This story is lovingly crafted and delivered with precision and FEELING and it’s just. so. good.
The slow escalation from enemies to rivals to friends to lovers to burn the world for you is executed so wonderfully in just the letters between the two characters alone. This is somehow the most romantic book I’ve ever read and they never even meet face to face! The descriptions of real true love here had me clutching my hand to my chest and getting all misty-eyed.
I found myself having to read out loud at many points to keep my eyes from reading faster than my brain could keep up. I think this book is perfect for a slow, close read, and I can’t wait to see what new little nuggets of poetic language I can discover on a second or third read through.