I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone Published by Saga Press on July 16 2019
Genres: Adult, Science fiction
Pages: 208
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Decadent writing and lush imagery make this a feast for the senses, but as a story it didn’t quite work for me, I’m sad to say.
I’m afraid this book and I got off on the wrong foot. Otherwise how do you explain the fact that every review I’ve seen has been a gushing, five star review? This is How You Lose the Time War is exquisitely written, a poetic masterpiece created by two highly talented and seasoned writers. On one hand, I loved the interplay between not only the characters on the page, but the voices of Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar as they seamlessly weave together the story of Blue and Red. But honestly folks, this book was such a struggle for me to get into and I almost didn’t finish it. What should have easily been read in a day or two stretched into a week or more, because I kept putting it down to read something else. Simply put, you might need to be in the right frame of mind to read this.
But what I did learn, the more I got into the story, is that this novella isn’t about plot so much as emotions and atmosphere. The plot, in fact, is very basic, and I can tell it to you without giving anything away.
Red and Blue are two agents fighting on opposite sides of a time war. Red works for the Agency and Blue works for Garden, and throughout the years, bloody battles are fought with wins and losses on both sides. After one battle, Red finds a note that says “burn before reading,” a taunting challenge from Blue that Red gleefully accepts. And so the two begin a correspondence of the oddest kind, unique letters sent back and forth over the years and distance of the war, disguised so they won’t be detected. Because it turns out someone is shadowing their every move and knows about the forbidden letters. After all, two agents on opposite sides shouldn’t be writing letters to each other, should they?
The letters, which start out mocking, soon become confessional, emotion-filled notes, as Red and Blue begin to respect and eventually, fall in love with each other. But can their doomed relationship last? The Agency and Garden will not tolerate disobedience, let alone deception.
This novella is a treat for readers who love language, who want to roll it around on their tongues and savor the various meanings hidden in the sentences. If you love poetry, this can almost be read as one long poem, although that’s not the format it’s written in. As a work of art, it succeeds brilliantly. Without a doubt, This is How You Lose the Time War will be up for numerous genre awards next year, just wait and see.
But does it succeed as a piece of fiction, that is the question I’ve been asking myself. And I still haven’t decided. Clearly it has for lots of other readers, but I found it difficult to peel away the many layers of beautiful writing, clever sentences and stunning imagery to find the story underneath. I kept looking for hidden meanings but never found them. For example, what is the significance of “the Agency” and “Garden?” Were they meant to be metaphors for something I just couldn’t grasp? Other reviewers have said things like “just go with it” and “don’t worry about the plot,” but I find that very hard to do. And the length was either too long or too short. I almost think it might have worked better as a short story, that a tighter, leaner narrative without all the dramatic and violent posturing of its main characters would force the writers to get to the point faster.
My favorite point in the story was the moment when a terrible decision must be made by one of the characters. It was a brilliant idea and beautifully written. It is at this point that the story becomes a love story. And I actually loved the ending. It was weird and complex and fit with the idea of two people moving up and down the strands of time.
But did I fall in love with it like so many other readers? I have to admit it was a unique reading experience, but unfortunately it won’t end up on my “best of the year” list in December. I envy all those readers who did fall in love with this story, but I’m just not feeling the emotions I was hoping to feel at the end. Ultimately, this is a book you’ll have to read for yourself and form your own opinion, and chances are, you’ll enjoy it more than I did.
Big thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy.
I’m sorry that this one didn’t work for you, Tammy. It just goes to show that we are all different. But huge congratulations on a really insightful and balanced review – I think you have done a masterful job in laying out your problems with this one, while also acknowledging that many others loved it.
Thanks Sarah! It was gorgeously written, it’s hard to deny that, and so unique!
Such a wonderful review. So much has me curious even though it didn’t really work for you, Tammy. And your thoughts about the posturing of the characters is something I’ve come across before too.
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Thanks Laura, on to the next one:-)
I have to agree with you. I’ve been listening to it on audio, and perhaps that’s my issue with it, I love the chosen narrators but I’ve already restarted the book once and I still feel completely lost! I’ve been trucking along, hoping it will pick up for me, but I think it’s going to be a DNF at least for now,
Oh good, glad I’m not alone! Although I have to say I think the written book is probably going to work better than audio. I haven’t listened to it but I just can’t imagine this as an audio book.
I’ve seen good things but this one has never grabbed my attention. I doubt I’ll be picking it up now. Too many other things I want to read anyway. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Yeah, there is so much out there right now, if you have any feeling that a book won’t work, it’s not always worth trying.
This sounds like for me personally it would either be a hit or miss book. It does intrigue me, though! And I totally get what you mean by seeing gushing, five star reviews of this book while you have a different opinion. I had the same happen to me with a pretty popular YA fantasy book.
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It’s happened to me before so nothing new, but I really thought I’d love it, and when bloggers you respect are all giving it 5 stars, you start to wonder “what’s wrong with me??” ha ha
Starting a book with great expectations – especially when other readers praised it so much – and finding oneself underwhelmed can be a huge letdown, I agree, but I understand how the lack of a firmer story, of a more solid ground to support what sounds like beautiful writing, can lead to disappointment. And you’re right: much will depend on the individual reader…
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…Review: GODSGRAVE (The Nevernight Chronicle #2), by Jay Kristoff
Yes, this is definitely an individual thing, since many people love this book (or at least they SAY they love it;-)
This is a fabulous review! I’m hoping that if I go in forewarned to not to expect a real plot, I’ll enjoy this one. I’ve already read an excerpt so I understand just how strange it can feel (I certainly wasn’t expecting what I read!). I’ll save this one for a cozy weekend when I can curl up and immerse myself in it.
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Thanks Caitlin! I almost want to reread it and go in knowing what I know now, if that makes sense!
I loved your well balanced review, Tammy! It’s good to see some differing opinions on this one. I hope your next read is one that works much better!
Thanks Jennifer, I guess all books can’t work for all readers:-)
So I started this on vacation and actually had to put it aside because it was just not the right book for my mood, lol. I just wanted to relax with something fun and mindless and almost right away I could tell this wasn’t what I was looking for, but I think I will give it another try at a later date now that I am back! I don’t think I will fall in love with it either, but I guess we’ll see!
Oh yeah, definitely not right for vacation! I hope you do read it (it’s pretty short), because now I want to know what you think.
I definitely think this one is all about the language and the feelings, rather than the plot or characters. That’s always a tricky proposition – it either works or it doesn’t, but there are fewer fall backs in terms of ‘but I love the world building” etc. I got lucky, and got grabbed (although there was a moment halfway through where I could have wriggled away – if I had put it down, I might not have rushed back), but I’ve been mildly surprised by all the gushing reviews – I thought this would be more divisive.
I agree, I’m surprised by how much EVERYONE seems to love it. Or maybe those who don’t love it are just afraid to say so…
That’s such a bummer this didn’t work better for you. I’ve seen a lot of great reviews for it and will probably still read it, but will lower my expectations based on your comments, which I think would possibly bother me as well.
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I’m so curious to read more reviews, I just know there’s someone out there who will feel the way I do:-)
I’m also a bit surprised about the amount of love this book is getting tbh – I loved it, but it feels like a book that would be more divisive, if you see what I mean. It definitely feels more like a love story – not the plot so much but a love story to words and letters. The thing that came over for me at the end was that the underlying message was maybe one about nature vs advancement and how the two are in a perpetual war with each other – but maybe they can get on – but I don’t think anyone else has felt that so I’m probably just making things up 😀
Too bad it didn’t quite work out for you. I’m going to have to try it to see what I think sometime.
You said this is all about atmosphere and emotion so I think I’m going to LOVE this one as soon as I get to it. Sorry it didn’t hit all the right spots for you, Tammy! Great review! 🙂
When I found out about this read, I really was taken by the premise, but this sort of writing (ie verse) is really not for me. I also feel like I would so need to be in the right frame of mind to tackle something like this.
Thanks for this review! I’ve seen only glowing things about this book and it’s refreshing when someone every now and then says “eh this wasn’t my cup of tea” and also gives the reasons why without just trashing it.
I keep seeing this one all over social media, and I had requested it quite a while back, but was denied an ARC on both sites :/
I came here all ready to defend how much I loved this book, but your review was very balanced (whilst reminding me of some more of the reasons why it worked for me).
Thanks Hannah! I know so many bloggers who love this book, I think I’m in the minority.
That really is a great title! I might be satisfied with the great writing and atmosphere!
Great review, Tammy. I am glad that you were able to finish the novella, but I am so sorry it wasn’t as much of a homerun as it was for so many others. I wound up feeling very much the same as you, your review echoes my sentiments. It was hard for me to let go of needing to understand everything and my desire for a plot, and while it is absolutely beautiful, it isn’t one of my top reads either.
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Thank you! If only there were more of a story, I would have liked it a lot more.
It sounds like it is worth a try but not when one is looking for lighter fare. Thanks.