This is How You Lose a Time War

By Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

They didn't lose it.

I've been thinking for a few days about what is the overall message of the book, behind the romance. In a way, I've been looking for the hidden message within the message. But I'm not Red or Blue, and all I see is the love. It stretches over and above any of their pre-existing beliefs and it changes them, we are just taken along their journey.

Although not humans ( I think?) Red and Blue showcase the span of the human spirit. How, regardless of doctrine, humans will find a way to connect, to love, to find friendship and trust in each other. You can fool people into hating each other, but you cannot unteach them how to love.

Plot:

Two agents from opposite sides of a war send each other letters. They put themselves at risk of being found guilty of treason, for the simple yet devouring pleasure of connection.

“Some things are more important than winning” - Red

Characters:

They are the same, and the inverse of each other.

“You’ve always been the hunger at the heart of me, Red- my teeth, my claws, my poisoned apple. Under the spreading chestnut tree, I made you and you made me.” - Blue

I purposely want this review to be as vague as I can, because nothing I can say about these characters will be enough. You really must read it.

4/5*