Book Review: This Is How Your Lose the Time War 

By Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladston 

5 Stars

This Is How You Lose the Time War, written by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, is a poetry book about spies from opposing sides of the war. The story starts with an intense battle coming to an end and a secret message. This sci-fi, fantasy lesbian romance is one that really has you on the edge of your seat. Letters passed back and forth; is it love or a trap? Both Red and Blue have their reasons why they are doing what they do. I really looked forward to the letters they shared and the clever ways in which they got them. These beings were able to transcend time and space and were yet so caring and intellectual all at once. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fantasy lesbian romance. Although it is a romance, it is tension rather than physical. The letters and the whole book are very literate. If you like big words accompanied by poetry all at once, then this is the book for you. Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone took the concept of Romeo and Juliet and made a fantastic, unique story about spies. Their people are different and want completely different worlds, but sometimes, the heart falls for the unexpected. This story is a great depiction of how far one might go for love. The book is not very long, and with each chapter, the perspective switches from Blue to Red. Both of them were entertaining to read about. The ending of the book was phenomenal. The pacing was perfect, the emotions were tugged at, and the plot was at its peak. The ending was the perfect fit for the story, hands down. This book is a perfect fit for a book club. It’s short, but there is so much to unpack.   

Reviewed by Lillian 

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