This Is How You Lose the Time War

by Amal El-Mohtar
This Is How You Lose the Time War cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 3416
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781529405248
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-07-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

This Is How You Lose the Time War is a critically acclaimed novella that weaves an epic love story across the fabric of time and space. Co-written by two award-winning authors, the story unfolds as agents from opposing sides in a time war begin a secret correspondence, their initial taunts evolving into a deep and dangerous connection. The novella has garnered numerous accolades, including the Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novella, and has been praised for its lyrical prose and vivid imagination. /n/n Set against the backdrop of a dying world, the narrative explores themes of love, war, and the consequences of defying fate. The agents' bond threatens to alter the course of history, but their discovery could mean certain death. The story is a testament to the power of love and the complexities of war, making it a standout in the science fiction genre.

Reviews
What Is Quinn Reading · Quinn · 2025-03-05
enchanting 4.50

The book is a captivating sci-fi love story that beautifully explores the butterfly effect and the tragedy of doomed romance. The writing is poetic and engaging, making it a standout in the genre.

Quinn found the book to be a mesmerizing blend of science fiction and romance, with a strong focus on the butterfly effect. They were particularly drawn to the poetic and lyrical writing style, which added depth to the characters and their emotional journey. The story's exploration of doomed love, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, was both tragic and beautiful. Quinn appreciated how the authors wove complex themes into a relatively short narrative, making it a memorable read. The vivid imagery and the unique perspective on time travel added layers to the story, making it a standout in the sci-fi genre.

Quick quotes

    This Is How You Lose the Time War is a sci-fi love letter to the butterfly effect, to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet's doomed romance.

    The writing is poetic and engaging, making it a standout in the genre.

    The story's exploration of doomed love, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, was both tragic and beautiful.

Off The TBR · 2020-12-20
lyrical 4.00

The book transcends genre fiction with its lyrical and seductive writing, while also being brutal and poignant. It's a heartfelt story that balances fun and depth.

The reviewer from Off The TBR highlighted how the book transcends typical genre fiction, offering a lyrical and seductive narrative that is both fun and deeply poignant. They appreciated the book's ability to balance light-hearted moments with brutal and heartfelt themes. The reviewer found the writing to be particularly strong, with vivid imagery and a compelling exploration of love and conflict. The story's unique perspective on time travel and its emotional depth made it a standout read, blending genre elements with literary quality.

Quick quotes

    It's a book that is genre fiction yet transcends it.

    It is lyrical and seductive and fun, yet also brutal and poignant and heartfelt.

    The story's unique perspective on time travel and its emotional depth made it a standout read.

Elitist Book Reviews · Jane Funk · 2020-04-17
resonant 4.50

The story is a resonant piece about desire, belonging, and love, with beautiful writing that lingers with the reader. It's a tale that blends emotional depth with a compelling narrative.

Jane Funk found the book to be a resonant exploration of desire, belonging, and love, with writing that is both beautiful and evocative. She appreciated how the story lingers with the reader long after finishing it, thanks to its emotional depth and compelling narrative. The reviewer highlighted the book's ability to blend complex themes with a engaging story, making it a memorable read. The vivid imagery and the exploration of time travel added layers to the characters and their relationships, creating a rich and immersive experience.

Quick quotes

    A tale that develops into a resonant piece about desire, belonging, and love.

    It's a story that reads beautifully and will linger with you.

    The vivid imagery and the exploration of time travel added layers to the characters and their relationships.

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