»This is How You Lose the Time War« is a truly stunning piece of writing.
I still can’t comprehend how Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone could squeeze so many genres and ideas into such a short book, without it feeling overwhelming. Science fiction, space opera, star-crossed romance, time travel et cetera. It’s probably easier to count what this book is not than what it is.
Though I must admit that I found it a bit cheesy at the end, the book still managed to catch me off guard with heartbreaking plot twists. I don’t think I can ever reread this book without tears when Blue writes »As you wish« or the last sentences: »Maybe this is how we win, Red. You and me. This is how we win.«
Unconditional and unreserved reading recommendation!