"In the tapestry of time, our threads intertwine, creating patterns of beauty and chaos."
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| Book's cover - Red cardinal with its reflection a bluejay |
There's something captivating about a book that whisks you away into a different world, isn't there? This is How You Lose the Time War did just that for me, pulling me into its poetic embrace and refusing to let go until I listened to the final word. I devoured it in just two days.
Now, full disclosure: science fiction isn't usually my first pick from the bookshelf. But this novella? It felt like a breath of fresh air in a genre I often overlook. What struck me was the unique collaboration between the authors. I had read that each author wrote for one of the characters, and although there was a general outline, character reactions were created by "receiving" each other's letters.
Red, an engineered operative, embodies efficiency and control, while Blue is a fluid and shape-shifting creature. These agents, on opposing sides of the war, defy our societal norms. Since they exist beyond our conventional descriptions, don't get caught up in their she/her pronouns. It's better to simply view them as “human-like” warriors or augmented beings, navigating different time threads. I say this because the love they speak of is more of a connection that exists in intellectual respect and emotional vulnerability, rather than being rooted in physical intimacy. [zero spice book] As far as the battle, just know the two sides of the war, represented by the Commander and the Garden, serve as fitting symbols of the authority of war versus the desire for freedom and connection.
If you have a poetic heart, I highly recommend this book and that you just let yourself sink into the prose, relishing each twist and turn without worrying too much about what comes next. I recommend the audio book, but I'll likely purchase a physical copy to pick up sometimes for inspiration and to keep the magic close.
I hope you consider this one with its blend of science fiction and poetry.