Summary:
Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading.
And thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, grows into something more.
Except discovery of their bond would be death for each of them. There’s still a war going on, after all. And someone has to win that war. That’s how war works. Right?
Thoughts:
How to talk about this book without totally spoiling it? Well, I could say ‘fuck it, read it for the prose’ because, honestly the prose is just that amazing. It’s beautiful and poetic and feelings poured out onto a page with such sincerity and thought behind every word. And yet, it also feels very organic. Honestly it reminded me of a piece of music in some ways. With each communication between the two characters, each letter, the tempo picks up building to a beautiful crecsendo at the end.
I loved watching the relationship between the two agents unfold. These characters feeling each other out, first trying to outwit each other, then trying to impress each other. I enjoyed the playfulness of it, even though they’re essentially at war with one another. Once they both realize that things have gone to a deeper level, that they’re beginning to care for one another, the tone shifts. At first joyous and then afraid–what happens when they’re discovered? Secrecy becomes paramount and their communications must be hidden in increasingly elaborate ways. I very much got a kick out of the many different ways the letters were delivered to one another as well, each one more impossible seeming than the next. I feel like the authors had a lot of fun writing these delivery methods, there’s such a gleefulness to these parts underlying the text.
For folks that are looking for a little more ‘meat’ to a story, something with tons of world-building and plot, well, those folks might be disappointed in this one. But for me there was so much to love about this story. The way in which it is written, the connection between the characters, the humor and wit, the poetic prose, the unconventional story structure…I could go on and on but I don’t want to give away the entire book. If you enjoy any of the things I loved about this one, I’d say pick it up and give it a read. 5/5 stars.
Way Too Fantasy 
I love your description for this one. That cover is interesting too. Sounds like the writing is lovely. Excellent review as usual and I’m happy you enjoyed it. 💜
Thanks! It was a great read. 🙂
Great review!! I’ve heard so many good things… I need to pick this up.
Thanks, I enjoyed it a lot. Hope you love it!
Wonderful review !!! I just finished reading this yesterday night and I completely agree with everything you said.. it’s so unlike anything I’ve ever read and I’m just in awe 😍😍
Thank you! Yep, this was definitely unique and special. Glad you loved it too! ❤
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this!! It sounds spectacular, I LOVE unique books with gorgeous prose. Great review!💜
Thanks! I had high hopes going in, wasn’t disappointed! 🙂
I’m gonna have to break down and read this at some point.
It’s a lovely read. Also it’s short so it’s not a huge investment. 😉
I had a feeling you’d enjoy this one, because you like offbeat books – this was just a tad too disjointed for me, but I’m glad it worked so well for you!
I get what you mean and can totally see why it’s not a book for everyone but I really did love it. Yeah, I do like offbeat haha. Thanks! 🙂
It sounds like a book that offers a “mood experience” more than a simple reading, and as such it looks very intriguing. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Yeah, you could say that, makes sense. 🙂
Hope you enjoy if you check it out!
Haha- I love this review! And I love the Burn Before Reading. What a clever way to pull a reader in. I think it’s okay that it’s light on the worldbuilding. Time travel is complicated enough.
Thanks! Yeah I find with time travel it’s better not to think too hard about it otherwise it sucks all the joy out of it while you think of endless paradox situations lol. 🙂
Ugh I know! They almost have to be vague otherwise I fall down the rabbit hole.
Yup, exactly lol.
Maybe not a book for everyone but I also loved it – it just worked for me in so many ways – although it’s definitely a difficult book to review.
Lynn 😀
Yeah, I’m so glad I read this one. It’s different!
EVERYONE (well, almost everyone) at the bookshop I work at recommends this book to me. You say the writing is great and I trust that. I’ll have to get it too.
It’s very poetic at times and super down to earth at others, you can definitely see each author’s unique flair. I think it’s worth checking out just for the prose if you like that sort of thing. 🙂
Yep, certainly am! I’ll def have to check it then.
I am so glad you enjoyed this book! I too fell in love with its prose and the relationship that developed. Such an unexpected treat of a read!
The prose was one of my favorite parts. Such a lovely read. 🙂