Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge #5: Read a sci-fi novella.

There is just something about time travel that brings out the nerd within. Theories of time travel vary. It all depends on if we are operating on a fixed timeline, a dynamic timeline, or an alternate timeline. A fixed timeline is like the classic H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine which can be kinda depressing because you can’t actually change anything. All attempts to change things are futile. Dynamic timeline is like Back To The Future. He does one thing and completely changes everything. And I’m sure we’re all away of alternate timelines at this point because of the sheer cacophony that is the Marvel Multiverse.

This book operates off the theory of alternate timelines which in the novella are called threads. I would absolutely love to debate someone about whether or not these alternate timelines are fixed or dynamic because an argument can be made for both. But this story is not just about the absolute excitement of time travel.

Think Mr. and Mrs. Smith but time travel (and make it Mrs. and Mrs. Smith). Two time travel agents on opposites sides of a time war trying to outwit each other at every turn. They are so impressed with each other that they end up falling in love.

The novella reads almost more like poetry than a traditional story. It is told predominantly through letters: the process of writing each other letters, reading the letters, and sending replies. It is a magnificently beautiful read. The audiobook is masterfully done. I could have listened to the story of Red versus Blue for much more than four hours.

If you like science fiction, time travel, romance, poetry, or even just a good read, then click the link below or visit your local library.