Engaging Review of All That We See or Seem (Julia Z, #1) by Ken Liu
As a lifelong fan of Ken Liu, an author I’ve come to admire for his rich storytelling and profound insights, the release of All That We See or Seem felt like a much-anticipated event. I dove into this new near-future sci-fi thriller with excitement and perhaps an unshakeable expectation that it would mirror the brilliance of his previous works, particularly The Dandelion Dynasty and The Paper Menagerie. Yet, as I turned the pages of this ARC provided by Saga Press, I found myself navigating a different terrain—one that evoked mixed feelings but ultimately delivered an engaging narrative experience.
At the heart of the story is Julia Z, famously known as the "orphan hacker," a young woman desperately seeking a life shrouded in anonymity. Her quiet existence in a Boston suburb is upended when Piers, a desperate lawyer, seeks her help to rescue his kidnapped wife, Elli—a gifted dream artist. The stakes climb as they unravel a web of danger, woven by the international criminal enterprise demanding access to Elli’s unique abilities. This exploration of freedom, identity, and the pervasive shadow of technology is profoundly relevant today, prompting us to ponder: how do we exist in a world where our identities morph in the face of social media and artificial intelligence?
One of the striking themes lies in Liu’s reflections on the negative impacts of fame, perfectly encapsulated in the line, “Fame—at least the desirable kind—was a hard drug to give up.” This notion resonates, particularly in our hyper-digital age, where anonymity becomes a luxury many cannot afford. Liu’s exploration of loneliness amid the marching tide of connectivity strikes an authentic chord. He writes, “I think loneliness is the quintessential condition of modernity,” compelling us to introspect on our own fragmented human connections.
Despite these thought-provoking themes, I found the pacing somewhat uneven. Liu’s distinctive prose style, which typically captivates with its elegance, seemed overshadowed by the narrative’s structure. Some segments felt redundant, as if the story could have been told more succinctly. It’s this deviation from his previous works that left me uncertain; I would not have immediately recognized All That We See or Seem as a Liu novel had I not been aware of the author’s name attached to it.
A memorable quote that lingers with me is, “Grief is tricky… But maybe it’s something that has to get through us…” This resonates deeply, especially in this era of collective loss and longing, reminding us to cherish our memories while navigating our interconnected yet isolating world.
In summation, while All That We See or Seem may not fully satisfy those searching for the epic scope and complexity found in Liu’s earlier works, it does offer a compelling look into the consequences of our digital age. I rate it 3.5/5 stars, deeming it a solid introduction to a trilogy that could unfold into something remarkable, similar to Liu’s other projects like Pantheon. This book would particularly appeal to readers interested in speculative fiction that addresses contemporary societal issues.
Ultimately, while I had my reservations, I appreciated Liu’s willingness to tackle such intricate themes and can’t wait to see where Julia Z’s journey takes her next. For anyone considering this novel, prepare to delve into a thought-provoking narrative—but perhaps start with some of Liu’s earlier masterpieces first to obtain the full essence of his profound storytelling. Happy reading!
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