Exploring the Shadows of Tomorrow: A Review of All That We See or Seem by Ken Liu
There’s something electrifying about picking up a new book by Ken Liu, one of my all-time favorite authors. With each turn of the page, I brace myself for intricate plots, philosophical musings, and a smattering of the human experience wrapped around speculative fiction. So when I received an ARC of All That We See or Seem, the first book in the Julia Z series, I was both excited and anxious—could this new near-future thriller live up to Liu’s extraordinary legacy?
All That We See or Seem follows the tumultuous journey of Julia Z, a once-famous hacker trying to lead a life of quiet obscurity. But when her digital sanctuary is disrupted by a desperate lawyer seeking help to rescue his wife from dangerous kidnappers, Julia finds herself plunging back into a world of intrigue and danger. The premise immediately grabbed my attention—can we ever truly escape our past choices, or are we forever tethered to them?
At its core, this novel navigates fascinating themes: the pervasive influence of social media, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and the quest for belonging and freedom in a world amplified by technology. Liu beautifully encapsulates this struggle with the quote: “Freedom, belonging, telling a story about yourself that you love. Dreaming together.” These poignant reflections are timely, especially as we grapple with our own realities dictated by screens and connections that often feel shallow.
As much as I enjoyed the thrill of Julia’s adventure, there were moments when I felt the pacing faltered. Liu has always been known for his intricate narratives, yet here, certain sections felt a bit drawn out. While I appreciate the exploration of character depths and philosophical exploration, a tighter narrative could have enhanced the overall impact. I often found myself wishing that the novel had conveyed its ideas with the punch I’ve come to associate with Liu’s finest works.
The characterization in All That We See or Seem is compelling but, compared to giants like The Dandelion Dynasty, it does seem a tad underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong—Julia is an intriguing protagonist, and her internal struggles resonate deeply. Still, at times, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the characters didn’t quite live up to the heights of Liu’s previous creations.
Yet, amidst these critiques, Liu offers nuggets of wisdom wrapped in his lyrical prose. Lines such as “Grief is tricky… We want to do something, seek vengeance, work, rage against the world…” linger in my mind, inviting us to reflect on loss and connection in our own lives. This is where Liu truly shines—the ability to weave profound truths into the fabric of speculative storytelling.
So who would enjoy All That We See or Seem? If you’re already a fan of Liu, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate this new layer of his craft. However, I might recommend newcomers start with some of his earlier masterpieces to fully grasp the depth of his talent. This novel is a worthwhile exploration, offering cautionary tales relevant to the digital age with a glimmer of a broader journey yet to unfold.
In the end, while All That We See or Seem may not immediately carve its place alongside Liu’s most celebrated works, it provides rich themes and contemporary relevance that merit attention. I’m left with a sense of anticipation for what Julia Z’s journey will bring next—and that alone has me eager for the sequel.
3.5/5 stars.
You can order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells
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