Avatar

Harper Reed's Blog

All That We See or Seem (Julia Z, #1)

by Ken Liu

Unravel the layers of dreams and reality in a thrilling cyber-adventure.

Book cover

In “All That We See or Seem,” award-winning author Ken Liu introduces readers to Julia Z, the young protagonist whose past as an “orphan hacker” catapults her into a thrilling adventure. Set against a backdrop of cyber intrigue, the narrative unfolds as Julia seeks a quiet life in a suburb of Boston, but her solitude is shattered when Piers, a desperate lawyer, seeks her help to rescue his wife, Elli, a talented dream artist.

Elli’s unique ability to create shared dream experiences makes her an invaluable asset, but it also puts her in the crosshairs of a ruthless criminal who demands a high price for her freedom. As Julia delves deeper into this digital mystery, she grapples with her own identity and navigates the blurred lines between the real and the imagined. The stakes escalate as she races against time, using her hacking expertise to trace the intricate web of dreams woven into her reality.

Ken Liu, known for his insightful and thought-provoking storytelling, brings to light themes of technology, identity, and the nature of dreams in this first book of the “Julia Z” series. With an average rating of 3.60 based on 467 reviews, readers have found themselves immersed in this intricately crafted world. Liu’s previously praised works showcase his linguistic prowess and depth of thought, ensuring that this latest endeavor is one not to be missed by fans of the genre.

Read this book