Long story short, The Ones We’re Meant to Find kept me thinking while reading the book and even after I’ve closed the pages because this review was a struggle to write. I have a lot of conflicting thoughts about the novel that I’m not even sure I can even put into words properly.

Joan He’s sophomore novel is filled with unpredictable twists and turns that kept me on my toes from the first page when we first meet Cee and Kasey all the way to the very end. I was constantly guessing and probably had enough theories to feed me for an entire week, but this comes as no surprise since her debut novel Descendant of the Crane kept me guessing just as much.

I adored Cee and Kasey as the protagonists of the story and loved how Joan He wrote this in alternating viewpoints rather than from one or the other. They’re complete polar opposites, with Cee having a sociable and friendly personality and always wanting an adventure while Kasey comes across as someone “cold, emotionless, and buried in data*” but is really someone who struggles with emotions and unpredictable scenarios. I loved their bond (although not the greatest, who says sibling relationships aren’t messy?) and their common goal of finding each other in their own ways.

*I feel this to my core, though.

The Ones We’re Meant to Find is set in a futuristic world where climate change has affected the population enough that major storms are the norm, and those privileged enough can afford to live away from those storms. I liked how Joan He explores climate change and touches upon the privileges some of the characters have. Although I was sometimes confused with the world, enough information is constantly provided without feeling overwhelmed.

However, this was a bit of a struggle, with the pacing not picking up until after the halfway point, although I was engaged and invested in finding out what would happen to Cee and Kasey – enough that I didn’t want to shelve the book. I think I got used to the pacing enough that when things began to pick up, the rest of the book felt a little rushed for me. But much like Descendant of the Crane, there is much to be desired from Joan He’s latest novel. The ending is very open, with questions that are left unanswered and depending on your reading preferences, unsatisfactory. For me, it was the latter, because while I don’t mind open endings, The Ones We’re Meant to Find felt open enough that I felt the ending backfired and there are too many questions that are left unanswered.

While my biggest quip with The Ones We’re Meant to Find is the pacing and ending, there are a lot of things that I did enjoy overall. If you’re looking for a novel exploring climate change and touching privilege with a strong sibling bond and Asian protagonists, and don’t mind an open ending, this may be up your alley. But if your biggest pet peeve is not having all your questions answered, you might want to look elsewhere.

To be honest, I expected this story to be about a lesbian relationship based on the cover and the description. I quickly realized that the characters were sisters (well,.. sort of, if you've read it you get what I mean). Once I got that clear, I really enjoyed this book. The world was unique and the characters were interesting. It was one of those books where you can tell something weird is going on but you really can't be sure what. It was super weird but I enjoyed this book and liked the questionable ending

Diversity Representation: Chinese-American author and own voices protagonists
Content Warnings: Death, climate disasters, abandonment, terminal illness, mass casualties, suicide, attempted murder

Mind bending, surprising, twisty, engaging, beautiful, flowing, well executed

The Ones We're Meant to Find was one of those books that I had to set aside for a few days before I could even think of reviewing it, because it surprised me so deeply. I definitely wasn't ready, but there is a delightful support group out there for you already for those who have read it. This book was slow at the beginning to set everything up, but once you are halfway through, the pace picks up so dramatically you won't want to put it down.

This book follows Cee and Kasey, two sisters with a bond that can save humanity, if only they could meet again... Cee has been trapped on an island for three years with only the memory of her sister to give her purpose, if she can cross the ocean to find her. Kasey is a STEM prodigy, in what seems like worlds away, on the search for her sister, who took a boat out to sea and never returned.

Let me just say that *oan He absolutely nailed this book. It was brilliant in so many different ways. I was incredibly impressed the entire time. The writing alone was simply beautiful. Every juxtaposition came crashing back into itself with an equal affinity, every piece of this story crashed and separated like water in waves. The imagery of water was tailored so beautifully into this story, I could feel myself being lost at sea within the writing. The ever changing emotional distance that we feel between Kasey and Cee felt like the ever changing tide rolling in and out, constantly pulled by unseen forces. It was truly stunning.

No review for this book can be complete without pointing out how well executed the twists and turns were. This book had me on my toes. Though this book is slow in the beginning, once I sat back and reflected, I realized that the slowness was just a foundation for the reader to stand on. The twists and turns wouldn't have been nearly as good if we didn't have the perfect amount of build. Once one twist comes, they don't stop until the end. It dramatically changes pace, because there was so much happening at the end, you needed the foundation. Thank goodness I had it!

The last thing that I really loved was the world. We got just enough to know what happened, but Joan didn't give us too much information. It really allows us to make our own assumptions for how exactly the world got to be so destroyed from climate change. I really adored that, because I think we all know how the world will get hurt by climate change. We can make assumptions easily for what might get destroyed already, so we don't need the hand holding. It definitely made the story better, because she really allowed us to bridge the gap between our world today and the world Kasey and Cee live in.

-- Summing it all up --

The Ones We're Meant to Find was a book that is going to stick with me for quite a long time. The twists and turns were executed so well, and the prose was absolutely stunning. The way the prose and the story flowed like water, made me feel like I was lost at sea — or rather, lost in the book.

4/5 stars

This was a great book! I highly recommend it to fans of sci-fi and dystopian novels. The Ones We're Meant to Find is a descriptive, twisty, and enjoyable novel.

Let me tell you one thing: The twists shook me. I was not exactly any of them and I was so surprised when they were revealed. If there's one thing this book executes perfectly, it's the plot twists.

Another thing I loved about this novel was the worldbuilding and setting, I thought the setting was very unique; I hadn't seen anything like it before.

The characters were decent, I felt they were mostly fleshed out but I had a hard time connecting with Kasey, and I enjoyed Cee's POV a bit more.

The pacing in The One's We're Meant to Find is also great, although its a bit slow at the beginning.

While the novel (and ending) was a bit confusing, I throughly enjoyed it. Joan He has a lovely writing style and brought this unique story to life wonderfully.

What a unique mix of a dystopian and sci-fi plot with a well-done dual narrative. Cee is lost on an abandoned island; Kay is mourning the loss of her sister back in one of the few remaining floating cities that is slowly failing. This is a novel that can either break you or possibly bore you depending on what you choose to focus on. There are multi-faceted twists and turns and a vast amount of information and technical pieces that end up merging together to create a masterfully built novel that touches on climate issues, sisterly bonds, secrets and a future that is all too plausible for this world.

The sisters held the story together for me from start to finish. There was a good bit of technical pieces and world building oddities that didn’t always make sense in the overall scheme of things. Focusing on the sisters and their predicaments ended up making the story that much better for me. They hold a relatability in different areas of their personas that spoke to me at different points and times. There is an underlying pull of tragedy that seeps into the chapters at each turn too. It leaves you at the edge of your seat unconsciously waiting for the next shoe to drop. Patiently waiting for the next blindsiding twist to reveal itself… and you will not see them coming.

It took me a little bit to get into and wrap my head around a lot of the extra pieces that are coming together. To me, survival was a key theme in this novel. Surviving life on an island in the middle of nowhere… alone. Surviving the potential collapse of society, life or possibly the world. Surviving personal and limiting demons. It gave me a sense of urgency as I read; feeding into the cloud of catastrophe that floated like an undercurrent between the characters. I can’t say this is a happy novel, I can’t say it’s wholly sad. It definitely led me through a range of emotions and confusions that I may still be piecing through as I write this. I can say that this is by far one of the more creative novels I’ve read in this genre mix.

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Roaring Brook for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

One of my favorite 2021 reads!
First of all, this cover was gorgeous! I can't stop staring and I adored the inside just as much. The plot is so clever and tight (and sad, did I mention how it broke my heart like, twelve different times??) but it was the characters who kept me glued to the page. I had managed to learn almost nothing about this book since I wanted to go in as a blank slate and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a story about two sisters, their bonds as strong and compelling as any YA love story.
Another thing that kept me coming back was the "cli-fi" plot. The worldbuilding was wonderful - floating cities, desert islands, and a future that seems more and more realistic every day. As a standalone, this was perfect. I'm so thrilled for Joan and can't wait to follow the rest of her career.

I dare you to start this book and try to predict the ending.

Imagine the biggest rollercoaster you’ve been on, in your life. Imagine being buckled in, your muscles tense and breath coming short as you’re prepared.

Then the ride starts, and you realize, you never could have prepared for those twists.

That’s this book.

The story follows two sisters: one who lives on an island with no memory of how she got there or who she is, only the irresistible urge to find her sister. The other, a science prodigy wrestling with how--or if--she should help save the world against ecological disasters.

The two timelines unwind masterfully with Christopher-Nolan calibre complexity, in the best sort of way. The initial slow-burn pace pays off with radical twists that’ll leave you reeling. Rarely have I read a book with characters as decadently layered as this—the emotional development is what most authors manage to achieve over a trilogy. The two sisters, polar opposites, are equally complex, their voices and characters entirely their own. And, in the spirit of the book’s theme of the sea and all, it bears noting that I will go down with the Cee and Hero ship. Geez they were perfection.

The reason this wasn’t a five star book is (1) the extremely heavy environmental/political commentary, and (2) the abrupt ending. It definitely left me wanting less and more, respectively.

Otherwise, TOWMTF works overtime like the rent was due yesterday to earn 4 stars, and will leave your stomach leaping and your mind reeling. I’ll for sure be reading this again.

-Ande

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to the Books Forward Program and the publisher for letting me read this!

This is the first book of Joan He I have read and I can tell you now I am hooked!

I couldn't put this down, I absolutely loved the aesthetic of this book, I was immediately pulled into the world-building and its clever plot. I felt like I was right there with the characters.

In saying that this book HURT me. It was heart-wrenching and had twists and turns that caught me completely off guard of how I thought it was going to end. This could have definitely been multiple books (Which I wish it was)

Although I received this as an arc I am definitely buying a hard copy! I need this on my shelf.

Awesome book with awesome characters. I loved the bond between two sisters and how they weren't typical characters. This is YA sci-fi book which I absolutely loved.
The plot was stunning and the book very well written. I smiled while reading it. :)

4 Stars!

This book was so good and I loved the way it switch POV’s. The development of Cee was amazing even after the plot twist! The plot was so fun and unique that it immediately reeled me in. I felt like I was living with the characters it was so well done. Overall the book was great and definitely a must read from me!

Actual rating 3.5 stars.

Climate change has been disastrous for the earth, most people have been evacuated to cities made of skyscrapers. Virtual tech allows everyone freedoms to socialize. Cee and Kay are sisters who live a privileged life in one of these cities. When Cee gets adventurous and goes boating on her own she never returns and ends up marooned on an uninhabited island. Cee tries to find a way off the island to get back to her sister while Kay investigates her sister's disappearance.

If you like Black Mirror you may like this one. It has the same futuristic sci-fi vibes and as you are reading makes you question your ethics - how far would you go to save humanity? Or would you be complacent to prevent mass panic?

There are some plot twists, although only one was really shocking to me. I got really invested in Cee's story and was so angry for her about halfway through when I realized what was going on with her storyline. This is a slower moving story and at times hard to get into.

I also thought it lacked world building. It is hard to imagine a world with so much tech if it isn't explained well enough, and there were some parts I think could have used more of that. I also think the characters would have been more relatable if they had more depth and backstory.

Overall I thought it was a nice blend of scientific problem solving and family love - and what someone would sacrifice for that love.

My library did purchase this title for the YA section and I'll be happy to recommend to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, climate change fiction, stories about sisters, or AI. It didn't ring my bell particularly, but that probably has more to do with my personal tastes than the quality of the book. I love the cover and the premise. I hope to stir up interest in my library for this title.

What price is enough?

There's a lot to reflect on in this book. To recognize and wonder, "would I do that?"

He posits a future that's alien in description but oh so well known in actuality. Where upward mobility can come at a cost well hidden from the public eye and where desperation make murderers accidentally.

If He's first book, DESCENDANT OF THE CRANE, was about a young girl seeking the truth at any cost (and the cost was great, jury's out on if it was worth it in the end for Hesina), her sophmore book is about two sisters seeking who the other is to understand.

Cee dreams of Kay; of a sister so intelligent, but emotionally distant. Who had grand plans for the future, but needed to be reminded of what she had in the present.

Kasey longs to understand Celia; a sister so vibrant with life, but so heedless of danger. Who saw the potential in the world, but not the danger.

Each chapter is from one or the other (Cee's chapter delineated with tally marks and Kasey's by numerals), weaving together a tale of loss and hope that makes you yearn for them to find the bridge that helps them understand the other.

Cee's almost reckless regard for what could go wrong lends a feeling of adventure to her chapters. When she finds Hero, or searches the island for parts or uncovers a memory - she throws herself into everything.

Kasey's detached, but meticulous journey to learn the truth about Celia's disappearance, plus the mystery of Actinum's involvement grounds the book.

What did Kasey do? What is her plan that is so audacious? Why did Celia disappear and visit so many random places first? Why couldn't she tell Kasey? Where did Hero come from and why is Cee alone?

Objectively, you need to trust that the slow beginning will beget rewards. The novel is littered with things that as it progresses builds upon itself to give you a whole. But first the players need introducing and the stakes set.

Much like DotC the genuine relationships and warmth throughout are what make this book shine.

Come for the sister bond, stay for the mystery and leave (hopefully) wiser about just how messed up we're making the world.

Joan's writing captures the very heart of story. I love each of her ideas and how much effort she puts into them being the best they can be. Reading The Ones We're Meant to Find felt like reading literature. Everything meant something and no moment was wasted.

This soft sci-fi story does an immaculate job of developing story and character in tandem. It's challenging and beautiful. I would recommend to anyone looking for depth in their story and those who want to be surprised by some of the twists and turns along the way.

I had a really hard time with the writing in this book. I started it and put it down a couple times. I think I might pick it back up at a later time but right now it is not working for me.

Okay, first things first, this cover is absolutely gorgeous!

Overall, I think this one was a little too sci-fi for my tastes... I kept getting bogged down in the speculative aspect- there was a lot going on in this book and at times it felt difficult to keep up with what the author wanted to get across. It felt like there were a handful of places that were overwritten and that other parts should have been developed a bit more. That said, if you’re a big sci fi fan, you’ll probably enjoy this one a lot! 

That said, the twists and turns in this book were phenomenal and completely caught me off guard. Like the final big twist near the end was so unexpected but so so good. I also found Cee’s storyline super fascinating and I would get super excited every time I got to a chapter from her point of view! As a whole, the plot was super unique and I loved that it didn’t shy away from discussing class distinctions and “other” mentality even in a futuristic setting!

This book is told in turns, switching between two perspectives. Kasey is a brilliant scientist more comfortable analyzing data than holding a conversation with another person. As she searches for her missing sister, we learn their world is on the brink of extinction. Natural disasters have forced much of the population into ecocities, which float above the Earth’s surface, but this only offers a temporary solution.

With Cee, we explore a deserted island, who sees in black and white and has partial memories of her past. She is driven to the ocean, knowing her sister is out there somewhere, searching for her. But while she tries and fails countless times, nothing changes and she always returns to the island. That is, until one day when a strange boy shows up—the first person she’s seen in over three years.

If you’ve read Joan He before, then you can certainly expect three things from her books: evocative writing, surprising twists, and lots and lots of pain. The Ones We’re Meant to Find explores sisterly bonds, first love, environmental stewardship, what it means to be human, and the benefits and dangers inherent in technology.

It is truly hard to explain this book without spoiling it, so suffice it to say that you won’t regret picking it up. If nothing else, it will make you think about the consequences of our present actions and the repercussions we may be forced to face in the future. It is a novel that speaks to current circumstances and holds a warning of what our world could one day look like.

ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.

4.5 mind-blowing stars!

Wow wow wow, this book blew my mind. Mysterious, shocking, captivating – and with a stunning cover – this book honestly has it all. I couldn’t help but fall in love with these characters and find myself desperate to find out what would happen next, and the dystopian/sci-fi aspects just increased the uniquity of the novel!

The Ones We’re Meant to Find revolved around two main characters, sisters with an unbreakable bond. They were beautifully written characters with a gorgeous relationship, one that wasn’t perfect but was incredibly realistic and touching.

“I love you.
And even if you failed me,
I’d never replace you.
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)

The futuristic aspect of the novel, with Earth mostly destroyed and the population in a battle for the highest levels of the ‘eco-cities’, was fascinating to read about, and added a dystopian touch to the story. It was really interesting to read about Kasey’s life in an eco-city, and it was made even more interesting with Kasey’s character, as she didn’t fully understand the intricate nature of human interactions and emotions. Cee was also a brilliant character, and her life alone on an island was both heartbreaking and uplifting to read about. You just couldn’t help but root for Cee and be proud of her every accomplishment!

Another theme of this book was mystery. The Ones We’re Meant to Find was full of plot-twists and confusion, and all of it was beautifully written. Secrets and lies were woven into a disconcerting fog, in which the truth appeared a terrifying object that haunted every character.

“All my secrets, untold and told.”
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)

Overall, The Ones We’re Meant to Find was mind-blowing and totally stunning, and I definitely won’t be forgetting this book anytime soon! Thank you so much to the author, publisher and TBR & Beyond Tours for the ARC copy!

the fact that this one book hits me as hard as a full seven book series says something. I am obsessed with the characters to an unbelievable degree, I think I'll be dreaming about them for months on end. The writing style is amazing and has shown an amazing level of improvement from the first book and I cannot wait to see what Joan He as in store.

This book is incredible. I did not see the twist coming! The worldbuilding is amazing. The way technology has integrated into everyday life and the environments seems realistic as if it could actually happen in our society down the road. The characters are flushed out and complex. This book hurts.