Despite science fiction not being a genre I am usually interested in, I greatly enjoyed this book. The book explored the relationship between two sisters, examining just how far each would go to find their ways back to one another. While this book was slow-moving, I found myself very interested in this book, always reading just one more chapter.

However, I did have difficulty following some of the world building and more technological concepts at times. Had the author expanded upon this, I believe this book would have been greatly improved.

While I do not believe this book is for everyone, I do believe anyone who wants the exploration of relationships alongside science fiction concepts should enjoy this one.

Arc provided by Netgalley!
3.5 stars rounding up!

This book was enjoyable and very interesting to read, albeit confusing at times. While I enjoyed being thrown into this world with no explanation because it created an immersive and vivid setting, I also found it incredibly confusing for the first 25% of the novel. Additionally, the worldbuilding, though slightly overwhelming at first, intricate and raised questions surrounding innovation, climate change, identity, and privilege, which I enjoyed. The writing itself was also wonderful.

I enjoyed both POVs, though I preferred Cee’s POV. I think partly due to it being written in first person whilst Kasey’s was written in third person. I felt more for Cee as a character than I did for Kasey, partially because of this. Cee’s drive and ambition to escape the island and her interactions with her love interest made me eager to read her POV’s even when I was reading Kasey’s.

The initial half of the book was slow and I greatly preferred the second half. I also was not able to predict some of the novel's turns, which kept me reading!

Overall, this is an interesting and well written book that I highly recommend.

The cover is beautiful and the premise is intriguing but unfortunately, I'm going to have to DNF this book. I couldn't seem to connect with the characters or the setting which is disappointing because I really wanted to! I found it really hard to understand the setting and I'm not sure if this was part of the plot of the book to keep you guessing but I wasn't getting explanations soon enough for my liking.

Currently reading this and so far REALLY good. Hooked from the start and the concept about the future and the ecosystems is so interesting. My full review will be available on goodreads. I'll paste the link here once I'm finished.

I'm not even sure where to start with reviewing this book, beyond saying holy crap, it's so good. Part sci-fi/speculative fiction about where we're headed as a society if we keep on the way we're going with polluting our world and treating it like it's disposable with infinite resources, part mystery/thriller, part sisterly love story, part self-discovery... This book is just so break-taking.

The Ones We're Meant to Find is two narratives that weave around each other: there's Cee's story, trapped on a deserted island and trying desperately to escape the island and get back to her sister Kay, told in the first person present tense; and Kasey's story, living in an eco-friendly sky city trying to find what happened to her missing sister Celia, told in the third person past tense. The interplay between these two different stories and timelines is so deftly interwoven; revelations in one storyline often reveal (or raise questions) in the other.

I found myself pulled into this book as surely and inexorably and Cee is pulled to the sea. I'll definitely look forward to reading more by Joan He.

The story is divided into two narratives which slowly merge into one as information is given. The world-building was done so well. The information given is in pieces and drip feed throughout the book. It made it very intriguing and felt like a mystery. The world is futuristic and focuses a lot on climate change and taking care of the planet and fixing our mistakes. It's fascinating to see what the author thinks could happen. I like the holographic elements. Not so much about it being there, but why they were using holograms so much.

This book was very well written. This is an author I want to read more of. I loved who the worldbuilding and time gap was written as a mystery.

Loved it! I need to check out this author and read everything else they've written.

Also, I loved what the author did with the romance in here. Thank you!

Joan He’s writing has recently become a favourite of mine and this new book of theirs really just set that in stone for me. This book, the writing, the themes, the characters and the setting were all so rich and detailed and had me entranced from the very first page.

We follow two different people, Kasey and Cee. Kasey lives in our world but it is set in the future, where Earth has been destroyed by humans and they’ve been attempting to come up with a solution to save it and themselves. One such solution were cities in the sky, which is where Kasey lives. She’s looking for her missing sister and attempting to figure out what happened to her.

Cee has been living on an abandoned island for the last three years and she’s been doing everything she can to find her sister, to figure out a way off that island. We follow her journey in discovering that.

Both of them are so different but their love for their sisters had my own heart aching for their love and loss and how profound each emotion was. You can tell immediately that they love them, in their own specific ways. Cee is more of what you first imagine a main character to be. She’s sarcastic, funny and you just love her right away. Kasey is more reserved, more into science and figuring things out instead of the normal things you’d think a teenage girl would be into. I loved being inside of her mind so much, she was such a unique and interesting view to follow.

I both loved and hated the ending. It was open ended and I hate those sorts of endings but at the same time, the ending fit so perfectly that I couldn’t imagine a different way for it to end on. It’s a tricky one to really think about.

But overall, I really loved this book. It tore at my heart strings, had me on the edge of my seat and had me hooked and there for every single scene and sentence and word. I highly recommend this book!!

4/5 ⭐️

Rating 4*

The first thing that comes to my mind when describing this book is literally just ‘mind-blowing’, there is no other way to describe it. The way it’s futuristic but there’s almost an eerie sort of feel to it had me hooked, and it constantly felt like something big was about to happen yet I could not predict where it was going. I just couldn’t put it down.

The changing of the povs between the sisters really helped with the pacing of the book, and it never felt as though it was going too slow - making the ones we’re meant to find an easily bingeable book!

It was also super interesting having the contrast between the two sister’s povs, as they had such different personalities and it felt as though their characters as a whole were shaped really well. There was a certain emotional rawness between the two sisters trying to find each other which was explored really well, especially with the beautiful writing - everything felt very real.

Minus one star because it just felt like too much was left unresolved and unexplored by the ending. I still have a lot of questions and this book has left me with a lot of thoughts.

The one’s we’re meant to find has definitely left a lasting impression, and is one of my favourite reads so far this year. Would definitely recommend to any fans of black mirror!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

i honestly really wanted to like this book, i mean the cover is fucking gorgeous. but, it just fell short for me. like, i mean, it might just be me, but this world was not explained at all.. like i couldn't tell you if this was set in a divergent world or even like hunger games or hell even like in 2047, cause it wasn't explained. and like i had no clue where they ever lived or anything, cause it wasn't explained. but, also i just didn't understand the technology and the whole 'history' part of this book. like, it 100 percent went straight over my head, and it also wasn't explained that well. also, what the hell was that plot twist?? like it was such a mess and just so stupid. like i honestly felt like that dog sitting in the fire gif when it happened. and i just feel like to much was left un said for me to fully get the plot and everything. also, i feel like the whole 1st person for Cee and then 3rd person for Kasey was a bit of a mess, like i wish they both were either in 1st or 3rd, cause it just didn't make sense to me. like, it was just to messy for me to understand. but, on the more positive side, i really did like the sister bond. yeah, i do feel like it was kind of basic at points, but i still enjoyed it a bit, and honestly to see how far they would go for each other. but, i honestly feel like i know nothing about these characters, which got to be a pain in the ass after awhile.

love love love love EVERYTHING about this!!! It's so beautifully written and captivates you from the start! I usually don't enjoy sci-fi themed books but I really loved this. and the TWISTS. Joan He really knows how to keep you gripped!!!

This book started off as a story about 2 sisters who somehow got separated and are trying to find each other again. But the deeper this book goes, I realized that it's so much more than that. What started off as almost a contemporary with a little sci-fi twist in it became a full-blown sci-fi thriller (at least, in my opinion) that I just could not stop reading.

Joan He's way of expanding her plot in this book was spectacular to say the least. I loved the world building and the issues that Joan He brought up in this book, and how they were also a huge part of the plot. The writing was beautiful, I especially liked the way Joan He writes the dynamics of these characters and the romance between Cee and her love interest, which was heart wrenching and also really beautiful at the same time.

My only issue with this book is the way the time seems to move really fast in this book, and how confusing some of the time line is but it didn't really change my opinion of the book. I still loved this as much and I will definitely order a copy when it comes out. Thank you Joan He and the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read this.

I had some trouble following the worldbuilding with the apocalptic setting/tech in this at times, though that may have been my issue.

Knowing that Joan He studied Psychology, my favourite aspect of this book was its exploration of humanist/psychological questions -- what makes us human? If you break down the different components of what we think of as ourselves - how much is necessary, or can be taken away, until we're no longer who we think we are?
The worst sides of human nature are also examined, and the things that motivate and can drive us deeply are examined but also thrown into question.

There are also interesting examinations of power dynamics - and an interesting application of this to an older/younger sister relationship.

Wow. Seriously, wow. Joan is extremely talented and having read both of her works so far, all I can say is: This book will destroy you and make you cry. The ending is one of the most incredible I've come across and the discussion on sisterly love, hope, courage and humanity was amazingly written. I cried, several times, and honestly I appreciate the horror that was evoked at times. Cee and Kasey are flawed but then, what human isn't? It's their flaws that draw you in, make you see things from their point of view and also shock you when you realise how far they'd each go for their hopes.

I literally went in thinking "okay this is a book about two sisters trying to find each other" to being gobsmacked and in awe at the revelations and twists thrown my way.

If you're looking for a book that discusses humanity, morality, sisterly bonds, hopes, dreams and the environment, look no further. If you want to cry and also be shocked, look no further. The book has been said to be Black Mirror esque and I definitely saw this. The same tension and unease filled me when we find out certain things.

I only have one question: What else will Joan put out?

This is already up there for best book of the year. I've recommended it to everyone. I've spoiled it for those who I knew wouldn't pick it up because I had to talk about this book. It was a need, rather than a want. And that, readers, is for the simple fact that this book surprised me. I tried to guess what was happening and was wrong on so many levels. All the twists caught me off guard, all the turns blindsided me.

However, it's one I'm not sure how to review; like so many of the things I want to talk about would entirely spoil the book which is something I point blank refuse to do unless it's for a content warning. So I'm going to give it my best, and I'll put the synopsis below for the main plot elements.

The writing style was captivating. Everything about this book was captivating. We're following two sisters, one analytical (Kasey) and the other emotional (Cee). Cee is missing, and Kasey is trying to figure out where she is. As the reader though, we know that Cee is on a mysterious island, stranded for 3 years now, by her count. It was so unique to immediately know where Kasey was, to have the mystery unravel from both perspectives simultaneously - but in a way that gave more questions than answers. Until the end, where everything ties together perfectly.

The setting was believable and fascinating. Floating cities above the earth - fantastic. It's something we've seen before; Alita, Laputa; but the idea of them being high-rise, rightly packed cities split by the ecological footprint of your ancestors was magical. Fresh, original. Interesting. The idea of sections of the Earth that refused to change, refused to give up their fossil fuels until it was too late - believable. The holo-socializing was reminiscent of the Matrix but also again, made sense. The whole book made sense. Often - and yes, I'm thinking of Wool, of Hunger Games, of Divergent - I look at an 'apocalyptic' setting and wonder who on earth would put the world in say...silos. Or divisions split by what they offer. Or divisions split by bloody emotions. But this just made sense. It made sense that we'd consider other worlds only to find it's not possible. It made sense that some areas would cling to their easy, normal lives and others would progress forwards.

I love the hints that Kasey is Neuro-divergent, though didn't quite understand why that's not explored in this intelligent future world. There's an element of scientific control of emotions within the book, so I wondered whether that has resulted in this uncertainty that Kasey has had around her way of processing everything that's happening.

There's not much more I can say without spoiling the plot, because this book is entirely plot. Which I know sounds daft, but there truly isn't a section of this book that's not progressing the plot forwards, but none of it is done in a way that feels forced or rushed. It's an incredible book that needs more of a spotlight. Deserves all the spotlight in the world. If you ever purchase a book based on one of my reviews, make it this one.

The Ones We're Meant To Find is such a surprising read set in a world in the brink of destruction and the bond between two sisters. This book is futuristic, intriguing and pretty intense. For me, I just didn't know what to expect and you'll have no choice but to read until the very end.

At first, I couldn't really understand and get what this book is all about. It's confusing and a bit all over the place. I wasn't sure if it's the uncorrected proof copy format that I got from Netgally UK or the story is just build that way. But as the story progresses everything starts to unravel and the pieces fit to the entire story.

I like that this story is about sisterhood and the mystery of the world building. I'm usually not the biggest science fiction but this book is definitely bearable. As for the romance, I find it was just okay, it wasn't my favourite aspect about this book. This is just so unlike any other book I've read before and it really is so captivating.

I was hoping for my questions to be answered and so I had no choice but to continue reading until the very last page where in the last few chapters, everything is finally revealed. I honestly don't know what to say for this book, just that it seriously isn't like anything I was expecting it to be and I'm still trying to process everything that happened in this story. Even now.

This is the kind of story that will make you think and question. It's not the easiest read and it feels very lyrical like a prose as I keep trying to decipher the meaning behind this story. But overall, it's a really unique and interesting read and I would recommend to anyone who likes science fiction with mystery and the unbreakable bond between two sisters who are bound to achieve great things in their lives.

Wow. Just wow. This is one of the most twisty, mind-bending books I've read in a long time. I'm stunned at Joan He's ability to craft a story. So poignant and jaw-dropping. It was so compelling that I literally couldn't put it down, devouring it in just two sittings. The portrayal of the deep bond between the two sisters was so beautifully done, as well as giving them distinct individual voices and nuances. The depiction of a world in environmental ruin, and the clear divide of those in the 'utopia' and those not created an overarching sinister atmosphere, really adding to the plots progression. Fascinating commentary on human nature, morality and our responsibility to the planet.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster and by the end of it I was left in shock.

I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this before. It has been compared to We Were Liars and while there is some similarities this book is still completely unique. Especially with the fact that it's sci-fi.

I honestly think it's best to go into this book blind. All you have to know is that it follows two sisters and their journey of trying to get back to each other.

The writing style was spectacular and had me hooked from the beginning. The plot was intriguing and just when you think you're starting to figure it out, a plot twist comes out of nowhere. The characters were complex and they force you to think about the meaning behind their actions.

The ending of the book made me cry. This is definitely a story that I will continue to think about.

<i>I received this ARC thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.</i>

<b>"CEE, Pronounced like the sea outside that window."</b>
Diving into this book I didn't know what I'm getting myself into - haven't read <i>We were liars</i> myself, I could say my approach was with a clear mind.
And in spite of all - the story turned out to be nothing I expected it to be: in a good, and in a bad way.
<img src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/video.gallereplay.com/artistarea/Young+Woman+Standing+on+Beach+at+Dusk_130ff0ea-d460-4098-83a8-5e94fdb9b3e0/Cinemagraph_watermark/1_small_files/cinemagraph.gif" width="576" height="324" alt="description"/>
<b>"What if human nature is the last disease we have yet to eradicate?"</b>
Tagging this book as confusing one would be an understatement. But that's the whole magic behind it - the mystery and the path to solving it. But I was feeling too confused, as if the world was too complicated to get into with barely stepping into it. We follow a tragedy of two sisters - Celia and Kasey, first one going missing few weeks prior the plot. With their life already being a pretty unfortunate one I can't even imagine what was going on inside Kasey's head. And even with getting her POV described in third person I still think her character could've been more developed. Actually, everyone fell pretty shallow. But I think it all comes back to the universe, that we got just a glimpse of.
<img src="https://i.gifer.com/O0OT.gif" width="500" height="281" alt="description"/>
<b>"Have I ever been alive?"</b>
We also get a second POV in first person from Cee - a girl trying to survive for 3 years so far on an abandoned island with no memories at all, except that somewhere out there is her sister, Kay, waiting to be found. When Kasey's plot confused me with the world building, Cee confused me herself - her companions on unchosen banishment took me a while to recognise from the way she called them, and all her actions seemed... pointless and unthoughtful? When a setting changes, there's something going on between her and a newcomer to the island - and them having any kind of a relationship seemed just too fake to be true. I wish we got to see different path for her story to occure.

<b>"I'm just not who you want me to be."</b>
I think I can call it a fast read with middle part in mind. This book kept me reading without longer breaks and that's a good thing - ther're many times I need to put a read down every chapter because I couldn't <i>feel</i> the story. Here as I said my problem is that the story had a big potential that got kinda screwed by few parts. But overall I think the plottwists on their own were great, nothing I could guess myself. Because I was thinking a lot reading it, trying to solve every mystery on my own which gave me a lot of fun. I just wish that the story could introduce us a little bit more to the futuristic world sisters are coming from, and explore more of themselves, not side characters that sometimes felt just useless for introducing. If the flaws I've menti0ned don't push you away grab this book and experience it on your own. I think even if you'd end up as lost as I was you're gonna enjoy this read.

This story took me by surprise. Not because I thought I might not like it, the blurb had me at go and that cover – who wouldn’t be drawn to it? No, it took me by surprise because it became something so much more than I was expecting.

Blurb

Cee has been marooned, alone on an island for three years, with just one memory: she has a sister and Cee needs to find her. STEM prodigy Kasey could save the world but does she want to help humanity when they failed the people who mattered most?

Science-fiction, mystery, thriller, horror, romance, dystopia. This story brings genres crashing together but at its heart it’s a tale of love and how far two sisters will go for each other.

The Brilliant Bits

He’s storytelling has a magical quality to it. There was a real sense of mystery shrouding much of the story. As the mysteries unravelled and we discovered the, rather sinister, truths I was at once unnerved and slapping my forehead, wondering how I hadn’t worked it out before. Because He didn’t trick her readers, everything was there for you to piece together but I was so wrapped up in the characters and their wants and their hopes that I overlooked what made sense and reached instead for a scenario which would leave them happy.

It was definitely a character-driven story. Whilst the worldbuilding was impressive and the twisty plot was exciting, it was the characters I cared about. Particularly Cee. Cee who was full of love and wonder and hope for a world that was falling apart. Cee carried the story and I would have happily spent another few hundred pages with her.

Not So Brilliant Bits

Whilst Cee’s perspective was so vibrant and exciting to read, I found Kasey’s rather slow in comparison. I wish this wasn’t a negative for me because, considering revelations that come to light late in the story, I think it’s actually very clever storytelling from He. But no matter how clever it was, I still found some of Kasey’s sections lacking.

Read this book if you liked

Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro
The Dreamers – Karen Thompson Walker
The Girl With All the Gifts – M.R. Carey
Everything I Never Told You – Celeste Ng

This book honestly broke my heart and slowly put it back together again. I love Joan's work and her writing is beautiful and this book was no exception. I was left guessing all the way through and I love books where I honestly don't know what's coming next. I had theories but none of them were completely right and usually with books like this I can kinda guess what's coming, even if its just before it happens, but this one blindsided me and that made it even more interesting.