This is a beautifully written book that prompts deep reflection on our world. It raises the question of our identity and our evolution in an era where a digital utopia appears to be the answer to our struggles. I give it a perfect 5/5; I loved every moment of it.

The debut novel from Australian author – and psychiatrist – Grace Chan who’s already established herself as a respected SF short-story writer. Her novel follows Malaysian Australian woman Tao-yi who’s based in late 21st century Australia, a member of what’s often referred to as Gen Virtual. Tao-yi and partner Navin spend most of their time, like their friends, immersed in a virtual world known as Gaia. A VR sim released seven years earlier in the midst of catastrophic climate change on Earth. The air is so polluted that lung disease is rife, water’s rationed, trees are a distant memory and sightings of animals or birds are rarer than rare. But in Gaia Tao-yi’s avatar has access to new horizons, there she can work, party, even if she desires buy property kitted out with designer furniture. At first, it’s a welcome respite particularly from Tao-yi’s anxieties about her flailing mother who’s struggling with her health, while for Navin it distracts from a chronic, debilitating condition. But then Gaia moves into a new phase, one Tao-yi is reluctant to embrace, threatening to sever her ties to friends and to Navin.

Chan’s atmospheric, moving narrative shifts backwards and forwards in time, charting Tao-yi’s relationship with Navin, growing up in Malaysia with her mother, and her feelings about herself as someone caught between identities and countries. Tao-yi’s experiences open up an underlying commentary on issues around the nature of existence and what it is to be human. Chan touches on consumerism and capitalism – the poor are excluded from Gaia. She also reflects on aspects of the mind-body problem and Bostrom’s simulation hypothesis. But this is less about philosophy and science as it is about attachments and emotions – Chan cites Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go as a key influence, although I much preferred Chan’s book. So this is very much speculative fiction of the literary variety – I suspect that hardcore SF fans may find Chan’s worldbuilding too hazy or restricted at times. I found myself wondering, for example, about the economics of Gaia which is clearly a capitalist venture not dissimilar to Peter Thiel’s vision of futuristic, private cities. As well as wondering about the finer points of what had happened in Australia and elsewhere.

However, I found Chan’s story fluid and immersive enough to carry me past any uncertainties. It’s sensitively told, tender and insightful. And works well as a variation on the conventional migrant narrative. I also thought Tao-yi’s character was exceptionally sympathetic and relatable: her confused attempts to reconcile her love for Navin with her own wants, her rootedness in what he dismisses as “meatspace.” For Tao-yi the real world links her to her heritage, the generations that came before her, something alien to Navin. And I’m already hoping for a sequel to find out what's next for her.

I really enjoy the cover, it's sleek🖤, futuristic 🏎️ and makes me want to frame it.

The story—this is basically Ready Player One🥽 if it wasn’t about gaming🎮 but instead about living inside a digital📱 world. Like, imagine leaving your physical body behind and just fully existing in an online utopia.😱

I enjoyed the concept and parts of this story📖, however I didn't find it compelling enough to like it👍🏽. The storyline wasn't basic📸, but I felt that the characters were😔. They just weren't exciting enough for me. This was a story I want to like but couldn't.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC ☺️❤️‍🔥🐸

This book was the first sci-fi I'd read that had this very intriguing setting of a highly technological world and people doing really mundane things in it.

It made me think a lot about the ways in which tech makes it way into our daily lives and sometimes subtly but drastically changes how we navigate our existences, and how companies and the hyper-capitalistic society push products and force their normalization to the point of discrimination and violence that is not always the most obvious but definitely present.

Every Version of You isn't categorized as horror but there was this very scary undertone to it because of the familiarity of the characters' struggles with the new tech. We see them struggling to make space for their own emotions, values, selves against this very rapidly evolving technology that promises them a world free of pain, with this sense of urgency that keeps them from grappling with the true cost of it whether it be for themselves or for the rest of the world.

It's eerily reminiscent of our current relationships with technology and for me, a reminder to always slow down and always take time to understand the tech I'm using and it's impact.

There was also the beautiful exploration of different perspectives on the Uploading technology and I loved the way the book allows us to witness Tao Yi's internal conflicts and the growth of her feelings regarding it overtime. The way that this book incorporated the themes of love, belonging, intergenerational trauma and illness was also really interesting, emotional and often brought my heart to ache.

Unfortunately, while they were well-woven in, I felt like the themes could've been explored more deeply. Towards the end, there's definitely more of that but not enough that made me really ponder upon the book for long even though there was a lot of potential. But I will definitely be looking forward to the questions section in the published book to see if there's something I missed.

Overall, this was a very interesting book with an world that's simultaneously similar and different to ours. I think if you're into sci-fi media that explores the ethics and feelings around technology taking more space in our lives, you'll definitely enjoy this.

A huge thank you to VERVE Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

This was incredibly well written and executed. The characters and story alike were so wonderfully developed and rich, I find this type of story usually doesn't work for me, but this one got me

Every Version of You is speculative story set in the 2080's. We meet Tao-Yi and her partner Navin, who are mainly living in a virtual reality, like the millions around them. The real word is disappearing fast and technology is developing rapidly. When the opportunity comes to upload into Gaia permanently there's a choice to be made, but at what cost.

The writing is stunning and wholly evocative. It's like being in a celestial dream, I found the story completely absorbing and provocative.

The premise and concept is so interesting, intelligent and thought provoking. You find yourself lost in this other world. It's utopian but it's terrifying. It's gorgeous but its ugly. It's a joy to read but it's utterly unsettling. I've not read anything quite like this book and I can't get it out of my mind.

The nods to climate change really shook me - a devastatingly stark warning. The barrier reef is gone, the air is unsafe, the temperature extreme. Going outside is dangerous. Speakers warn of the need for personal protective equipment.

"In some places, the earth is split by a network of yawning cracks, as though pulled apart from the edges by unseen hands."

The nonchalance of humans who don't want to be left behind technological advances struck me. No questioning what they might loose. As AI is evolving in our world, it's very pertinent. There's a really touching moment where Navin reflects on his first meeting with Tao-Yi. She can watch it back on her Re-Vision, but he only has a memory ...

"His imperfect recollection, which, he says grows hazier and rosier and lovelier each time he remembers"

As the story progresses, more of Tao-Yi's friends upload, her mothers health worsens, and her despondency and reticence becomes even more palpable. The final sections are emotional and raw, yet tentatively hopeful as we cross desolate landscape and encounter the remains of humanity as we know it. Tao-Yi will stay with me for a very long time.

A mind blowing read, that I will remain mulling over for some time to come and heartily recommend.

I’ve never read anything quite like Every Version of You! It’s one of those books that’s sat on my radar for a long time, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. Stunningly written, immersive, and thought-provoking, its futuristic premise is the kind that lingers in your mind long after the final page. I thought it was accurate to present this like a blend of Black Mirror, Ready Player One, and Ex Machina, with a touch of Murakami’s surrealism—a unique mix that feels both fresh and eerily plausible.

I ultimately loved the concept of Gaia, a digital utopia, and the idea of 'uploading' consciousness. It makes you deeply reflect on what life could look like in 2080. I was also drawn into Tao-Yi’s personal journey: her introspective look at the past, the relationships that shaped her, and the weight of the choice she faces. The book tackles big themes—identity, love, memory, and what it means to be human—and does so with a quiet, contemplative intensity.

I would say the pacing felt a little slow in some parts, and the story only really gripped me once 'uploading' was introduced. At times, it was hard to tell what was real and what wasn’t, which made the narrative a bit disorienting. Tao-Yi’s decision to go on her ‘journey’ also raised a few questions for me, and thought there were plot holes that left me wanting more clarity.

But all in all, this was an unforgettable reading experience for me.

Every Version of You is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, technology and what it means to be truly alive in a world that’s increasingly virtual. Grace Chan’s writing is sharp, emotional and insightful, weaving a tale that is both haunting and hopeful, set in a future where the lines between the real and the digital are dangerously blurred.

Tao-Yi, our protagonist, is a character I could easily relate to. She finds herself caught between two worlds: the hyper-immersive virtual reality of Gaia, where she and her partner Navin spend their days, and the real world, where her mother stubbornly resists the allure of digital life. When a technology emerges that allows people to upload their consciousness permanently into Gaia, Tao-Yi is forced to grapple with an impossible choice: embrace a digital utopia or remain tethered to a tangible, yet fading, reality.

What makes this book stand out is its deep emotional core. Tao-Yi feels like a real person, and her relationships – with Navin, her friends and especially her mother – are beautifully written and add a layer of humanity to the speculative elements. I found myself fully invested in her struggle and the choices she faces. The tension between the digital allure of Gaia and the authenticity of the real world is expertly drawn, and the way the technology is explored feels both grounded and believable.

The closing chapters, which depict the post-Gaia world, left me with a mixture of melancholy and hope. There’s something poignant about seeing a world that has lost its digital escape but still clings to its last, fragile sparks of hope. It reminded me of other books like Chosen Spirits and Moxyland, but with a stronger emotional punch and a plot that feels both relevant and deeply human.

Every Version of You is a remarkable book that not only delves into the impact of technology on our lives but also asks profound questions about memory, connection and what makes us who we are. I loved it.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Every Version of You is a meditative, unsettling, and thematically rich exploration of humanity’s relationship with technology, identity, and grief. Grace Chan crafts a world that feels all too plausible: a near-future Australia where society has almost entirely transitioned into Gaia, a fully immersive virtual reality where users can upload their consciousness permanently. In Gaia, people are free from the limitations of the physical body — aging, illness, and even death are no longer concerns — and yet, there is a strange eeriness in how closely this digital world mimics the real one.

What I appreciated most about this novel is how Chan resists the temptation of turning this into a fast-paced dystopia or high-stakes thriller. Instead, she keeps the narrative intimate, focused primarily on Tao-Yi and Navin — a couple trying to navigate their diverging perspectives on Gaia. Tao-Yi’s reluctance to fully commit to this digital afterlife is palpable, stemming not only from fear of the unknown but also from a deep attachment to her cultural heritage, familial bonds, and the irreplaceable texture of real life. Navin, on the other hand, embraces Gaia almost unquestioningly, symbolizing a more common societal desire to seek convenience and transcendence through technology. Their relationship is at the core of the story, and the tension between them serves as a strong emotional undercurrent throughout.

The book shines when it grapples with themes like the meaning of embodiment, the compromises we make when choosing convenience over authenticity, and how even in a world without limits, humanity still seems bound to recreate the familiar. There is a particular moment where characters reflect on how Gaia, despite its potential for infinite creativity, is still just another version of the real world — orderly, recognizable, and predictable. This passage stood out to me and gave me chills.

That said, I did find parts of the world-building frustrating. The premise raises incredibly compelling questions — questions that are begged by the story — but many are left untouched or underdeveloped. For instance, if Gaia is a paid service, how has the entire world transitioned into it so smoothly? Wouldn’t class, access, and inequality deeply affect this process? Why are so few characters critical of the technology? The novel hints at these concerns but often pulls back before fully engaging with them. Similarly, the psychological implications of living in Gaia, especially regarding identity fragmentation (as briefly shown in the origami-themed episode), could have been more thoroughly explored.

Stylistically, Chan’s writing is quiet, contemplative, and at times beautifully sparse, but the beginning may feel overwhelming as the reader is introduced to many concepts without much time to absorb them. That said, this disorientation works thematically — echoing Tao-Yi’s own discomfort and confusion within this hybrid world. Once I accepted that the book prioritizes mood and introspection over exposition-heavy explanations, I found myself more immersed.

Ultimately, Every Version of You is a solid read, with valuable insights and moments that will stay with me, even if I wish it had pushed some of its ideas further. It left me feeling a satisfying but slightly infuriating unsettledness — the kind of story that lingers precisely because it doesn’t give you all the answers.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy quieter speculative fiction with literary undertones and don’t mind when the most haunting questions are left for you to sit with long after you’ve closed the book.

An intelligently crafted, sometimes terrifying, examination into the direction that technology and society could go. What happens to the real world when more and more time is spent immersed in virtual reality? Forget remote working, send your consciousness into Gaia and work from a virtual office in a virtual district! When food, drink, and other sensory experience rival the best you can get in the real world, why bother cooking a meal from scratch in "Meat Space"? But when technology advances to the point that the human body is no longer required and consciousnesses are permanently Uploaded, what does that mean for the people who are left behind?

This was an immersive and philosophical real, and certainly gave me a lot to think about!

An intricate take on a dystopian future, the tone of the writing captured the essence of the story so well.
I loved reading Chan's explorations as to how technology has the power to shape and change our societies and what that means for human existence.
I absolutely love the cover, it drew me to request this book and reflects the tone and themes of the novel

<some spoilers below>

Every Version of You is an enjoyable speculative fiction read from a fresh perspective but it fell short of my expectations for a few reasons.

It suffers from a problem that I find in a lot of speculative fiction works set in the near-future: I struggle to understand how our world became the world Tao-Yi is inhabiting in ˜60 years time. It's clearly our world, ravaged by climate change, but how our these massive jumps forward in technology powered? I understand the desire not to expo-dump all the details of how this world functions (has a new source of renewable energy been discovered? etc.) but I was constantly distracted by my inability to suspend disbelief about these aspects in the first half of the novel. I will say though that I found it very believable that there would be little protest to AI and virtual reality gaining monopoly in the world.

However, I found much more enjoyment in the second half after Navin and Tao-Yi's friends upload to Gaia. The issues that were explored, including how disabled people would engage with virtual reality, were interesting and I found Tao-Yi's journey and eventual departure from the virtual world moving.

Ultimately, though, I think Chan does not go far enough with ideas she introduces in the novel. The origami segment, for example, is intriguing and introduces a dystopian aspect within the virtual reality - why doesn't Tao-Yi wonder if there is a version of Navin trapped within Gaia who is constantly living in pain so that the rest of him can live a happy, fulfilled life? The dystopian aspect of 'meatspace', where the homeless and poor are abandoned and children are raised by androids, is also intriguing and left relatively unexplored, but I understand that Chan primarily wants to focus on Tao-Yi's emotional journey.

All in all, I would recommend this as an easy read for those interested in speculative fiction and I look forward to seeing what else Chan writes in the future.

Thank you to Verve Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

.˚🦋༘⋆ 3.75 stars

Every Version of You is a speculative science fiction set in near-future Australia, where consciousness can be uploaded into a virtual world called Gaia. The world-building is immersive, with explorations of climate grief and class, but key themes like depression and poverty are not fully developed. Tao-Yi’s journey feels rushed, and the narrative might have benefited from more time to explore its concepts, particularly from a human emotional perspective.

Despite its flaws, the book raises important questions about virtual escapism versus authenticity which do feel particularly relevant given current AI discourse. If this topic interests you, or you are a fan of Apple TV's Severance, this would be the book to pick up!

Thank you kindly to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a review!

The book is sci-fi but also confronts questions about current situations about social media and how we present ourselves online. After I had some trouble getting into the book at first, it was easy to connect to the shown reality as the people act very much like I imagine a lot of people would, though I was at times frustrated with our main character, as her reality is at the same time so different from our own.

All in all, I think it is worth reading if you like sci-fi and women’s fiction and wonder what you would do if technology developed further to the point where you could live in a virtual reality.

I’m someone who always gravitates towards books written about social media / the cost of too rapid modernization etc and i thought every version of you would be right up my wheelhouse. unfortunately, it was a bit too sci-fi for my tastes however, despite that i still managed to enjoy the book! i quite liked the way Chan has managed to create a whole atmosphere without it becoming boring or tedious and i especially liked how fleshed out the characters were. giving this 3.5 stars, but if i were someone who really enjoys sci-fi i could easily see myself going upto 4/4.5 stars!

Thanks first and foremost to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced ARC, it is truly appreciated.
While the premise is strong enough and the writing really good, sometimes it felt as if nothing was really happening, and that, for a book where a VR world presents itself as way more fulfilling than the real one, is sort of a miss for me. That being said, the descriptions are completely immersive and the story itself is well-developed, so if you really immerse in it it could be a thrill.

Quite engaging and readable but it doesn’t have enough plot to sustain it. And it almost feels like it’s not different enough from how we live now!

easily one of my favourite books of 2025. a beautifully written scifi novel looking at what it means to exist in a future where consciousness can be uploaded into a digital utopia. we follow Tao-Yi and Navin in a time where the outside world has been almost completely destroyed by climate change, as Tao-Yi grapples with deciding whether she should upload to be with her partner and the rest of the world, or stay on Earth where her mum and reality are. it explores grief, love, loss, climate change and feeling like you no longer belong in your home country or the country you migrated to. I adored this book and can't wait to get a physical copy for my bookshelf<3


huge thanks to netgalley and @verve_books for an arc of this book which is out in Australia and has its UK release on May 22nd✨

Every Version of You is a beautiful, sentimental and deeply emotional look at what it means to really exist. Like the Ship of Theseus, Grace Chan asks how much you can change before you are no longer yourself, or the person your partner fell in love with.

Tao-Yi is never a luddite, and never anti-technology, which makes her journey and her ultimate decision that much more real and understandable. The value of the promise she made to her mother is really kept throughout the story, sometimes at great personal cost to Tao-Yi.

Watching the distance slowly grow, almost unobserved between her and Navin was masterfully done. An ever-growing elephant in the room, until there wasn’t so much a gap, but more a chasm between them.

Of all the supporting characters, I found those who chose to remain the most compelling. Uploading is not a technology I think would be for me, and I found them kindred spirits in that sense. Is a ‘miracle’ truly a miracle if it still excludes those traditionally on the edges of society?

Every Version of You is an easy five stars! I found myself horrified by the society presented in the book. As I read it, often outside on my deck, I found myself craving the offline. Hiking, walking, touching grass, breathing clean air - I needed it! In fact, after finishing the book, I immediately went for a long walk in the hills.

The writing pulls you in and breaks you apart. The story, while speculative, feels terrifyingly real. Grace Chan is an excellent writer and I can't wait for what's next!

5 Stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and VERVE Books for the ARC!