
Green Team of the Legendarium Minipod: All That We See or Seem by Ken Liu (Julia Z #1) (Spoiler-Free)
Oct 9, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of Ken Liu’s upcoming techno thriller, featuring hacker Julia Z entangled in a web of espionage. The hosts explore cyberpunk themes, examining the balance of thrilling plots and character depth. They discuss Liu's intent to highlight AI's impact on art and whether the book's timely themes will stand the test of time. With accessibility critiques and a debate on predictability, they recommend this read for thriller and sci-fi enthusiasts. Expect a gripping narrative without the reliance on physical violence!
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Hosts' Personal Ken Liu Histories
- Spook describes reading Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty and translating work as his primary exposure to Liu's writing.
- Befuddled Panda and Stormrunner mention short stories and Liu's translation of The Three-Body Problem as additional experience points.
New Book Fits Classic Cyberpunk Lineage
- The panel links classic cyberpunk touchstones like Neuromancer and Blade Runner to Ken Liu's new book.
- They frame All That We See or Seem within known cyberpunk aesthetics and themes rather than as purely novel territory.
Near-Future Tech Focus, Not Far-Future Sci‑Fi
- The hosts note the book is a techno-thriller focusing on near-future, AI-driven tech rather than space opera.
- They emphasize the narrative centers on AI, art, and tech-savvy espionage rather than distant speculative leaps.















