Together We See

by Ari Tison

This edge-of-your-seat Indigenous murder-mystery set in Costa Rica from Pura Belpré and Walter Dean Myers Award-winning author of Saints of the Household is perfect for fans of Firekeeper's Daughter and Patron Saints of Nothing.

How far would you go to protect your land? To protect your family?

Told in multiple points of view, Together We See follows Ulá Dominguez, a Bribri-American teenager, searching for the truth behind her land-activist father's mysterious death on their Native territory in Costa Rica. Ulá and her brother, Kabék, uncover secrets and corruption as they face off against illegal loggers, kidnappers, settlers, and the local government in the hunt for clues. Their only allies are a few family friends and relatives still living in Bribri, as well as a young journalist, who may be in danger himself. But as details of their father's death emerge, long-held trust is broken. And in this sinister web of deception, no one is safe.

Inspired by real-world missing, dead, and attacked Indigenous activists, award-winning author Ari Tison writes her first novel in prose and pushes the envelope yet again by pulling together a propulsive story full of grief, environmental justice, and the fight for retribution.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Audiobook, Indigenous, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 16, 2026

Reviews

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this more, I wanted to give this a higher rating. In this book we get a glimpse of Bribri culture, leaving me wanting to learn more on my own. The murder mystery had me intrigued until the end. However, this book is doing too much in not enough pages. It would have benefited from being longer in all areas, creating a more well rounded story.

[Amy (amyrose.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you so much to Fierce Reads for the ARC and the Macmillan Early Listeners Program for the ALC!

Together We See follows Ulá as she searches for the reasoning behind her father’s mysterious death. She balances traditional Bribri customs, the injustices committed against indigenous groups, and the complicated grief she feels for her father.

This book not only zooms in on her personal experiences, but follows a variety of characters throughout. While this helps to give readers a bigger picture of the case, it is also confusing as it is often unexpected when there is a perspective shift. Some clarity there would have been appreciated as a reader.

I think the book’s focus on family was something that I really enjoyed throughout. Seeing how Ulá works with her brother and aunt throughout the story is great to see. Also seeing how community is another form of family for many people. Family friends, neighbors, crushes, are all people who can form a strong support system.

There are many elements of this narrative that I fear do not get tied up at the end. This is frustrating because this story does lean into “murder mystery” elements. Especially as a book aimed at young adults, I think that some increased clarity would serve the story well for all readers. This would also help to feel a better sense of closure at the end of the narrative.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and something I would recommend to people looking to read a mystery. I am curious to read more of Ari Tison’s books, as I would really like to learn more about indigenous culture.

[Lisa Penninga · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is not to love in this murder mystery: a strong protagonist standing on on the line of her lineage and her emotional turmoil, a rainforest setting contrasting with Wisconsin, & poetic language that creates imagery and an authentic voice to the villages we get to travel to. It’s a fast read with symbolic rainforest creatures such as the snake and the frog, and shows the hardships indigenous families have faced to keep their land and live safely. I really enjoyed learning about the Costa Rican culture, the Talamanca rainforest, and the Bribri people. I would have liked a little more closure between Manuel & Ula at the end; I felt like a conversation was missing between them, but overall, I liked the book a lot!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. There was a lot going on and it felt like it was just too short for how much was happening. But I really liked the characters and all the Bribri cultural elements were interesting and very clearly written with love and care.

[Emily Heck · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Daria (AnxiKitKatReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice story. We were given a glimpse into Bribri culture and some of the environmental issues they face in their community. I also loved that some of these events in the book were directly inspired by the author’s experience or someone they know. The struggles of our main character with her identity and complicated relationship with her dad was so real.

I felt that this story possibly should’ve been longer in all aspects to really feel like a complete story. There was a lot of stuff going on in the timespan of a week and it didn’t feel all that realistic at times. The conclusion came along a little too quick and felt quite anticlimactic. It felt like all the build up and mystery were for nothing. It was also hard to connect with the side characters as their POVs didn’t really add much to the story.

Overall, a nice short read with cultural significance and beautiful story telling. Just wish it could’ve been stretched out a bit more possibly in pages and the in story timeline.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like Ari Tison’s Together We See more than I did. Indigenous stories are finally starting to make some small inroads into mainstream storytelling, and they not only offer a new perspective, but also the connection to land, animals and ancestors that is a beautiful element missing from most books authored by white people.

Comparisons for the advanced copy were made to Firekeeper’s Daughter and Patrons Saints of Nothing, both of which I really enjoyed, and made me optimistic about Together We See. It’s okay, but I felt like it needed more character exploration, less narrators and a tighter focus.

The book is primarily told by Ula, who returns to her Costa Rican Bribri roots from her home with her mother in Wisconsin, after her father dies. But the book is also told by Ian, a reporter who has moved to Costa Rica to report on the less fortunate, and the Bribri ancestors as they watch over other characters in the story.

The book would have been better if it had been almost exclusively told by Ula, and it would have allowed more opportunity to explore her character and the complicated relationship she had with her father, Andres, how it affected the dynamic with her brother Kabek, who moved to Costa Rica to live with their dad, and her complicated relationship with Manuel, who has always lived there.

Instead, it pretty much only scratches the surface of how angry and disappointed Ula is because her father always seemed to put activism and rights for the Bribri people above the family he was supposed to care about the most. And even in death he does this too, beseeching seventeen year old Ula to look into his death, anticipating it is coming and won’t be of natural causes, and putting her in danger as a result.

Ula and Kabek are already suspicious about his death before finding the note he left behind, and they begin investigating behind the back of their Tia Paloma, with the help of Ian, Manuel, Liloh, and Liloh’s younger brother Mu. Mu goes missing, further validating that something sinister is going on.

But is it the logging that Ian is following up on that Andres was fighting against with a fellow activist, or land rights for his family he was pursuing on his own that led to his death? It all felt very muddled to me, and the Ian and Mu storylines didn’t feel like they added anything crucial to the story.

One thing I think it did pretty well is show how difficult it can make relationships when someone commits themselves to pursuing justice for their people. Andres is passionate about this and accomplishes things that matter to his community, but in doing so makes Ula feel like he either doesn’t have time for her, or sees her accomplishments as a way dedicate herself to the cause without considering if that’s what she wants to use her knowledge and skills for. It highlights both the loneliness and risk of fighting for your people’s land and livelihood, and the personal consequences for loved ones when someone commits themselves to an important but potentially deadly cause.

This wasn’t a long book, but there was almost too much going on. I think a longer book told exclusively by Ula, exploring her complicated relationship with her father, while unraveling the circumstances leading to his death, would have made for a more cohesive story. It would have better allowed the reader to understand Ula’s love for her heritage, and desire to have a better relationship with her father, while acknowledging that her father’s love of their people prevented him from being present for her.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together We See
By Ari Tison

First, I’d like to thank Ari Tison, MacMillan Publishing Group, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC of Together We See by Ari Tison

This book is a YA publication, but is just as interesting for adult readers like me. I was drawn to this book because I spent part of my college years studying in Costa Rica. Living in the capital, I received limited exposure to indigenous culture. Ari Tison does a very good job of including indigenous practices and ideas throughout the story. One aspect of Bribri culture is its matrilineal orientation, which plays a key role in this book.

The main characters are Bribri Americans, Ulá Dominguez and her brother Kabék. The story revolves around 3 main friction points. Those are: family dynamics, cultural differences, and indigenous difficulties with the Sikua (outsiders).

Ulá and Kabék’s parents are divorced, with Ulá living in Wisconsin with their mother, and Kabék living with their father in Costa Rica. Ulá is interested in her indigenous heritage, but feels pressured by their father, who is a land protection activist in the Bribri territory.

Indigenous territories in Costa Rica have some similarities to the reservation system in the US. Key differences are the territories lack autonomous governments and land rights are much more vague.

Ulá and Kabék travel to Costa Rica when their father dies unexpectedly. They are faced with unraveling the truth behind his mysterious death. Is it due to natural causes, his activism, family conflicts, or something else? And who is next?

Other important characters are their father’s sister, Tía Paloma, journalist Ian, and childhood friend Manuel. The natural world also plays a significant role in the story.

The book was entertaining and nicely paced. Tison does well with building suspense but less well with credible misdirects. The story was told from multiple points of view. Because of the setting it could have devolved into a myriad of details. There was just enough information about the rainforest to set the scene, without being overwhelming. Bribri cultural practices were woven into the book in a natural and immersive way.

The action was appropriate for the intended audience, but is a very worthwhile read for adults as well. If you enjoy mysteries that include indigenous culture, and a tropical setting, this one’s for you!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 ⭐

"Se ne suwe. And I remember what it means: together we see. It means even when we are apart, we still continue together. We see for one another. No one is ever alone. Separation doesn't stop us."

This novel shines most in its cultural richness and emotional authenticity. Tison’s portrayal of the Bribri people of Costa Rica feels immersive and thoughtfully rendered, offering readers a perspective that is both educational and deeply human. One of the strongest elements is Ula’s internal conflict—her struggle to honor her heritage while navigating the expectations and realities of the modern world is compelling and nuanced. The relationship and the complicated feelings between Ula and her father are raw and honest. That tension grounds the story, giving it a sense of realism that makes the characters and their decisions feel genuine rather than manufactured.

However, the narrative structure doesn’t always serve the story as well as it could. The abundance of points of view becomes overwhelming at times, particularly when the narration shifts in and out of ancestral voices. While this stylistic choice is ambitious and thematically relevant, it can blur the lines between perspectives, making it difficult to follow who is speaking and when. Instead of enhancing the story, these transitions occasionally pull the reader out of the experience.

The pacing toward the end is where the novel stumbles the most. After spending so much time carefully building motivations, relationships, and cultural context, the conclusion arrives abruptly. The final chapters feel rushed, as though the story accelerates too quickly to its resolution without giving key moments the space they deserve. Expanding one of the final chapters—or even adding a few more—would have allowed the climax to land with greater emotional weight and cohesion.

Overall, Together We See is a meaningful and engaging read that excels in its cultural depth and character authenticity, but is held back by structural inconsistencies and an ending that feels too compressed for the journey it sets up.

[Erricka Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with advanced reader and listener copies of this impactful book.

Together We See is a gripping murder mystery that explores the lengths a family will go to protect their own. The story follows Ula, who returns to her ancestral land in Costa Rica to mourn the death of her estranged father. There, she reunites with her brother, Kabek, and the two begin to unravel the mystery surrounding their father’s untimely death.

As the investigation unfolds, the novel weaves in broader themes, including eco-journalism, missing islanders, land theft and land back movements, and the importance of matrilineal lineage. At its core, however, it is also a story about a fractured family and the complex, often painful ways Ula and Kabek attempt to repair those bonds.

One of my main challenges with the book was the use of multiple points of view. I found myself wishing we had more of Kabek’s perspective, especially given his markedly different relationship with their father. That said, Tison’s author’s note offered a compelling explanation for the inclusion of the journalist’s viewpoint and helped me better appreciate its role in the story. I also would have loved for the book to be slightly longer, allowing for a deeper exploration of Ula’s family dynamics and her complicated feelings about her father’s absence.

Overall, Tison’s commitment to Indigenous storytelling, along with the nuanced exploration of land, identity, and family, deeply resonated with the kinds of stories I’m drawn to—both personally and professionally. I’m looking forward to reading more of Tison’s work and would recommend this book to anyone interested in eco-justice, Indigenous perspectives, and stories about how stolen land impacts communities and relationships.

Thanks again to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Together We See is a YA book with a lot of similarities to the books of Angeline Boulley. As in Boulley’s books, the protagonists are teens with both white and indigenous roots. As in Boulley’s books, the teens (here a sister and brother of the Costa Rican Bribri people) must work together to solve a mystery that has connections to their heritage. Ulá and Kabék come into this story with some family baggage; they live in rural Wisconsin with their mother and resent their father, who has been distant both physically and emotionally for many years. When he dies suddenly, Ulá and Kabék must go to Costa Rica for his funeral. While there, they discover that signs point to their father being murdered, and they work together and with Bribri relatives to uncover the circumstances surrounding their father’s death.

Because the father was a land activist, the story centers around Bribri culture and disputes over the land they inhabit. In addition to the living characters, the story is told by their ancestors, who watch silently as the events unfold. Thus we learn about the Bribri way of life at the same time as Ulá and Kabék do. While learning about this culture was fascinating, there was far less of it that I would have liked. The narrative concentrated on Ulá as she worked through her emotional ties to her father and her investigation into her father’s death. It seemed that the bulk of time was spent on how her father died rather than why. I would have been happier with story and the ending had more been discussed throughout the book about the tensions between the Bribri and white settlers leading up to the story.

The cover of the book also deserves mention. The image contains many references to Bribri culture, and I think it would be a fascinating exercise for an English class to research the symbols while reading the book. Thanks to Macmillan and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have read this no matter what since it was about indigenous Costa Ricans, but this was really sold to me as a book similar to The Firekeeper’s Daughter. It was sort of the same, but the protagonist, Ula was not nearly as proactive as Daunis. She lets things happen to her, as opposed to seeking things out. Most of the book is Ula and her brother Kabek accidentally finding things and other people figuring everything out and telling them what they learned.

There’s also a maddening amount of times when people don’t talk to each other, or refuse to answer direct questions. (Like why is Ula’s aunt lying to her at certain parts of the book? It doesn’t make sense.) Jorge also moves along at a very convenient time, and how did no one figure out who was involved until the very end when it’s such a small community, and many other things that mixed up the whole story. However, buried in the mess of plot was an interesting thought of how should land be rematriated back to the people it originally belonged to. The colonizers have been here for so long now that they have built their own connection to the land that was stolen from the original people. They have their own version of love for the land their ancestors stole, so how should those feelings be acknowledged? I liked the way the story ended, but it does leave a lingering question of how land repatriation should be decided.

This wasn’t bad, but The Firekeeper’s Daughter was much better. Read both and see which one you like better.

[Karis · Rating 3 out of 5]

~~Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC!~~

I dunno, it's been a while since I struggled finishing a book in a long while. Despite how short this was, this took forever for me to read. Even with the interesting takes on themes of colonization and family, its execution was just - less than what I was hoping for. The short length of this book is definitely fighting against everything this book is trying to balance without falling in on itself.

I liked Ula, but her not being the main focus for the majority of the story was very much a determent. The reporter guy Ian's POV took up a lot of unnecessary page count, and the flashbacks to Ula's ancestors would've been much more interesting if it was her telling the story or recalling it or something. I just would have preferred it if Ula was allowed to detect and uncover the mystery on her own rather than accidently stumbling her way through the whole thing.

I liked learning about the Bribri, and the depiction of the hardships they endured under colonization were the parts I were drawn to he most. But there was just too much stuffed into the pages for me to fully enjoy the whole book as much as I wanted to.

[Amanda Brenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

After reading and loving Tison’s Saints of the Household, I was really excited to see that she was coming out with a full length novel this year.

Together We See follows Ula as she travels to the Bribri territory in Costa Rica to investigate her father’s mysterious death.

Tison is truly a gifted writer. I really enjoyed that this book focused on the mystery elements, Bribri culture, family dynamics, and injustices faced by indigenous people.

While I appreciate when authors utilize alternating POVs to give us a more in-depth look at the story, I am not sure it worked well here. I feel this book would have been better in Ula’s perspective. I would have also liked to see more character development, especially in our secondary characters, particularly Andres, Kabek, Ian, and Manuel. Actually, this book could have used a good 100 pages more for character development and to help with the conclusion, which felt like a rush to the end.

I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the end highlighting parts of the book that were drawn from her own personal experiences.

Despite not loving this one as much as Saints of the Household, I did enjoy it and will read whatever Tison writes next. I would recommend Tison’s books for fans of Angeline Boulley.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

After really enjoying Tison's previous work, I was thrilled to get into this YA mystery. Tison, again, delivered.

Ula and Kabek's father dies mysteriously in Costa Rica. There are all kinds of theories about what happened to him and why, and most of these concerns revolve around his role as a land activist. The siblings are determined to uncover the truth, and they have few helpers for the cause. It's clear that in addition to solving the murder, they'll also be - ideally - repairing and building some relationships.

I enjoyed the mystery, but the standouts here for me are the representation, the focus on missing and/or harmed activists, and the character development, especially of Ula. There's a lot to learn, too. I was not aware of most of the central land issues when I arrived to this read. I enjoyed the fictional aspects and the content I learned on that front.

This is another great read from Tison, and I'll be recommending it to my students.

*Special thanks to NetGalley, Fierce Reads, and Macmillan Young Listeners for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think an average teen reader will stick with this one even though it shares a piece of history of the Bribri culture in Costa Rica and the toll activism can take on people and families who are fighting for justice. However it isn't jarring enough and fast-paced enough to keep the attention of readers, including my adult self.

I regularly booktalk Tison's first book Saints of the Household because of the narrative and poetic styling and the dual POV of the brothers, however the multiple perspectives and times in this story slowed down the storytelling rather than picking it up. And without high-intensity and action with the nervousness of catching the bad people while dealing with the grief of the father's death, it didn't move me emotionally. It is important for visibility? Yes absolutely and there are the intricate pieces of family dynamics, history of land ownership and people rights, that are worthy of a read but it didn't work packaged for a teen audience. It will be a hard sell for our high schoolers.

[Chris G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ulá lives in Wisconsin with her white mom; Dad is Bribri, indigenous Costa Rican, and brings her older brother Kabék to visit for Christmas. As usual when she’s with her dad, it’s an emotionally complex time, since Ulá never feels that she is Bribri enough. Just as Ulá thinks her dad is seeking a stronger relationship with her, he gets a text and cuts the visit short, returning to Costa Rica. A couple of days later, Dad dies; he’s had heart trouble and has not been taking his medicine. Ulá and Kabék fly back to be a part of the traditional ceremonies for a death, sitting with the body until the burial four days later. While going through her dad’s possessions to determine what to bury with him, Ulá finds clues that suggest the death was not accidental.

Ulá and Kabék have a compressed timeline in which to find out the truth and in the process uncover family secrets while strengthening and revising how they relate to Bribri cultural expectations. Fabulously well told, excels at clear eyed descriptions of the damages of colonialism as well as the stresses of being bi-cultural. Memorable. Earc from Edelweiss.

[Ms. M Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you loved any of Angeline Boulley's novels, you are guaranteed to enjoy Together We See by Ari Tison. The novel predominately follows Ulá Dominguez, a Bribri-American who goes back to Costa Rica when her land-activist father dies under mysterious circumstances. With her brother, Kabék, who has spent more time in Costa Rica with their father after their parent's divorce, they work to uncover the conspiracy surrounding their father's death with the additional help of Ian, a young journalist, which leads them towards land rights disputes, illegal logging, settlers, kidnappers, and family history.

I have very little knowledge about Costa Rica as a whole, and especially about the indigenous people who call the land home. This novel does a great job of showing a side that many people may not know about through a very propelling mystery. The multiple perspectives used throughout are engaging and help show different perspectives/nuance. The narrator did a great job bringing all of the characters alive.

I would highly recommend adding this novel to a middle school or high school library.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

“…together we see. It means even when we are apart, we still continue together. We see for one another. No one is ever alone. Separation doesn’t stop us.“

Ulá is a Bribri-American teenager living with her mother in the U.S. while her brother Kabék lives with their father on Native territory in Costa Rica. Ulá harbors resentment towards her father for pursuing his activist dreams while leaving her behind. But when he suddenly dies and Ulá goes to Costa Rica for his funeral, she and Kabék suspect that their father might not have died from the heart attack as stated but other mysterious circumstances. As they delve into their father’s activities, talk to family and other locals and are assisted by Ian, a local journalist, the siblings discover a tangle of lies, deception, and danger.

This novel is rich with cultural history of the Bribri which I knew nothing about. The storyline captured me immediately as the mystery ensued and their complicated family dynamics were revealed. I think there were some parts of the story that I would have liked a bit more exploration of and the ending felt a little rushed. I mostly listened to this and enjoyed the audiobook and appreciate the proper pronunciation of the Bribri names and words that are within the book. For a YA novel, it was a quick and engaging read.

Thank you to @fsgyoungreaders @netgalley for an early #gifted digital copy and to @macmillan.audio for a #gifted audio version of this novel through the #macaudio2026 early listener program

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author did a wonderful job conveying complex family dynamics, describing indigenous traditions and culture, and creating a story that outline the effects each has on the other.

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and found the plot interesting. The characters were well developed and relatable as well. My only real complaint about the book is that I wish it was longer and went more in-depth into the family relationships.

I would not describe this as an “edge-of-your-seat murder mystery” as the synopsis does though. The plot was about a murder and there was a mystery about who did it, but there weren’t really any twists and turns or suspense aspects in the book.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more of the author’s work. I would recommend this to anyone who likes family stories and/or stories about indigenous people.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this ARC in a GoodReads Giveaway but that in no way influenced my review.

This was definitely more of a Young Adult selection than I'd normally read and i do believe YA readers will enjoy this story.

The book is educational and at least partly autobiographical on the author's part. The story concerns a young girl (Ula) raised in Wisconsin whose father is Indigenous Bribri from Costa Rica. She and her brother share two ethnicities and the complexities of the situation unfold in the story. Their father returned to the native land in Costa Rica where he died. Was it a natural death or murder? The readers learn the details along with Ula and her brother. Ula learns that the Bribri society is matriarchal and that she is heir to land which she doesn't think she wants there. And so the story unfolds.

I should also note that the cover photo is amazing. After reading the book check the cover photo again to find many elements of the story woven into the image.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together We See by Ari Tison is a gripping young adult mystery that blends suspense with powerful themes of family, identity, and environmental justice. The story follows Ulá Dominguez as she investigates the mysterious death of her land-activist father on Indigenous territory in Costa Rica, uncovering corruption and dangerous secrets along the way. Told through multiple perspectives, the novel keeps the tension high while also grounding the mystery in the emotional weight of grief and the fight to protect land and community.

What makes the book especially compelling is how it balances a fast-paced investigation with deeper social themes. Tison highlights the real-world risks faced by Indigenous activists while creating characters that feel authentic and determined. The result is a thoughtful and engaging story that encourages readers to reflect on justice, loyalty, and how far someone might go to defend their family and homeland.

[Tamzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together We See brings tradition, culture, mystery, youth, environmental activism, and family together to create a pretty unique YA book. Two young adults have a mixed bag of a relationship with their father, who dies near the start of the story, and they just don't buy that it was natural causes. They go to take care of the body before the funeral, and while there, do a lot of investigating.

I enjoyed learning about a new culture that I'd not heard a lot about (Bribri and Costa Rica), and I liked this story of family and moving through grief together. The book took some turns that I didn't think it would be taking, which I appreciated. Even so, I think still wanted more out of it all.

In conclusion, I liked it! It was a good story, and I found it to be a pretty quick and interesting read. The narration is also great and keeps you engaged.

Thanks to Netgalley, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and Macmillan Audio for the e-ARC and e-ALC!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.

This book is so good. It is well written with a tight pacing that kept me hooked. It's the kind of book I wanted to call in to work for, just so I could read it all day.

The characters are likeable, even in their imperfections. I love how Tison crafted such a complex relationship between Ula and her father, and how Ula has to navigate his world when he is no longer there.

I also really loved learning about aspects of Bribris culture as presented in this book. It made me want to learn more about their people.

Overall, it's a fascinating read that offers a lot for readers. Like a good mystery? Here you go. Want a complex family story of navigating strained relationships? We got that. Ready to learn about a new culture? Have I got the book for you.

[ColleenIsBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an upper YA mystery thriller following a 17 year old girl, Ula, who goes back to Costa Rica after the death of her father and finds out his death may not have been so natural after all. This book explores the complicated relationships between family members and within one's own identity as Ula is both Bribri and Sikua (not Bribri). We also get background information about logging and banana farming that is negatively impacting the indigenous peoples of the area. I liked the setting and learning about the culture and community. The mystery portion did take a bit to really get going and the ending felt a little bit rushed, but overall this is a very solid story.

*Thank you to Macmillan Young Readers, Publisher's Weekly Grab a Galley, and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own. Also thank you to Ariel for buddy reading!*

[Katy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together We See is about a girl named Ula whose father is an activist in Costa Rica while her mother lives with her in Wisconsin. When her father suspiciously dies she's determined to find out what really happened to him. A lot of the mystery was strong and suspenseful and kept me reading. However, I wish that parts of it had been paced differently. While I enjoyed learning more about Costa Rica and its culture, politics, and history, I can see how teens might not stick with the story through this, especially with the bulk of this being at the beginning of the story. I appreciated the multiple points of view and the story telling. I think this would be a good fit for older teens or those who appreciate history but likely wouldn't fit most of my patrons. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this YA mystery/thriller, the tension builds slowly as Ulá and her brother Kabék travel to the Bribri reservation in Costa Rica for the burial of their father who has apparently died of a heart attack. Slowly, readers learn about their complicated relationships as well as the enigmatic person who was their father; slowly details become clear and the siblings discover he was murdered. As they begin to track down the murderer, the tension slowly builds. At times, I was frustrated by plot gaps, but Tison's atmospheric storytelling drew me in until the action suddenly leapt forward. Any minor complaints were forgotten as the book raced towards its exciting conclusion. Recommended for readers who like "Firekeeper's Daughter".

Review based on a DRC from Edelweiss+.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) As a bibliotherapist, I appreciated how Together We See holds space for complicated grief. Ulá’s story reminds us that you can love someone, miss them, and still feel angry, hurt, or disappointed by them and all of that can exist at the same time. That emotional truth is real, especially for folks navigating strained family relationships or loss without closure.

I also love how Ari Tison honors Bribri culture in a way not just informative but crucial to understanding cultural nuances and character motivations. There’s a deeper thread here about environmental justice and the real risks Indigenous activists face, which adds weight and urgency to Ulá’s story. This is a meaningful read if you’re sitting with identity, grief, and what it means to make peace with where you come from.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author, I'm learning more about the Bribri and their experience in Costa Rica and America.

This is more of a mystery than Saints of the Household, which I loved and was thrilled we added to the Morris Award list in 2024. There's a tension between Ulá and Kabék, not to mention Ulá and her father. Having to return to the territory to bury their father, dealing with the question of how did he die, and how she actually feels about all this (and her heritage as a biracial girl) takes up most of the emotional space in the book. Readers will also learn more about the Bribri struggle with Costa Rican authorities, their independence struggles and heritage. Example? Their father doesn't have an actual street address in the territory, it's more "a mile past the last house after the grocery story" directions kind of place -- how does that translate? and how does a culture adapt to more regulated regime that also wants its resources?

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

[Ariel (ariel_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together We See is a beautiful blend of family, culture, and activism. I liked how we follow Ulá's journey from the states back to the Native Costa Rica territory her family has belonged to for thousands of years. I loved her connection to the land and the grief of losing her father in spite of a complicated relationship was poignant. Her story is told through multiple POVs, and I almost wish this book was longer so that there could be more development of the side characters' contexts. All in all, a solid young adult novel that I highly recommend.

A huge thank you to Fierce Reads for the eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest thoughts! And thank you to Colleen for buddy reading this with me :)