I See You Now

by Valerie Cotnoir

“If there was any future I could possibly hope to change, it was this one.”

In the uncertain world of Hana where children of government officials are thrust into a teenage military program for the country’s survival, four childhood friends join with vigor and anticipation. One of them is in love with someone she can’t have. One of them feels invisible to the very people he calls friends and family. One longs for acceptance even as he continues to hide his secrets.

And lastly, there’s Dae Ahn, plagued by visions of the future.

A future that is becoming increasingly unpredictable and terrifying. A future she can’t control. Surrounded by secrets, lies and betrayal, it’s no surprise when these friendships break apart. Ten years later, the world they’re striving to protect is crumbling. Does she have the power to manipulate fate into something good or is the worst always inevitable?

Exploring themes of anxiety, identity, regret and truth, I SEE YOU NOW is a YA dystopian full of heartache over the past and longing for a safe future.

617 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Valerie Cotnoir is a graduate of Thomas Edison State University with a Bachelors in History. She was born in Montreal, Canada, but lived for fourteen years in Plano, Texas before moving with her family to the Raleigh area in North Carolina. She is the oldest of four and has two sisters and one brother. She has been writing since she could hold a pencil and reading books just as long. Her favorite pastimes (besides reading and writing, of course!) include working with preschoolers, watching movies and spending time with her family and friends. Her published novels are "Bridget's Journey" (2013 - middle grade historical fiction), "Everlasting" (2015 - YA fantasy) and "The War Within" (2020 - YA historical fiction/fantasy).

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Bookstagram: @vcotnoirauthor

Reviews

[Michelle Cotnoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! What a journey - this book was so engaging and hard to put down! So many twists and turns and the creative fantasy elements. Seeing the future might sound like a fun ride to some, but it could also be overwhelming and scary. I enjoyed seeing and feeling Dae's character growth throughout this story as she comes to terms with her abilities in such a real, human way. And all the friendship drama! I especially loved that it felt like watching a Kdrama, with all my favorite tropes - back hugs, leaning on his shoulder on the bus rides...

[Harmonie Raymaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book! It has all the feel of a traditional dystopian world, while also feeling so homey and personal, like you were a part of the friend group. The characters and their struggles felt so relatable to me, I can’t wait to reread this book and annotate it!!