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I Will Find You Again
All the Bright Places meets You've Reached Sam in this teen psychological thriller about two girls on the precipice.
Welcome to Meadowlark, Long Island—expensive homes and good schools, ambition and loneliness. Meet Chase Ohara and Lia Vestiano: the driven overachiever and the impulsive wanderer, the future CEO and the free spirit. Best friends for years—weekend trips to Montauk, sleepovers on a yacht—and then, first love. True love.
But when Lia disappears, Chase’s life turns into a series of grim snapshots. Anger. Grief. Running. Pink pills in an Altoids tin. A cheating ring at school. Heartbreak and lies. A catastrophic secret.
And the shocking truth that will change everything about the way Chase sees Lia—and herself.
Welcome to Meadowlark, Long Island—expensive homes and good schools, ambition and loneliness. Meet Chase Ohara and Lia Vestiano: the driven overachiever and the impulsive wanderer, the future CEO and the free spirit. Best friends for years—weekend trips to Montauk, sleepovers on a yacht—and then, first love. True love.
But when Lia disappears, Chase’s life turns into a series of grim snapshots. Anger. Grief. Running. Pink pills in an Altoids tin. A cheating ring at school. Heartbreak and lies. A catastrophic secret.
And the shocking truth that will change everything about the way Chase sees Lia—and herself.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2023
32 people are currently reading
4224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
April 28, 2023
This story wasn't for me so I skipped some parts.
I listened to an audiobook and the narrator did a great job.
The story followed Chase. She's obsessed over her ex after her ex went missing. The story went back and forth between past and present. In the past, Chase was an excellent student with a girlfriend. How they loved each other and how their relationship turned sour. The present day has Chase spiraling downhill with her lack of ambition for success and more interest to what had happened to her ex. Chase's on drugs. Chase joins the cheating ring. Not at all what a smart student do.. or do they when the pressure is on..
Thank you SimonAudio for the complimentary audiobook!
I listened to an audiobook and the narrator did a great job.
The story followed Chase. She's obsessed over her ex after her ex went missing. The story went back and forth between past and present. In the past, Chase was an excellent student with a girlfriend. How they loved each other and how their relationship turned sour. The present day has Chase spiraling downhill with her lack of ambition for success and more interest to what had happened to her ex. Chase's on drugs. Chase joins the cheating ring. Not at all what a smart student do.. or do they when the pressure is on..
Thank you SimonAudio for the complimentary audiobook!
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November 21, 2022Well, that was intense and compelling and above all devastating.
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February 28, 2023"Sometimes, I think there isn't enough air in this town. Not enough air in the world for a girl like me."
This book was inspired in part by the person I was in high school, all ambition and desperation. A hunger to feel enough in a world that tells you that you'll never be enough. If you've been there, or if you're there now, I see you, and I'm rooting for you.
Content advisory for this work can be found on my website (sarahlyu.com/content).
This book was inspired in part by the person I was in high school, all ambition and desperation. A hunger to feel enough in a world that tells you that you'll never be enough. If you've been there, or if you're there now, I see you, and I'm rooting for you.
Content advisory for this work can be found on my website (sarahlyu.com/content).
December 3, 2023
Content warnings: death by suicide, suicidal ideation, drug addiction, toxic relationships, depression, grief, death (central theme), panic attacks, hallucinations, mental hospital stay, regular hospital stay, drowning.
Rep: Chase is cis, Korean-American and sapphic (label not specified), Lia is cis, Korean-American, adopted and sapphic (label not specified).
It's always hard to review a book I didn't like, especially when it's sapphic.
In short, I did not like this book.
There was nothing in this book, or these characters, that made me want to root for them, or enjoy them. The relationship between Chase and Lia was extremely toxic and I don't know why I was meant to think they were a good couple or anything. They were horrible to each other, and used each other to feel better.
I enjoy books with an unreliable narrator, and even enjoy unlikeable characters, to a degree. But I just couldn't bring myself to give a shit about Chase, her problems or anything.
This book was quite hopeless and depressing, and yes, I get that it is the point of the book - and yes, that made my heart hurt and made me sad. It showed the ugly side of depression really well, but it was all through Chase's eyes and overall it just gave me nothing to hope for. It was just really miserable.
I don't know. I just feel let down, I guess.
1.25 stars.
I talk about books at these places: Instagram / Twitter / TikTok / Blog
Rep: Chase is cis, Korean-American and sapphic (label not specified), Lia is cis, Korean-American, adopted and sapphic (label not specified).
It's always hard to review a book I didn't like, especially when it's sapphic.
In short, I did not like this book.
There was nothing in this book, or these characters, that made me want to root for them, or enjoy them. The relationship between Chase and Lia was extremely toxic and I don't know why I was meant to think they were a good couple or anything. They were horrible to each other, and used each other to feel better.
I enjoy books with an unreliable narrator, and even enjoy unlikeable characters, to a degree. But I just couldn't bring myself to give a shit about Chase, her problems or anything.
This book was quite hopeless and depressing, and yes, I get that it is the point of the book - and yes, that made my heart hurt and made me sad. It showed the ugly side of depression really well, but it was all through Chase's eyes and overall it just gave me nothing to hope for. It was just really miserable.
I don't know. I just feel let down, I guess.
1.25 stars.
I talk about books at these places: Instagram / Twitter / TikTok / Blog
December 27, 2023
TW: suicide, depression
3.5/5 stars
So I only started listening this book because I like this narrator but this one really suprsed me. For the first 25% of the book I was kinda bored ngl. It was feeling like there wasn't really a plot and the main character, Chase, was frustratingly dumb. Let's be real there has to be a certain level of delusion to believe that someone who disappears leaves you clues. Then 50% in it gives you the "OH NO" moment and I was hooked.
By 60% I was starting to think this whole story was in the Chase's head, and that she was in a land of her own making, lost to her own delusions. By 75% I was starting to really think that the Chase was super frustrating, self-centered, lacked mindfulness and honestly sucked at being a good friend and was outright mean. But growing up is hard, and expectations are even harder, clearly she had her own demons so I can't be overly harsh. By the end, I did enjoy but given the subject matter I might’ve read something else. I'm pleased with the ending but this book definitely dealt with heavier themes than I was expecting. (I was expecting something light-ish and I was wrong).
3.5/5 stars
So I only started listening this book because I like this narrator but this one really suprsed me. For the first 25% of the book I was kinda bored ngl. It was feeling like there wasn't really a plot and the main character, Chase, was frustratingly dumb. Let's be real there has to be a certain level of delusion to believe that someone who disappears leaves you clues. Then 50% in it gives you the "OH NO" moment and I was hooked.
By 60% I was starting to think this whole story was in the Chase's head, and that she was in a land of her own making, lost to her own delusions. By 75% I was starting to really think that the Chase was super frustrating, self-centered, lacked mindfulness and honestly sucked at being a good friend and was outright mean. But growing up is hard, and expectations are even harder, clearly she had her own demons so I can't be overly harsh. By the end, I did enjoy but given the subject matter I might’ve read something else. I'm pleased with the ending but this book definitely dealt with heavier themes than I was expecting. (I was expecting something light-ish and I was wrong).
March 15, 2023
YA suspense novels can be tedious for me because I'm an impatient adult. Lyu's book shatters all expectations. This is the book that others will be compared to and pretty much the reason why I still read YA.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing an eARC for a honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing an eARC for a honest review.
March 14, 2023
Round up to 4.5 stars. Very intense, but so worthwhile. Very twisty with a lot of depth.
March 15, 2023
bookstagram tour post is up here :)
3.5 probably, this is a book with Asian representation, sapphic representation, mental health concerns, it shows how pressure is killing rising college students... but I just didn't feel super invested!!
It had one of those plot devices that folks who haven't been reading for 15+ years will think is so cool! I bet teens would love this. But as someone who has read so many tropes by now, I just didn't get knocked out of my seat reading it, even though I must say I didn't really see it coming. (I'm being purposefully vague so you will have no idea what I'm talking about :0))
3.5 probably, this is a book with Asian representation, sapphic representation, mental health concerns, it shows how pressure is killing rising college students... but I just didn't feel super invested!!
It had one of those plot devices that folks who haven't been reading for 15+ years will think is so cool! I bet teens would love this. But as someone who has read so many tropes by now, I just didn't get knocked out of my seat reading it, even though I must say I didn't really see it coming. (I'm being purposefully vague so you will have no idea what I'm talking about :0))
April 4, 2023
sarah lyu..... it's you and me...... that's my whole world
August 15, 2023
A really raw and honest portrait of a relationship between two teen girls struggling with both inner and outer demons.
March 19, 2023
I Will Find You Again is a book that I think will be very polarizing to readers due in part to its structure, but also because of the heavy themes it explores - which I strongly recommend potential readers look up content warnings for!
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was surprised that it was relatively short. Now having finished it, I think this was the best approach because I truly was unable to guess the big reveal. This is pitched as a thriller although it felt more like a contemporary. I Will Find You Again leans into a trope that I was not entirely a fan of here since it required a certain suspension of belief. Structurally, it just didn't feel entirely cohesive for me as it took me out of the story and left me with a number of questions. Yet, I was still interested in how it would play out and can understand why the author structured the story like this.
This novel is more about the characters than the plot and while Chase is an unlikable main character, I did feel like I fully understood her choices and actions. The characters in general felt well-developed, my only issue was that I wanted more from Cole's character; it often felt like we were on the verge of getting more from him. My favorite part of this novel was how Sarah Lyu approached the difficult topics discussed throughout the novel. I currently have a close family member in high school who I have had many conversations with about burnout, the pressures of choosing a future so young, and how school affects mental health. Although I am not much older than this family member, there are definitely generational differences in the pressures of school and how so much is focused on just getting to college. I believe Sarah Lyu approaches these issues in a realistic and vulnerable way that reflects current societal problems. However, Sarah Lyu does not sugar coat the reality of mental health struggles, addiction, suicide, and grief. It can be difficult to read at times and there are times where you want to simultaneously shake and hug the main characters to stop their destructive choices. Yet, I truly believe that this book could be an invaluable resource for conversation and contemplation for teenagers and parents struggling with how to approach teenagers struggling with their mental health.
Overall, this wasn't necessarily an enjoyable read, but it was incredibly impactful. Sarah Lyu's writing and narrative voice have me eager to read whatever she (hopefully) releases next! This is an author who I think could be really impactful for this new generation of YA readers. Thank you to Simon Teen for an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was surprised that it was relatively short. Now having finished it, I think this was the best approach because I truly was unable to guess the big reveal. This is pitched as a thriller although it felt more like a contemporary. I Will Find You Again leans into a trope that I was not entirely a fan of here since it required a certain suspension of belief. Structurally, it just didn't feel entirely cohesive for me as it took me out of the story and left me with a number of questions. Yet, I was still interested in how it would play out and can understand why the author structured the story like this.
This novel is more about the characters than the plot and while Chase is an unlikable main character, I did feel like I fully understood her choices and actions. The characters in general felt well-developed, my only issue was that I wanted more from Cole's character; it often felt like we were on the verge of getting more from him. My favorite part of this novel was how Sarah Lyu approached the difficult topics discussed throughout the novel. I currently have a close family member in high school who I have had many conversations with about burnout, the pressures of choosing a future so young, and how school affects mental health. Although I am not much older than this family member, there are definitely generational differences in the pressures of school and how so much is focused on just getting to college. I believe Sarah Lyu approaches these issues in a realistic and vulnerable way that reflects current societal problems. However, Sarah Lyu does not sugar coat the reality of mental health struggles, addiction, suicide, and grief. It can be difficult to read at times and there are times where you want to simultaneously shake and hug the main characters to stop their destructive choices. Yet, I truly believe that this book could be an invaluable resource for conversation and contemplation for teenagers and parents struggling with how to approach teenagers struggling with their mental health.
Overall, this wasn't necessarily an enjoyable read, but it was incredibly impactful. Sarah Lyu's writing and narrative voice have me eager to read whatever she (hopefully) releases next! This is an author who I think could be really impactful for this new generation of YA readers. Thank you to Simon Teen for an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!
March 17, 2023
no one writes toxic, codependent relationships like sarah lyu
March 21, 2023
I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Special thanks to Simon & Schuster for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars
TL;DR: This was a YA mystery that I don’t think I could’ve expected and I think will be very different to what many people expect too, but for me, it was very much in a good way! This story tackles some really tough issues that were hard to read about and I would recommend checking out the content/trigger warnings beforehand because although I think this author handled these issues sensitively, she also doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of them. These pages are packed with so much tension, raw emotion, and heartbreaking moments between best friends and lovers and the struggles they face living up to societal, cultural and familial expectations. Overall, an impressive mystery that I would recommend and I can’t wait to read more by this author soon!
Honestly, this is a pretty difficult book to leave a review for because I really don't want to give spoilers and it's very much a book that I recommend you go into knowing as little as possible. I mean, that's not different from what I'd say about many mysteries but there's a lot more to this than meets the eye. Although it does get off to a somewhat slow start as the mystery builds up and we follow along with a very unreliable narrator, the story ends up taking a path that I didn't expect and I think I appreciated this story more because of it. The story is told partially through flashbacks as Chase pieces together the messy and broken puzzle of everything leading up to what happens to Lia. There's a very melancholy and morose yet at times somewhat hopeful tone that fit the mystery and the love story between Lia and Chase very well. The tension is built up really nicely as the pace quickens and I soon found myself madly flipping through the pages until everything quietly explodes at the end. Lyu really knows how to saturate the pages of her novel with intense emotion and it was hard to not become invested in this story.
Chase isn't necessarily a likeable character (though tbh I didn't find any of the characters very likeable except for Chase's little sister) and I vacillated between feeling sympathy for the situation she finds herself in and at the same time kind of hating her for being so frustratingly selfish and oftentimes cruel. This story revolves around Chase and the somewhat toxic and love-blind relationship with Lia and although Lia doesn't get her own perspective, I feel like she was just as real a character as Chase. Through their story, Lyu explores some fairly heavy themes that I would definitely recommend checking out the content/trigger warnings for because this was pretty hard to read at times and can be triggering. I appreciated how the author explored the impact of societal, familial, and cultural pressures that we put on teenagers to not only excel academically and in their extracurriculars but to also pretty much have the rest of their lives figured out by that age. It's certainly not an isolated experience and it's completely unrealistic to expect them to handle the mental, emotional and physical stress they put themselves through in order to fulfil these expectations, especially in today's society. It's incredibly toxic and it's no wonder that the heavy burden they carry from such a young age can get channelled into negative outlets and coping mechanisms. I feel like it's really important to keep pointing the spotlight on this issue because this unhealthy culture is not changing and it should!
Aside from that, I think Lyu also handled the other serious topics she brings into the story very sensitively. I've mentioned it before but I liked how she really took this in a completely different direction than I expected. I thought I had it all figured out at the beginning and I was ready to be sort of "whelmed" by the result, but I was shockingly surprised! By the end, I found myself tearing up over the whole situation and just how awfully heartbreaking it is, and then I got to the end of the author's note and it did set off my tears because it was a powerful way to dedicate and end the book.
Overall, I thought this was a great queer YA mystery that pleasantly surprised me. There was great representation and the handling of hard topics was done well. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the level of emotions she infused into the story and I'm now eager to check out more of her work in the future!
TL;DR: This was a YA mystery that I don’t think I could’ve expected and I think will be very different to what many people expect too, but for me, it was very much in a good way! This story tackles some really tough issues that were hard to read about and I would recommend checking out the content/trigger warnings beforehand because although I think this author handled these issues sensitively, she also doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of them. These pages are packed with so much tension, raw emotion, and heartbreaking moments between best friends and lovers and the struggles they face living up to societal, cultural and familial expectations. Overall, an impressive mystery that I would recommend and I can’t wait to read more by this author soon!
Honestly, this is a pretty difficult book to leave a review for because I really don't want to give spoilers and it's very much a book that I recommend you go into knowing as little as possible. I mean, that's not different from what I'd say about many mysteries but there's a lot more to this than meets the eye. Although it does get off to a somewhat slow start as the mystery builds up and we follow along with a very unreliable narrator, the story ends up taking a path that I didn't expect and I think I appreciated this story more because of it. The story is told partially through flashbacks as Chase pieces together the messy and broken puzzle of everything leading up to what happens to Lia. There's a very melancholy and morose yet at times somewhat hopeful tone that fit the mystery and the love story between Lia and Chase very well. The tension is built up really nicely as the pace quickens and I soon found myself madly flipping through the pages until everything quietly explodes at the end. Lyu really knows how to saturate the pages of her novel with intense emotion and it was hard to not become invested in this story.
Chase isn't necessarily a likeable character (though tbh I didn't find any of the characters very likeable except for Chase's little sister) and I vacillated between feeling sympathy for the situation she finds herself in and at the same time kind of hating her for being so frustratingly selfish and oftentimes cruel. This story revolves around Chase and the somewhat toxic and love-blind relationship with Lia and although Lia doesn't get her own perspective, I feel like she was just as real a character as Chase. Through their story, Lyu explores some fairly heavy themes that I would definitely recommend checking out the content/trigger warnings for because this was pretty hard to read at times and can be triggering. I appreciated how the author explored the impact of societal, familial, and cultural pressures that we put on teenagers to not only excel academically and in their extracurriculars but to also pretty much have the rest of their lives figured out by that age. It's certainly not an isolated experience and it's completely unrealistic to expect them to handle the mental, emotional and physical stress they put themselves through in order to fulfil these expectations, especially in today's society. It's incredibly toxic and it's no wonder that the heavy burden they carry from such a young age can get channelled into negative outlets and coping mechanisms. I feel like it's really important to keep pointing the spotlight on this issue because this unhealthy culture is not changing and it should!
Aside from that, I think Lyu also handled the other serious topics she brings into the story very sensitively. I've mentioned it before but I liked how she really took this in a completely different direction than I expected. I thought I had it all figured out at the beginning and I was ready to be sort of "whelmed" by the result, but I was shockingly surprised! By the end, I found myself tearing up over the whole situation and just how awfully heartbreaking it is, and then I got to the end of the author's note and it did set off my tears because it was a powerful way to dedicate and end the book.
Overall, I thought this was a great queer YA mystery that pleasantly surprised me. There was great representation and the handling of hard topics was done well. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the level of emotions she infused into the story and I'm now eager to check out more of her work in the future!
February 26, 2023
CW: Drug Use, Mentions of Suicide, Depression, Anxiety
Representation: Queer, Lesbian, Sapphic, Asian, Anxiety
I Will Find You Again – Characters
There are three characters I’m going to go over here – Chase, Lia, and Hunter. There are other characters, but they’re more background/side characters than anything else, so I won’t detail them here1.
Chase
The first character from I Will Find You Again I’m going to talk about is Chase. Chase is our main character and the character from whose point of view we are being told the story. I’m not sure what to think of Chase. She reminds me a lot of Spencer from Pretty Little Liars – you know, the overachiever who keeps chugging along because it is what is expected of her. She’s got to be perfect, got to make the grades, etc.. But while I liked Spencer, I don’t know how I feel about Chase. She’s a good main character, I’m just not sure if I like her.
Lia
We don’t see much of Lia, but that’s OK. We learn enough about her over the course of the book to figure out whether or not we like her. Again, as with Chase, I’m not sure that I particularly care for Lia. She seems a bit on the whiny side – “look at me, I appear to have this great home life but it really sucks” kind of girl and that just bugs me. She was Chase’s best friend & her girlfriend. I like Chase better than I like Lia.
Hunter
Hunter is an interesting character and honestly, I think she’s the character that really makes I Will Find You Again what it is. This might sound odd, especially once you’ve read the book and understand who Hunter really is, but of the three main female characters, Hunter is my favorite. She is also a girlfriend of Lia’s… sort of. You’ll have to read the book to understand.
I Will Find You Again – Atmosphere
So the atmosphere in I Will Find You Again is basically just a run of the mill, upper-class community. There’s nothing particularly ominous about the town. Montauk will become a bit more ominous as the book goes on, but it isn’t at first. I think the most interesting thing about the atmosphere of this book is that it really isn’t creepy, ominous, or anything else you’d expect from a mystery/thriller novel, but it works. So I give it points for that because it absolutely works.
I Will Find You Again – Writing
I have to say, I very much enjoyed Sarah Lyu’s writing style in I Will Find You Again. It keeps the book moving, quickly but not too quickly, and it is easy to read and understand. You won’t be asking yourself what’s going on all the time because it’s not hard to keep up. Will there be times you’re a bit confused? Sure, but it is done in a way that is meant to set things up for later. So trust me when I say that if you are having trouble following the story, it’ll be explained later.
I Will Find You Again – Plot
This book has a plot that is absolute genius. I can’t really say much of anything about it without giving it away, but just let me say this – you won’t expect the twist that comes up, because I sure didn’t and I’m usually pretty good about figuring out what’s going to happen next.
I Will Find You Again – Intrigue
Being a mystery/thriller novel, I Will Find You Again would need to have some intrigue to it. And it does. Boy does it ever have intrigue. Trying to figure out what really happened to Lia is what will keep you reading this book. You’ll become invested in this mystery as Chase and Hunter try to figure all of this out. And again, you won’t see the plot twist coming!
I Will Find You Again – Logic
It’s a mystery/thriller. There is logic there, but it might be hard to spot at first. Things in this book don’t happen in a logical, chronological order because you need to bounce around to get to where you need to go.
I Will Find You Again – Ending
The ending to I Will Find You Again was satisfying. It didn’t leave more questions than answers and it didn’t leave anything open for a sequel because this book doesn’t need one2. I quite liked the ending myself.
Conclusion
I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu is a four-star read that will keep you entertained and wondering what’s going to happen next. I highly recommend this book to any fan of mystery/thriller novels, especially YA mystery/thriller novels.
Representation: Queer, Lesbian, Sapphic, Asian, Anxiety
I Will Find You Again – Characters
There are three characters I’m going to go over here – Chase, Lia, and Hunter. There are other characters, but they’re more background/side characters than anything else, so I won’t detail them here1.
Chase
The first character from I Will Find You Again I’m going to talk about is Chase. Chase is our main character and the character from whose point of view we are being told the story. I’m not sure what to think of Chase. She reminds me a lot of Spencer from Pretty Little Liars – you know, the overachiever who keeps chugging along because it is what is expected of her. She’s got to be perfect, got to make the grades, etc.. But while I liked Spencer, I don’t know how I feel about Chase. She’s a good main character, I’m just not sure if I like her.
Lia
We don’t see much of Lia, but that’s OK. We learn enough about her over the course of the book to figure out whether or not we like her. Again, as with Chase, I’m not sure that I particularly care for Lia. She seems a bit on the whiny side – “look at me, I appear to have this great home life but it really sucks” kind of girl and that just bugs me. She was Chase’s best friend & her girlfriend. I like Chase better than I like Lia.
Hunter
Hunter is an interesting character and honestly, I think she’s the character that really makes I Will Find You Again what it is. This might sound odd, especially once you’ve read the book and understand who Hunter really is, but of the three main female characters, Hunter is my favorite. She is also a girlfriend of Lia’s… sort of. You’ll have to read the book to understand.
I Will Find You Again – Atmosphere
So the atmosphere in I Will Find You Again is basically just a run of the mill, upper-class community. There’s nothing particularly ominous about the town. Montauk will become a bit more ominous as the book goes on, but it isn’t at first. I think the most interesting thing about the atmosphere of this book is that it really isn’t creepy, ominous, or anything else you’d expect from a mystery/thriller novel, but it works. So I give it points for that because it absolutely works.
I Will Find You Again – Writing
I have to say, I very much enjoyed Sarah Lyu’s writing style in I Will Find You Again. It keeps the book moving, quickly but not too quickly, and it is easy to read and understand. You won’t be asking yourself what’s going on all the time because it’s not hard to keep up. Will there be times you’re a bit confused? Sure, but it is done in a way that is meant to set things up for later. So trust me when I say that if you are having trouble following the story, it’ll be explained later.
I Will Find You Again – Plot
This book has a plot that is absolute genius. I can’t really say much of anything about it without giving it away, but just let me say this – you won’t expect the twist that comes up, because I sure didn’t and I’m usually pretty good about figuring out what’s going to happen next.
I Will Find You Again – Intrigue
Being a mystery/thriller novel, I Will Find You Again would need to have some intrigue to it. And it does. Boy does it ever have intrigue. Trying to figure out what really happened to Lia is what will keep you reading this book. You’ll become invested in this mystery as Chase and Hunter try to figure all of this out. And again, you won’t see the plot twist coming!
I Will Find You Again – Logic
It’s a mystery/thriller. There is logic there, but it might be hard to spot at first. Things in this book don’t happen in a logical, chronological order because you need to bounce around to get to where you need to go.
I Will Find You Again – Ending
The ending to I Will Find You Again was satisfying. It didn’t leave more questions than answers and it didn’t leave anything open for a sequel because this book doesn’t need one2. I quite liked the ending myself.
Conclusion
I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu is a four-star read that will keep you entertained and wondering what’s going to happen next. I highly recommend this book to any fan of mystery/thriller novels, especially YA mystery/thriller novels.
March 26, 2023
“Sometimes, I think there isn't enough air in this town. Not enough air in the world for a girl like me.”
I'd like to Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, addiction, suicide, panic attacks, grief, death
I want to start off by saying that this book deals with many difficult topics so be sure to check out the content warnings to see if this book is right for you. I Will Find You Again explores a lot of hard hitting concepts including grief, depression, and suicide. Sarah approaches each of these subjects with care and sensitivity. I think that those who love emotional stories will enjoy this book, however the topics it featured became too much for me at times. I enjoyed the writing style and thought it kept the story moving and allowed me to connect more with our main character Chase. The past perspectives were also well done and explained in an easy to understand way how Chase and Lia got together and the events leading up to Lia's disappearance. Chase goes through many difficult challenges throughout the story, and underwent a lot of development as a character. The idea of the "academic pressure cooker" was also highlighted, and I think many students today can relate to the stress Chase and her classmates were under to achieve the best possible marks.
I Will Find You Again is an emotional story with rich character development.
I'd like to Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, addiction, suicide, panic attacks, grief, death
I want to start off by saying that this book deals with many difficult topics so be sure to check out the content warnings to see if this book is right for you. I Will Find You Again explores a lot of hard hitting concepts including grief, depression, and suicide. Sarah approaches each of these subjects with care and sensitivity. I think that those who love emotional stories will enjoy this book, however the topics it featured became too much for me at times. I enjoyed the writing style and thought it kept the story moving and allowed me to connect more with our main character Chase. The past perspectives were also well done and explained in an easy to understand way how Chase and Lia got together and the events leading up to Lia's disappearance. Chase goes through many difficult challenges throughout the story, and underwent a lot of development as a character. The idea of the "academic pressure cooker" was also highlighted, and I think many students today can relate to the stress Chase and her classmates were under to achieve the best possible marks.
I Will Find You Again is an emotional story with rich character development.
March 2, 2023
Meodowlark is full of McMansions and good school full of ambitious and lonely teenagers. Chase is a driven overachiever and Lia is the future CEO and free spirit. They were best friends for years before falling in love with each other. When Lia disappears, Chase’s life is in shambles. She’s heartbroken and full of grief. As she searches for Lia shocking truths are discovered.
I don’t even know how to categorize this book. It dealt with some very heavy topics, but it did so in a fantastic way. I also really appreciated the resources listed in the back of the book. If I had to categorize this one, I would say suspense. It’s hard to say much about this one without giving spoilers.
This intense book was beautifully written and full of character development. The pacing was fast enough that you didn’t want to put it down, but slow enough that you savored each moment. I was in love with Chase and related to her so hard.
I will say if you are a hoping to share this book with the young adult in your life, that you read the pages in the back of the book first, so you know the triggers going in. Detailing them in this review would be a spoiler, but just be aware that this book discusses some topics that might be too heavy for some.
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, @simonteen, and Netgalley, @netgalley, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Netgalley will be updated with social media link when posted.
I don’t even know how to categorize this book. It dealt with some very heavy topics, but it did so in a fantastic way. I also really appreciated the resources listed in the back of the book. If I had to categorize this one, I would say suspense. It’s hard to say much about this one without giving spoilers.
This intense book was beautifully written and full of character development. The pacing was fast enough that you didn’t want to put it down, but slow enough that you savored each moment. I was in love with Chase and related to her so hard.
I will say if you are a hoping to share this book with the young adult in your life, that you read the pages in the back of the book first, so you know the triggers going in. Detailing them in this review would be a spoiler, but just be aware that this book discusses some topics that might be too heavy for some.
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, @simonteen, and Netgalley, @netgalley, for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Netgalley will be updated with social media link when posted.
March 21, 2023
"Responsibility is simply the ability to respond to respond...It's understanding our lack of control and then choosing to act anyway, choosing how we want to act."
I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu was a heart wrenching read that left a pain in my heart after reading it. It's a YA story that will appeal to all ages, especially anyone who has felt the pain and crushing anxiety of trying to live up to others' expectations. The main "mystery" is revealed early on but the real story unravels slowly, revealing all the little things that send our two main protagonists spiraling. The writing is so captivating that by the time the heart of the conflict is revealed you are left reeling wondering what is really the truth and who is responsible.
What really makes this book so special is how the author highlights the experience of being a trans-racial adoptee and how that affects Asian self identity and how others perceive Asian identity. Lyu also does a fantastic job of showing how the pressure to perform shapes teenagers' ideas about the future and success and how that immense pressure deteriorates self esteem and mental health. Grief is also a big theme in this one and manifests differently for the characters. Chase finally coming to terms with Lia's suicide, her sexuality and her own survivor's guilt in therapy brought me to tears because I know personally how hard it is to ask for help when you're used to being strong all the time & you feel undeserving. I loved that Lyu was intentional & included resources for mental health.
Thank you for the gifted copy @ireadya & @coloredpagesblogtours. I really loved this one and the emotional journey that it took me through. This book had so much heart
This book would pair nicely with:
📗 History is All You Left Me- Adam Silvera
📕 Searching for Sylvie Lee- Jean Kwok
📘 Everything I Never Told You- Celeste Ng
📙 Iveliz Explains It All- Andrea Beatriz Arango
I Will Find You Again by Sarah Lyu was a heart wrenching read that left a pain in my heart after reading it. It's a YA story that will appeal to all ages, especially anyone who has felt the pain and crushing anxiety of trying to live up to others' expectations. The main "mystery" is revealed early on but the real story unravels slowly, revealing all the little things that send our two main protagonists spiraling. The writing is so captivating that by the time the heart of the conflict is revealed you are left reeling wondering what is really the truth and who is responsible.
What really makes this book so special is how the author highlights the experience of being a trans-racial adoptee and how that affects Asian self identity and how others perceive Asian identity. Lyu also does a fantastic job of showing how the pressure to perform shapes teenagers' ideas about the future and success and how that immense pressure deteriorates self esteem and mental health. Grief is also a big theme in this one and manifests differently for the characters. Chase finally coming to terms with Lia's suicide, her sexuality and her own survivor's guilt in therapy brought me to tears because I know personally how hard it is to ask for help when you're used to being strong all the time & you feel undeserving. I loved that Lyu was intentional & included resources for mental health.
Thank you for the gifted copy @ireadya & @coloredpagesblogtours. I really loved this one and the emotional journey that it took me through. This book had so much heart
This book would pair nicely with:
📗 History is All You Left Me- Adam Silvera
📕 Searching for Sylvie Lee- Jean Kwok
📘 Everything I Never Told You- Celeste Ng
📙 Iveliz Explains It All- Andrea Beatriz Arango
March 13, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: suicidal thoughts, suicide, panic attacks
I Will Find You Again smashed through my expectations. Firstly, it has an adopted side character - Lia - and I loved how this was portrayed in I Will Find You Again. Even though she's not the main character, we can see her relationship to her parents and her own feelings through the eyes of Chase. Secondly, this book delves into how much of ourselves we allow people to see. How much of other people we can witness. All the ways in which as we dare someone to leave, we're also pleading for them to stay.
The jagged edges we show to people while also asking for understanding. And all the secrets we keep from others and what they don't tell us. I Will Find You Again explores this idea of knowing someone and loving someone. If we can every truly know all of someone and if that impacts our ability to love them. It's about two characters whose lives begin to diverge and wondering if their relationship can withstand it. This is such a universal theme.
TW: suicidal thoughts, suicide, panic attacks
I Will Find You Again smashed through my expectations. Firstly, it has an adopted side character - Lia - and I loved how this was portrayed in I Will Find You Again. Even though she's not the main character, we can see her relationship to her parents and her own feelings through the eyes of Chase. Secondly, this book delves into how much of ourselves we allow people to see. How much of other people we can witness. All the ways in which as we dare someone to leave, we're also pleading for them to stay.
The jagged edges we show to people while also asking for understanding. And all the secrets we keep from others and what they don't tell us. I Will Find You Again explores this idea of knowing someone and loving someone. If we can every truly know all of someone and if that impacts our ability to love them. It's about two characters whose lives begin to diverge and wondering if their relationship can withstand it. This is such a universal theme.
Read
November 17, 2023For fans of YA mysteries that explore grief, being Asian American, the pressure to succeed in high school, and mental illness. Chase Ohara and Lia Vestiano were best friends who became girlfriends and then broke up six months ago. Lia ended up with a new girlfriend, before she went missing. Now Chase is rattled with guilt because Lia sent her a text she never answered. When Lia’s body is found and her death ruled a suicide, Chase refuses to accept it. Battling her grief, pressure in school, and the loss of her best friend and ex-friend, she resorts to roping Lia’s last girlfriend into helping her find out what happened.
The audiobook is narrated by Natalie Naudus who you may know from many mystery (Mimi Lee Gets a Clue) and romance (One Last Stop) narrations!
(TW addiction to Adderall type drugs/ suicidal thoughts/ past attempted suicide, detail/ panic attack/ mental hospital/ suicide pact, suicide)
--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsleter
The audiobook is narrated by Natalie Naudus who you may know from many mystery (Mimi Lee Gets a Clue) and romance (One Last Stop) narrations!
(TW addiction to Adderall type drugs/ suicidal thoughts/ past attempted suicide, detail/ panic attack/ mental hospital/ suicide pact, suicide)
--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsleter
March 24, 2023
I’m so torn between giving this book 3 stars vs. 5—mostly because of the pacing and ending—so I’m evening it out to 4.
The story started off slow but picked up after the third chapter. The middle section was brilliant, especially around the end of Part 1 and beginning of Part 2. The storytelling was quite unique, the narrative raw and haunting, and the characters felt very very real (and a little too relatable for me, which might alarm some people). Stellar representation of mental health! I just wish it had ended differently. I would erase the last three chapters from my memory if I could because it was all too *tied up in a bow* and preachy and didactic. It didn’t fit with the tone of the rest of the book and made the whole thing appear like sort of a cautionary tale or a story told for the sake of the moral. If Hunter had won in the end (IYKYK), it would’ve been a perfect novel for me!
The story started off slow but picked up after the third chapter. The middle section was brilliant, especially around the end of Part 1 and beginning of Part 2. The storytelling was quite unique, the narrative raw and haunting, and the characters felt very very real (and a little too relatable for me, which might alarm some people). Stellar representation of mental health! I just wish it had ended differently. I would erase the last three chapters from my memory if I could because it was all too *tied up in a bow* and preachy and didactic. It didn’t fit with the tone of the rest of the book and made the whole thing appear like sort of a cautionary tale or a story told for the sake of the moral. If Hunter had won in the end (IYKYK), it would’ve been a perfect novel for me!
March 9, 2023
“Maybe what I want more than anything else is not to die but simply not exist anymore. If I could just blink and just disappear, that would be enough. That would be everything.”
A book with these constant heart-wrenching elements is not the type I usually fall in love with, but there is something so addicting about a mystery with a main character slowly spiraling that draws you in. I Will Find You Again is such a head-spinner and absolutely heart-wrenching. When you hear the simile “it’s like a car crash but you just can’t look away”… this is that book.
I’m a teacher for profession, and luckily I teach middle school where the pressure to think about “your future” isn’t as heavy. However, thinking about it… the pressure we do put on 16, 17, and 18 year olds is just insane. To push them to do the most and be the most at that young is just horrifying honestly. I’m 32 and still feel like I am sometimes figuring out life.
“What they don’t know: It’s 2 AM on the fifth night in a row that I haven’t been able to sleep and the world feels like it’s spinning away from me."
More so, Sarah does such a wonderful yet devastating job at showing the struggles people go through when they’re stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed. Even though it was one saddening thing after the next, you feel compelled to keep reading Chase’s story.
I also really love Cole’s character in this as well. He wasn’t what I considered typical for his stereotype and I loved that Sarah gave him a kinder side. Could we get a college spin-off with him because I’d be all ears for that.
Overall, I Will Find You Again is a story worth reading. It may not be your “typical” read or upon picking it up you know it’s got a lot of heartbreak… but it’s absolutely worth it.
Trigger Warnings: Mental health, drugs, and suicide.
Find the full review at Jotted by Jena
A book with these constant heart-wrenching elements is not the type I usually fall in love with, but there is something so addicting about a mystery with a main character slowly spiraling that draws you in. I Will Find You Again is such a head-spinner and absolutely heart-wrenching. When you hear the simile “it’s like a car crash but you just can’t look away”… this is that book.
I’m a teacher for profession, and luckily I teach middle school where the pressure to think about “your future” isn’t as heavy. However, thinking about it… the pressure we do put on 16, 17, and 18 year olds is just insane. To push them to do the most and be the most at that young is just horrifying honestly. I’m 32 and still feel like I am sometimes figuring out life.
“What they don’t know: It’s 2 AM on the fifth night in a row that I haven’t been able to sleep and the world feels like it’s spinning away from me."
More so, Sarah does such a wonderful yet devastating job at showing the struggles people go through when they’re stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed. Even though it was one saddening thing after the next, you feel compelled to keep reading Chase’s story.
I also really love Cole’s character in this as well. He wasn’t what I considered typical for his stereotype and I loved that Sarah gave him a kinder side. Could we get a college spin-off with him because I’d be all ears for that.
Overall, I Will Find You Again is a story worth reading. It may not be your “typical” read or upon picking it up you know it’s got a lot of heartbreak… but it’s absolutely worth it.
Trigger Warnings: Mental health, drugs, and suicide.
Find the full review at Jotted by Jena
March 18, 2023
A heartbreaking sapphic mystery/thriller that touches on everything from first love, to addiction, to mental illness, and adoption trauma. This book packs more than you expect.
I’d love to talk about specifics of so many pieces but they are all spoilers (*sigh*). We follow Chase as she puts together the puzzle of what happened to Lia, her first love, after she goes missing and her body is found. While it does have a darker mood, it keeps you engaged by the spiral our main character ends up on.
It is a melancholy story that gives a clear look into some heavy themes while also telling a compelling story. Our main character has to deal with the devastating loss while also struggling to realize who she is and that maybe everything was not exactly as it seemed.
Disclaimer: I received a free gifted copy from the publisher
I’d love to talk about specifics of so many pieces but they are all spoilers (*sigh*). We follow Chase as she puts together the puzzle of what happened to Lia, her first love, after she goes missing and her body is found. While it does have a darker mood, it keeps you engaged by the spiral our main character ends up on.
It is a melancholy story that gives a clear look into some heavy themes while also telling a compelling story. Our main character has to deal with the devastating loss while also struggling to realize who she is and that maybe everything was not exactly as it seemed.
Disclaimer: I received a free gifted copy from the publisher
Read
April 14, 2023Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: ‘Disappointed’
Drinking Buddy: Deep Breaths
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (drug use, language)
Talky Talk: Unreliable Narrator
Bonus Factors: Awful Parents, Ambition at Any Cost
Bromance Status: Until We Meet Again
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: ‘Disappointed’
Drinking Buddy: Deep Breaths
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (drug use, language)
Talky Talk: Unreliable Narrator
Bonus Factors: Awful Parents, Ambition at Any Cost
Bromance Status: Until We Meet Again
Read the full book report here.
September 12, 2025
quick read yay (i gave up on history hw lol)
chase is so me i would also totally imagine an entire other alter ego to cope with my gfs death! jk guys im normal i swear
tomorrow will be september 12 so i have to stop moping! kristen keeps saying i look sad everyday but thats ok bc she gives me free hugs afterwards. im not sad i swear im very joyous!
3.5/5 read i thought chase was a bit too insane but plot was good. rounding up
chase is so me i would also totally imagine an entire other alter ego to cope with my gfs death! jk guys im normal i swear
tomorrow will be september 12 so i have to stop moping! kristen keeps saying i look sad everyday but thats ok bc she gives me free hugs afterwards. im not sad i swear im very joyous!
3.5/5 read i thought chase was a bit too insane but plot was good. rounding up
June 30, 2023
If Hunter would've won in the end (iykyk) then this would've been 5 stars for me.
The ending felt too picture perfect while the rest of the story was so dark & deep. (Which I loved btw)
The ending felt too picture perfect while the rest of the story was so dark & deep. (Which I loved btw)
July 25, 2023
3.5 stars
June 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
It took me a while to get into this book but eventually I was gripped and the twist halfway through made it much more interesting. An exploration of depression/grief/addiction/love, and how the pressure to succeed can be all consuming.
It took me a while to get into this book but eventually I was gripped and the twist halfway through made it much more interesting. An exploration of depression/grief/addiction/love, and how the pressure to succeed can be all consuming.
March 11, 2023
*some spoilers*
T/W: Substance Abuse, Mentions of Suicide, Depression, Anxiety, Grief
Not going to lie, this book had a very slow start for me. I didn’t start getting into the plot until a third of the way in and then it took me until the half of the book to actually grasp what was going on.
But now I will say I have never read anything that understands and can encapsulate the pressure of constantly needing to perform or be the best while living up to the pressure of everything and everyone around you before you finally reach a breaking point.
This YA sapphic physiological thriller I didn’t know I needed was a catharsis waiting to happen. A relief of so much of the childhood pain i held onto and seeing a character like Chase come to the realization that she is more than all thing things her parent wish for her and the achievements she’s been working towards her entire life without a moment to think if this is what she really truly wants, all while wrapped up in the grief of losing her best friend and girlfriend to same ideations.
This book is for all the Chase O’hara’s out there, who have been broken and are on the mend, and those who are almost there but need to find a way out.
I guess this is more of a love letter than a review. But I do highly recommend this book.
I’m rooting for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for an arc in exchange for honest feedback on this title.
T/W: Substance Abuse, Mentions of Suicide, Depression, Anxiety, Grief
Not going to lie, this book had a very slow start for me. I didn’t start getting into the plot until a third of the way in and then it took me until the half of the book to actually grasp what was going on.
But now I will say I have never read anything that understands and can encapsulate the pressure of constantly needing to perform or be the best while living up to the pressure of everything and everyone around you before you finally reach a breaking point.
This YA sapphic physiological thriller I didn’t know I needed was a catharsis waiting to happen. A relief of so much of the childhood pain i held onto and seeing a character like Chase come to the realization that she is more than all thing things her parent wish for her and the achievements she’s been working towards her entire life without a moment to think if this is what she really truly wants, all while wrapped up in the grief of losing her best friend and girlfriend to same ideations.
This book is for all the Chase O’hara’s out there, who have been broken and are on the mend, and those who are almost there but need to find a way out.
I guess this is more of a love letter than a review. But I do highly recommend this book.
I’m rooting for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for an arc in exchange for honest feedback on this title.
March 15, 2023
4.5 STARS
Chase’s ex girlfriend is missing. Even Lia’s new girlfriend Hunter doesn’t know where she is. As familial and school pressures mount, Chase tries to figure out what went so very wrong.
I WILL FIND YOU AGAIN is, in part, about the privilege we assume in others and how that misperception affects our relationships with ourselves and others. Chase sees her best friend as privileged, with the perfect family. Lia’s famous tv chef mom buys her everything from yachts to cars to apartments. When Chase’s parents divorced, her dad moved off Long Island to Manhattan. She moved with her mom and sister to a smaller home, no longer living across from her best friend and future girlfriend Lia. Though hardly poor, Chase compares herself to Lia. Lia feels like an outcast. Adopted from South Korea at age one to white parents, she feels like an outcast, undeserving of the gifts bestowed upon her, things she never asked for.
Sarah Lyu’s stellar writing, character building and plot construction makes her one of my favorite new YA writers. She touches on a variety of difficult issues many teens experience without preaching or providing easy answers.
One of the most interesting minor characters was Chase’s grandfather, who survived a Japanese internment camp as a boy. I’ve never seen this addressed in YA, which it’s only a few pages, the experience illustrates how trauma can affect future generations. This character is only on a few pages though the impact of his experience on Chase’s ambitious father is vital to understanding the whys of how she developed her own high standards.
I WILL FIND YOU AGAIN is one of those audiobooks that I started relistening immediately after finishing.
Chase’s ex girlfriend is missing. Even Lia’s new girlfriend Hunter doesn’t know where she is. As familial and school pressures mount, Chase tries to figure out what went so very wrong.
I WILL FIND YOU AGAIN is, in part, about the privilege we assume in others and how that misperception affects our relationships with ourselves and others. Chase sees her best friend as privileged, with the perfect family. Lia’s famous tv chef mom buys her everything from yachts to cars to apartments. When Chase’s parents divorced, her dad moved off Long Island to Manhattan. She moved with her mom and sister to a smaller home, no longer living across from her best friend and future girlfriend Lia. Though hardly poor, Chase compares herself to Lia. Lia feels like an outcast. Adopted from South Korea at age one to white parents, she feels like an outcast, undeserving of the gifts bestowed upon her, things she never asked for.
Sarah Lyu’s stellar writing, character building and plot construction makes her one of my favorite new YA writers. She touches on a variety of difficult issues many teens experience without preaching or providing easy answers.
One of the most interesting minor characters was Chase’s grandfather, who survived a Japanese internment camp as a boy. I’ve never seen this addressed in YA, which it’s only a few pages, the experience illustrates how trauma can affect future generations. This character is only on a few pages though the impact of his experience on Chase’s ambitious father is vital to understanding the whys of how she developed her own high standards.
I WILL FIND YOU AGAIN is one of those audiobooks that I started relistening immediately after finishing.
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