Ann Liang returns with her most ambitious and emotionally resonant novel yet in Never Thought I’d End Up Here, delivering a story that transcends the typical young adult romance formula. Following the success of her previous works including If You Could See the Sun, This Time It’s Real, and I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, Liang demonstrates remarkable growth as a storyteller, crafting a narrative that explores identity, belonging, and the complex relationship between heritage and self-acceptance.
The novel follows Leah Zhang, a former model whose life has taken an unexpected turn after abandoning her career. When a culturally insensitive mistake at her cousin’s wedding exposes her disconnect from her Chinese heritage, her parents enroll her in the “Journey to the East” program—a two-week educational trip across China. What should be a chance for cultural reconnection becomes complicated when Leah discovers her childhood nemesis, Cyrus Sui, is also on the trip.
Character Development That Strikes Deep
Leah’s Authentic Evolution
Liang’s greatest achievement lies in her portrayal of Leah as a protagonist who feels genuinely human rather than merely likeable. Leah’s journey from a superficial former model struggling with identity crisis to someone who discovers her authentic self is handled with remarkable nuance. Her initial plan for revenge against Cyrus feels petty and juvenile, yet entirely believable for someone who has spent years defining herself through others’ perceptions.
The author skillfully peels back Leah’s layers throughout the narrative, revealing a young woman who has been performing versions of herself for so long that she’s forgotten who she actually is. Her relationship with beauty, success, and belonging is explored with refreshing honesty. Liang doesn’t shy away from depicting the toxic aspects of the modeling industry or the pressure Leah felt to conform to certain beauty standards and cultural expectations.
Cyrus: More Than a Love Interest
Cyrus emerges as a complex character who defies the typical brooding male lead archetype. His backstory involving his parents’ divorce and his desperate desire to reunite them through academic achievement adds emotional depth that elevates him beyond mere romantic fodder. The revelation of his long-standing feelings for Leah and the truth about their shared past creates a satisfying emotional payoff that feels earned rather than convenient.
The dynamic between Leah and Cyrus evolves organically throughout their journey, moving from mutual antagonism to reluctant partnership to genuine affection. Their banter crackles with wit and underlying tension, while their quieter moments reveal vulnerabilities that make their eventual romance feel authentic.
Cultural Identity and Belonging
Authentic Exploration of Heritage
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Never Thought I’d End Up Here is Liang’s sensitive handling of cultural identity and the immigrant experience. Leah’s struggle to connect with her Chinese heritage while being fully American resonates with authenticity. The author avoids both romanticizing and vilifying either culture, instead presenting a nuanced exploration of what it means to exist between two worlds.
The journey through China serves as more than mere backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right. From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the serene bamboo forests of Guilin, each location offers Leah opportunities for reflection and growth. Liang’s descriptions are vivid without being overly ornate, capturing both the beauty and complexity of modern China.
Language as Connection
The novel’s treatment of language as a bridge to identity is particularly poignant. Leah’s gradual rediscovery of Mandarin words and phrases mirrors her emotional journey toward self-acceptance. The way memories and emotions are tied to language creates touching moments throughout the narrative, especially in Leah’s interactions with local people who show her kindness despite her linguistic limitations.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Liang’s Evolved Voice
Liang’s prose has matured significantly since her earlier works, displaying greater confidence and emotional range. Her ability to blend humor with deeper emotional moments creates a reading experience that feels both entertaining and meaningful. The first-person narrative allows readers to experience Leah’s internal struggles intimately while maintaining enough distance to see her growth objectively.
The author’s handling of dual timelines—present-day trip and past memories—is seamless, providing necessary backstory without disrupting the narrative flow. The pacing is generally strong, though some middle sections of the journey feel slightly rushed compared to the more contemplative moments.
Dialogue That Sparkles
The conversations between characters feel natural and age-appropriate, with each voice distinct and memorable. Liang particularly excels at capturing the awkwardness of teenage interactions and the way humor can both connect and deflect. The group dynamics among the trip participants create a believable social ecosystem that enhances rather than detracts from the central romance.
Themes That Resonate
The novel explores several interconnected themes with impressive depth:
Identity formation beyond external validation
The complexity of family expectations and cultural pressure
Forgiveness and the possibility of second chances
The difference between performing beauty and feeling beautiful
Finding home in unexpected places and relationships
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Inconsistencies
While the overall structure works well, certain portions of the middle section feel rushed, particularly some of the competition elements that serve as plot devices. The transition from enemies to lovers, while emotionally satisfying, could have benefited from slightly more development in the middle stages.
Supporting Character Development
Some secondary characters, particularly fellow trip participants, feel more like plot functions than fully realized individuals. While Oliver provides comic relief and Daisy offers genuine friendship, others blend together without distinct personalities or meaningful contributions to Leah’s journey.
Resolution Simplicity
The resolution of certain conflicts, particularly regarding Leah’s family relationships and her future plans, feels somewhat neat considering the complexity of the issues raised. Real-life identity struggles rarely resolve as cleanly as presented here.
Cultural Representation and Sensitivity
Liang handles cultural representation with care and authenticity, avoiding both stereotypes and oversimplification. The portrayal of China balances traditional and modern elements, presenting a country that exists in the present rather than as a museum of ancient customs. The exploration of the immigrant experience feels genuine and respectful of the complexity involved in navigating multiple cultural identities.
Comparison to Similar Works
Never Thought I’d End Up Here shares DNA with other identity-focused YA novels like American Panda by Gloria Chao and The Walled City by Ryan Graudin, but distinguishes itself through its travel narrative structure and sophisticated handling of the romance elements. Readers who enjoyed Jenny Han’s Summer I Turned Pretty series or Emery Lord’s contemporary romances will find similar emotional satisfaction here.
Recommended for Readers Who Enjoyed
The Walled City by Ryan Graudin
American Panda by Gloria Chao
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Final Verdict
Never Thought I’d End Up Here represents Ann Liang at her most confident and emotionally mature. While not without minor flaws in pacing and supporting character development, the novel succeeds brilliantly at its core mission: telling a story about finding yourself by embracing all the pieces of who you are. The romance is swoon-worthy without overshadowing the deeper themes, and the cultural exploration feels authentic and respectful.
This is a novel that will resonate particularly strongly with readers who have ever felt caught between cultures, struggled with family expectations, or questioned their own identity. Liang has crafted a story that is both specifically Chinese-American and universally human, proving once again her talent for creating characters who feel like real people facing real problems.
For fans of contemporary YA romance with substance and heart, Never Thought I’d End Up Here is an absolute must-read that will leave you both satisfied and thoughtful long after the final page.