The Three-Body Problem

by Liu Cixin, Cixin Liu
The Three-Body Problem cover
Good Books rating 4.24
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £25.00 Multiple items • £100.00
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  • ID: 1919
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781784971540
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2015-03-12
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

The Three-Body Problem is a critically acclaimed science-fiction novel that has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Set against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution and spanning decades, the story follows Ye Wenjie, whose traumatic past shapes the future of humanity. The narrative weaves together complex scientific concepts, a mysterious online game, and a conspiracy that transcends light-years, culminating in an extinction-level threat. /n/n Praised by luminaries like Barack Obama and George R.R. Martin, this novel is a testament to the power of speculative fiction. It has won prestigious awards, including the Hugo and Galaxy Awards for Best Novel, and has been adapted into a major Netflix series by the creators of Game of Thrones. The Three-Body Problem is a gripping exploration of human ingenuity, cosmic mysteries, and the potential for both salvation and destruction.

Reviews
The Idea Dumpster · 2025-10-18
captivating 4.00

The Dark Forest theory is a highlight, offering a compelling response to the Fermi Paradox. The reviewer finds the mix of hard science and philosophical ideas captivating.

The reviewer is particularly drawn to the Dark Forest theory presented in the trilogy, which offers a thought-provoking response to the Fermi Paradox. They appreciate the blend of hard science and philosophical ideas, which make the book both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. The reviewer notes that while the characters can sometimes feel dry, the depth of the concepts more than makes up for it. Overall, they find the trilogy to be a rich and rewarding read that challenges the reader to think deeply about the universe and humanity's place in it.

Quick quotes

    One of my abiding takeaways from The Three-Body problem is the discussion of the Dark Forest theory as a response to the Fermi Paradox.

    The mix of hard science fiction and philosophical ideas really makes you think.

    The characters are a bit dry at times, but the concepts are fascinating.

SAGANet · 2024-10-29
intriguing 4.20

The book is noted for its ability to balance deep fear and insignificance with wonder and hope. The reviewer appreciates the heady mixture of emotions that the story evokes.

The reviewer from SAGANet highlights Liu Cixin's ability to balance deep fear and insignificance with wonder and hope, creating a heady mixture of emotions. They appreciate the intricate plot and the rich background, which add depth and complexity to the story. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to evoke a range of emotions, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Liu Cixin has found a balance between feelings of deep fear and insignificance with wonder, hope, and awe.

    A heady mixture that most people probably feel when contemplating the vastness of the universe.

    The plot itself is interesting, although what you see on the tin is pretty close to what you get in the finished product.

Sifa Elizabeth Reads · Sifa Elizabeth · 2024-03-06
good 4.50

The reviewer enjoys the book's hard science fiction elements and its deep roots in actual science. They find the narrative engaging and appreciate the detailed exploration of scientific concepts.

Sifa Elizabeth highlights that The Three-Body Problem is a hard science fiction novel, which she particularly enjoys. She appreciates the book's deep roots in actual science, noting that most of the novel is grounded in real scientific principles. Elizabeth finds the narrative engaging and the exploration of scientific concepts detailed and thought-provoking. She also mentions that the audiobook version enhances the reading experience, making complex ideas more accessible.

Quick quotes

    This is a hard science fiction novel, which is something I really enjoy.

    I liked books deeply rooted in actual science, and most of this book is ...

    The audiobook version enhances the reading experience, making complex ideas more accessible.

Words and Peace · 2022-01-15
brilliant 4.25

The reviewer finds the book rich in background and ultimate message, appreciating its layered storytelling and deep themes.

The reviewer from Words and Peace notes that The Three-Body Problem is extremely rich in its background and ultimate message. They appreciate the novel's layered storytelling, which is characteristic of Cixin Liu's work. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of complex themes and its ability to convey deep messages through intricate narratives particularly noteworthy. They highlight the novel's depth and the way it challenges readers to think critically about the themes presented.

Quick quotes

    The book is extremely rich in its background and in its ultimate message.

    It contains many layers, as apparently usual in Cixin Liu's novels.

    The novel's exploration of complex themes and its ability to convey deep messages through intricate narratives is particularly noteworthy.

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