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fishky's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know why I always forget, but Cixin Liu is funny and weird as fuck. The scientific language can make it seem very smart, measured etc but when you get down to it, this is a ghost story that led to racing thoughts, existential read and a resigned exasperation with the role of the military in scientific exploration. Also, I can't stop reading about ball lightning. I hope that people who like books like Dark Matter give books like these more of a chance in the future.
ccollard58's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy Cixin Liu because his stories come from the very different viewpoint of mainland China. The cultural perspective is usually odd and often a little surprising, prompting be to try to read up on the cultural revolution or the latest goings-on there.
That aside the characters here are quite engaging and I really enjoyed their discussions. Refreshing and fun in many ways.
The science was interesting as well, although i found the "macro atomic" explanation pretty implausible, but hey, it's science fiction. and outside of that premise the rest of the science was very grounded and rational.
Ball Lightning is not as far-reaching in scope as the three-body series. Liu explains in the afterward that he felt the smaller story was in keeping with the "invention story" pattern that was dominant in Chinese scifi at the time and would be better accepted domestically. I think the great success of three-body shows otherwise though.
Anyway, this book was ultimately a little sad and wistful in it's final result but in a way that I still enjoyed.
Read this for a breath of fresh are in the scifi genre. Definitely worth it.
That aside the characters here are quite engaging and I really enjoyed their discussions. Refreshing and fun in many ways.
The science was interesting as well, although i found the "macro atomic" explanation pretty implausible, but hey, it's science fiction. and outside of that premise the rest of the science was very grounded and rational.
Ball Lightning is not as far-reaching in scope as the three-body series. Liu explains in the afterward that he felt the smaller story was in keeping with the "invention story" pattern that was dominant in Chinese scifi at the time and would be better accepted domestically. I think the great success of three-body shows otherwise though.
Anyway, this book was ultimately a little sad and wistful in it's final result but in a way that I still enjoyed.
Read this for a breath of fresh are in the scifi genre. Definitely worth it.
arwen_w's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
mrstorycraft's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
pijus25's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
theramblingreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
gilpat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I enjoyed this book overall, it is quite hard sci-fi. I liked the author (in the prelude) describing it as a prequel to the Three-Body Problem trilogy as I was planning to read them next if I can get hold of it through Libby .
The science here is really hard indeed and I did struggle to follow it at times. While certain sections of the descriptions, analysis, and outcomes washed over me, it didn't really detract from my reading of the novel. It's like Cixin Liu builds everything layer by layer, slowly, but easily followed.
I also really enjoyed the progression and development of the characters and the human side of the story.
The science here is really hard indeed and I did struggle to follow it at times. While certain sections of the descriptions, analysis, and outcomes washed over me, it didn't really detract from my reading of the novel. It's like Cixin Liu builds everything layer by layer, slowly, but easily followed.
I also really enjoyed the progression and development of the characters and the human side of the story.
dnaxiii's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
I absolutely loved Three Body Problem, but had a hard time getting into this one.
It comes off as a PhD thesis with a little plot sprinkled in. I like nerdy science, but it felt overdone here and stretches deep into the realm of unbelievable, such as applying quantum physics to the "macro" world.
I was interested in the concept and still feel this could have made a great short story, perhaps 100-150 pages tops.
I've certainly read worse books. This isn't bad, but it's also not great in my opinion. I would have a hard time recommending it.
It comes off as a PhD thesis with a little plot sprinkled in. I like nerdy science, but it felt overdone here and stretches deep into the realm of unbelievable, such as applying quantum physics to the "macro" world.
I was interested in the concept and still feel this could have made a great short story, perhaps 100-150 pages tops.
I've certainly read worse books. This isn't bad, but it's also not great in my opinion. I would have a hard time recommending it.