thebadishradish 's review for:

The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu

4.0

challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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This is a great sequel; in my opinion it surpasses The Three Body Problem in every way. A rich, deeply thought-out discussion of what humanity could or would do to prepare for an alien invasion against all odds. The Wallfacer Project, the Dark Forest axioms, defeatism vs Escapsim; all very interesting and well executed concepts.

The time jump was also well done, as it had enough of a through-line in characters and events to feel like the same narrative.

The whole bit about Luo Ji’s imaginary girlfriend felt like out-of-place copium, but who’s to say.