A review by nhewitt99
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I'm a little conflicted on this one. The combination of near-future science, factional infighting, and suspense remind me of some of my favorite SCP flash fiction. When this is combined with the vibrant and vulnerable details from the author's lived experience, it should result in something I adore. However, the matter-of-fact dialogue and extraterrestrial tech cause the book to become almost silly in its final act.
I especially liked the introduction, pacing, Ye's character arc, and

the thematic parallels of self-preservation and loss of identity in the face of the Cultural Revolution or extraterrestrial invasion

. I particularly disliked the heavyhanded worldbuilding, flat dialogue, and

the creation of the Trisolaris Sophon

.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Violence