Review of 'The Three-Body Problem'

“War of the Worlds for the 21st century.” – Wall Street Journal

A Hugo-Award winning tour de force near-future adventure with the scope of Dune and commercial action of Independence Day from China's most beloved science fiction writer

With The Three-Body Problem, English-speaking readers got their first chance to experience the multiple-award-winning and bestselling Three-Body Trilogy by China's most beloved science fiction author, Cixin Liu. The Three-Body Problem was released to great acclaim, including coverage in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The New Yorker. It also won the Hugo Award, making it the first translated novel ever to win a major SF award.

Now the first volume of the series, The Three-Body Problem, is available in paperback for the first time. Set against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space to establish contact with aliens. An alien civilization on the brink of destruction captures the signal and plans to invade Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, different camps start forming, planning to either welcome the superior beings and help them take over a world seen as corrupt, or to fight against the invasion. The result is a science fiction masterpiece of enormous scope and vision.

Review

The Three-Body Problem seemed to be an intimidating read, not in the length but in the context. However, Cixin Liu’s storytelling is thoughtful and engaging from beginning to end.

Masterful

I don’t read as much science fiction as I would like. I grew up reading fantasy, but that’s not to say I don’t like science fiction; I tend to be more selective when it comes to science fiction. But something about The Three-Body Problem caught my attention and made me pull the trigger and purchase it.

One of the best decisions I could have made.

The Three-Body Problem is absolutely amazing. This novel spans years, going back and forth between characters and scenes effortlessly to tell the story of the three-body problem while having a subplot surrounding an investigation. So, alongside the science fiction, a little mystery works to add to the plot line.

But probably the best thing about the novel was the accessibility of it.

Liu’s story includes a lot of science. This might seem daunting to some readers, but the writing and the science behind them are accessible. It was so easy to understand but not dumbed down, either. There is enough detail that allows the reader to understand the basics without getting overwhelmed by the information.

More importantly, it flows. We see something exciting when we enter the virtual reality game about the three-body problem.

In different periods, the players try to solve the three-body problem. What is the problem? I’d hate to spoil it, but it was amazing how the problem is explored and affects the alien race.

The introduction of the alien race doesn’t happen until the end, so don’t expect it early on. But the storytelling is absolutely captivating. Words cannot begin to express how excellent this novel is.

Final Thoughts

The Three-Body Problem is an amazing. Expertly building up a story, the story moves fluidly between characters and time periods and pulls together a masterful science fiction.

• Writing Quality : 10/10
• Character Development : 10/10
• "Couldn't Put It Down"-ness : 10/10
• Intellectual Depth: 10/10
• Originality: 10/10
• Overall Rating: 5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, son and daughter and their two cats.