The Three-Body Problem Paperback – January 12, 2016

Todd Hoff & Linda Coleman

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The Sick Puppies Got it Wrong

August 29, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Originally I passed on this book. Even in one of those desparate hunts for something new to read it didn't resonate with me. So I have to admit picking it up to see what the kerfuffle was about. What kind of book do all those sick puppies think unworthy of a Hugo award?

It turns out the book they think unworthy is incredible. And ironically their ideological pogrom fits perfectly within the book!

You want big ideas? It's there and there again.

You want something different? I've never read anything like it before. This is so not a colonial dudes-rule-everything universe.

You want to learn something? You will. Not only about science and human nature, but of an era probably only someone from China can communicate fully. It's fascinating.

You want big scary aliens? You got 'em.

You want high table stakes? How about the future of humanity?

You want that unsettled feeling you get when you both deeply disagree and agree with an idea? Oh yes, that little knife twist is there.

You want great writing? I'd say the writing is good, with many moments of greatness. In particular the beginning prose really pops. Then the writing moves the story along nicely with brief forrays back into lusciousness.

A worthy winner in my estimation. It's a great story well told. And that's what it's all about.

285 people found this helpful

The beginning of a tremendous saga

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Marnina

November 23, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

It's impossible to rate this book on it's own since it's part of a stunning trilogy, and the quality of this book only really shines in the context of the whole. Cixin gets very technical in parts, and descriptions of physics can go on, and on. For that reason, I am glad that I had an audiobook for this one. I'm an academic, and already do a lot of reading, and some sections would start to feel more like work than relaxation. Still, I might have drifted off a little here and there during the most intense technical descriptions, but still paid enough attention to learn a bit about the speed of light, black holes and different dimensions.

I also put the series down in the middle of the second book when I realized that there was not a single female character left that was a significant part of the narrative. But, I came back to it eventually, and I'm so glad I did. As it turns out, the 3rd book is largely from a feminine point of view, and thinking back, I'm pretty sure that Cixin was intentionally emphasizing a masculine point of view in the second book.

Otherwise, the incredible scope of this book and the sheer audacity of even trying to tell this the story Cixin tells is breathtaking. It even has the quality of a fairy tale, but not a modern Disney version, more like the old dark folk tales of the past. Cixin waxes and wanes from optimism and despair, destruction and renewal and yin and yang throughout. As with life, there is no fairy tale ending, the story just ends when it ends.

I'm going to be thinking about this story for many years to come.

20 people found this helpful

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Buy This Book!

June 22, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I was on the fence about this book for a couple of years but I finally took the plunge and am extremely happy that I did! The reviews seemed to be a bit of a mixed bag and I saw some people suggest that it lacked interesting characters. Having read this book as well as its two sequels I can firmly say that this is not the case. There are several compelling and interesting characters in this book.

Above all else the plot, world-building and pacing of the book are completely top notch. To have a hard sci-fi book that is not about space marines and laser guns but still manages to be a page-turner that you can't put down is an amazing achievement! This book represents the best in science fiction. It's about big ideas and examining possibilities. I refuse to discuss the plot but if you have an interest in science and technology and love the hard sci-fi genre, stop reading this review and order the book immediately!

I will provide one disclaimer. If you have no interest in science whatsoever or just lack an aptitude or understanding of it, this book series may not be for you. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to enjoy this book but you probably will need to have at least a baseline understanding of some basic scientific principals and/or a willingness to google some stuff.

Anyway, get it!!

9 people found this helpful

Slow to Start but Worth It!!

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Most recent customer reviews

Amanda F

It’s slow to start! You might start reading it and think ‘how is this a sci fi book?’, like I did! But keep going and eventually it will hook you!!Read more

Published 8 hours ago

Ivo Atanasov

Fascinating

I was delighted by the author's vision and imagination. The book truly deserves a Hugo Award!

Published 1 day ago

Mr Bill

Great story

Great story. Read it.

Published 3 days ago

windsurfnerd

Thrilling ride!

I really enjoyed this book! The dual levels of the story were woven together well, and the intensity built up to frantic pace-turning at the climax!

This is a hard book to describe. It's hard science fiction done well. The science is amazing (I did a lot of googling).Read more

lisa

Very intriguing concept

Great Science Fiction in the vein of Asimov

Joe

This guy is the Chinese Asimov!

Not my cup of tea. No real reason just not what I like.

Gerald C. Delie

Disappointed