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The Three-Body Problem

Now a major Netflix series
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( 408,735 ratings, 39,368 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu is a thought-provoking sci-fi novel that explores humanity's first contact with an alien civilisation. Set against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, it delves into complex scientific ideas and the profound consequences of extraterrestrial encounters. The story weaves together historical events, scientific discovery, and gripping suspense.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy intricate, high-concept science fiction that blends real scientific theories with imaginative storytelling. It's a gripping tale that explores humanity's first contact with an alien civilisation against the backdrop of China's tumultuous cultural revolution, offering a unique and thought-provoking read.

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The Three-Body Problem

After a spate of apparent suicides among elite scientists, nanotech engineer Wang Miao is asked to infiltrate a secretive cabal. During his investigation, Wang is inducted into a mysterious online game that is the key to humanity's place in the cosmos and the key to the extinction-level threat it now faces.

The opening installment of China's best-selling apocalyptic space opera trilogy.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu is a masterful blend of science fiction and gripping narrative, inviting readers to delve into a world where the line between science and fiction blurs. Set against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution, the novel weaves a tale that spans decades, exploring the profound effects of one woman's trauma on her life and, eventually, on the fate of humanity.

In 1967, Ye Wenjie endures the harrowing experience of witnessing her father, a prominent physicist, being brutally beaten to death by Red Guards. This pivotal moment not only shapes her destiny but also sows the seeds for events that will transcend time and space. Ye Wenjie’s ensuing decisions and actions become integral to a sequence of extraordinary occurrences that thrust her into the heart of an unimaginable cosmic conflict.

Four decades later, Beijing's authorities enlist Wang Miao, a nanotechnology expert, to infiltrate a clandestine group of scientists. The mission comes on the heels of a string of bizarre suicides, hinting at an underlying conspiracy. Wang’s journey of discovery leads him to “Three-Body,” a perplexing online game that mirrors the erratic dynamics of a real-world stellar system controlled by three suns. As Wang immerses himself in this enigmatic virtual environment, he uncovers clues that suggest these complex celestial interactions hold the answers to the recent scientific deaths and a far-reaching, galaxy-spanning conspiracy.

The mystery intensifies as Wang’s investigation reveals an impending existential threat to humanity. The interactions of the three-body system within the game act as an allegory for profound scientific questions and hidden dangers, culminating in revelations that challenge the very survival of the human race. As the secrets of the "three-body problem" unfold, readers are taken on a spellbinding ride through intricate scientific theories and richly imagined speculative scenarios.

The Three-Body Problem has garnered extensive acclaim, resonating across a broad spectrum of readers. Wired hails it as “Your next favourite sci-fi novel,” while former U.S. President Barack Obama describes it as “Immense.” Renowned author George R.R. Martin praises its uniqueness, and the Guardian encapsulates its grandeur, labeling it “SF in the grand style.” The Daily Mail lauds it as “Mind-altering and immersive.”

This novel is the recipient of the prestigious Hugo and Galaxy Awards for Best Novel, affirming its standing as a seminal work in the science fiction genre. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and rich scientific underpinnings, The Three-Body Problem offers both an intellectual challenge and an exhilarating reading experience, soon to be adapted into a highly anticipated Netflix Original Series by the creators of Game of Thrones.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu is celebrated for its unique blend of scientific and philosophical ideas, delivering a mix of politics, history, and cosmology. Praised for its imaginative scope, clear writing, and robust scientific concepts, the translation also gets high marks for preserving the book's depth. Many reviewers hail it as a milestone in science fiction, both captivating and intellectually stimulating, drawing comparisons to genre classics. The novel's grand scale and intricate plotting appeal to a broad audience, from sci-fi aficionados to casual readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784971571

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 December 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Head of Zeus

Contributors:

  • Translated by Ken Liu

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 448

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About the Author

Cixin Liu is China's #1 SF writer and author of The Three-Body Problem – the first ever translated novel to win a Hugo Award. Prior to becoming a writer, Liu worked as an engineer in a power plant in Yangquan. Ken Liu is an award-winning American author of speculative fiction. His collection, The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories, has been published in more than a dozen languages. Liu's other works include The Grace of Kings, The Wall of Storms, and Star Wars tie-in The Legends of Luke Skywalker, and a second collection The Hidden Girl and Other Stories. He has been involved in multiple media adaptations of his work including the short story 'Good Hunting', adapted as an episode in Netflix's animated series Love, Death + Robots; and AMC's Pantheon, adapted from an interconnected series of short stories. 'The Hidden Girl', 'The Message', and The Grace of Kings have also been optioned for development. Liu previously worked as a software engineer, corporate lawyer, and litigation consultant. He frequently speaks at conferences and universities on topics including futurism, cryptocurrency, the mathematics of origami, and others. Liu lives with his family near Boston, Massachusetts.

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