Should You Read The Three-Body Problem? | Spoiler Free Series Review

[@jamesmitchell2114]

Rachel I just love your reviews, your ability to give just the right amount of information to make it a great draw but not give up the whole plot. By the way I have bought ~20 books off of your reviews.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

You always leave the kindest comments. Thanks James!

[@dalejones4322]

I was one of those people who was intimidated by this book. It wasn't overly technical and it wasn't necessary to understand the science of it to enjoy the story. Once I finished it I was really kind of proud of myself for getting through it and even more so because I liked it. I immediately read the next two and each one was better. I liked Death's End slightly better than Dark Forest. Thanks for the video Rachel

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Loved reading your opinion. Thank you Dale!

[@Casey093]

"Not all aliens are human-like, beautiful, speak english, and are friendly." Some people are easy to mind-blow.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Star Trek did no favours to the perception of aliens lol

[@ohyeaaaa1]

Thank you. I've been trying to explain this book without giving plot spoilers and I suck at it. Now I can just show this video. I'll leave it at that to refrain from spoilers. I watched the Chinese adaptation (30 episodes) and it was very accurate to the book (weak special/visual effects). I'm very excited for the Netflix adaptation. I haven't read Dark Forest yet, and I've had a decent gap, but the Chinese adaptation served as a solid refresher of the first book. I understand people's criticism of characters, but I'm more into the science and ideas of this story (as I am with most science fiction).

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I didn't know there was a Chinese tv show version until reading these comments. I hope I can find it

[@kundanchhabra]

​@@TheShadesofOrange Yes! And it's streaming now on Peacock TV with English subtitles!

[@wallhagens2001]

I’ve watched several reviews of this series and yours is the first that makes me want to give it a try! Good work!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RKStumblingbear]

I have only read the first book, and like you I am sitting in an awkward place with it. This review has really helped me to decide to pick up the next in the series.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope Dark Forest hooks you in

[@ChristinaJenkins36]

Thank you so much for your spoiler free review! This series has been on my TBR for a long time, but now I think I’ll give it a go now that I know I’ll have to read it as a whole set. 📚

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope you enjoy the books

[@coughcool3]

Thank you for another insightful episode.

[@socaltoobie8984]

Yes! In fact you have helped convince me to pick this up! I knew I could count on you to give a good review without spoilers. 😁 I especially appreciate you saying if you’re not completely on board with the first book to continue with the second. My initial thought was “well if the first book doesn’t wow me I’ll just stop there.” I will heed your advice and continue on! 👍

[@TheShadesofOrange]

So glad this was helpful

[@batmanlovesamanda]

Thank you for this review! I just got the first book. Already can't wait to start the second book despite not yet starting the first 😅

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope you enjoy them!

[@loumarcellino17Q19]

Thank you Rachel, you have peaked my curiosity on this series, and because I greatly respect your opinions, I would have to be up to the challenge to read all 3 books consecutively. I am seriously thinking about it, and ANY book I might consider, I would always love to know your take on it before deciding. Thank you for this channel and for the way you present the books you review, as the presentations are always quite thorough! Have a great day! 📚📚

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh thank you!

[@richosburn]

This review was very helpful! I did decide to decline to purchase these books, but that was based on your comprehensive breakdown that this is more an “idea” story than a “character” story and that was very helpful. I always appreciate your accessible approach to these reviews. Thank you!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Honestly I'm equally as happy for my review to help someone know a book isn't for them

[@numshy101]

The Chinese cultural revolution start was a bit surprsing for me. The mystery part engaged me a bit. But I am interested in how they show the video game in the Netflix show. This might be the most hard sci fi I have read so I would say many of the ideas presented in this series are pretty novel to me. The 2nd book is also the best for me. The 3rd is a bit disappointing. But I guess it was just too hard to supersede the 2nd book and the author somewhat failed to wrapup satisfyingly the 3rd book’s ambitious points. I also was a bit disappointed in the series main female protagonist. She seemed to become more of a frustrating device rather than the lead of the story.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I'm glad I'm not alone enjoying the 2nd book best. And the female characters certainly left something to be desired

[@Idylliac]

Remember in Norway they were trapped in maelstrom. The old man said to her, “The night I finished building the lighthouse, I took my boat out to the sea to look at it from a distance. And all of a sudden I had a thought: Death is the only lighthouse that is always lit. No matter where you sail, ultimately, you must turn toward it. Everything fades in the world, but Death endures.”" The theme "Everything has its end" is also shown in other parts of 3rd book and it's title "Death's End", and readers all accepted it as they read through the book. So why are they upset and unsatisfied with main female protagonist for there is no big bang for the universe?! The 3rd book is wrapped up with "Everything has its end" theme perfectly, and she is just doing what readers agreed or accepted.

[@AbhijeetBorkar]

I might be one of the few people who prefer book review videos to large listicle videos.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I appreciate this! Is so disappointing when listicles out perform reviews but I'd rather do more of these videos. Your comment helps motivate me to make this stuff

[@formulaeternal]

I think you got me intrigued. I’ll probably pick it up

[@cherylmccutchan1282]

I really enjoy your reviews! They do help me decide if I'll commit to a book or not, and I've put quite a few books on my TBR that you have reviewed. I loved the ideas in the Three Body Problem, and it was one of my favorite 2022 books. I did set the series down but plan to reread 3BP and then complete the series this year. I do find it really odd that this book is so popular though. The narrative seemed more like a lot of classic scifi in which the ideas were much more important than the characters.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thank you

[@richieb74]

kingkiller chronicle is a perfect 5/5 star experience this is a way awesome 4/5 star for me. It’s a huge world cixin created with lots of deep thought required to fully understand the implications of what the start is telling

[@dhservers]

Thank you for your measured review. I am in two science fiction book clubs and out of 14 people, none of us were impressed with the first book. I reluctantly went on to finish the next two books and felt they were better but needed a good editor on several levels. My wife and I watched the Netflix version and enjoyed the series and hope for more seasons. We are 20 episodes into the Amazon Prime Chinese production and it is fascinating to compare the differences, although it drags at times, it is worth the investment.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks. I was hoping it would be helpful to resonate with people who have read the series. I really want to try the Chiense version of the series

[@cherylclough4309]

Just finished The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Naylor. I found it from watching your channel. Thank you for reviewing it. I really enjoyed it. About a year or so ago, I read Sy Montgomery’s Soul of an Octopus. I loved that read and this book was a completely synergistic read. They each enhanced the other. I’m probably going to grab Naylor’s The Tusks of Extinction. So enjoy your podcasts.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it

[@Winter307]

I'm in the middle of the first book- The Three Body Problem and I'm glad I watched your review without spoilers. The book is a little wordy and the characters kind of blah but it is still interesting. I'm not usually a science fiction reader but wanted to read the series before watching the Netflix series. You made me a little more motivated to read the second book knowing now that it gets better. Thanks!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope the story has enough payoff!

[@Shadow__133]

I believe the autor himself said he didn't care for the characters at all, they are just mere means to get to the point 😂

[@wburris2007]

Five years ago I read the first 2 books, then didn't get to the third book. In Jan last year I read all 3 books, and enjoyed them much more the second time around.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I definitely find I appreciate them more with rereading

[@orbbb]

Upon my initial reading, I strongly disliked book 1. However, I persevered and delved into book 2 and 3, along with "The Redemption of Time." Like you, I found book 2 to be the highlight, and book 3 was thoroughly enjoyable. When the Tencent series adapted book 1 last summer, my perspective on the first book shifted positively after watching it. In anticipation of the Netflix adaptation, which involves significant changes, I decided to revisit the series. Surprisingly, I now find myself appreciating book 1 much more. I hope the upcoming Netflix version does justice to the books, despite the substantial alterations. One noteworthy observation about book 3 is that it reminds me of "Last and First Men" by Olaf Stapledon.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

What did you think of Redemption?

[@orbbb]

Well, what can I say about Redemption? First off it reads like fan fiction, but fan fiction that is approved by the original author. Is it great? naw, horrible? naw. I just feel it is necessary to read and see how someone would write a story in the same universe, but from a slightly different perspective. For me I just wanted to finish the story, even if it wasn't all that great. @@TheShadesofOrange

[@gregjohnson6021]

Okay, lat's talk the Three Body Problem. I actually liked the first book the most, and the reason might be telling. My favorite parts of the novel were the glimpses into life in China during and after the Cultural Revolution. Plus he found a great metaphor to go along with the idea of an implacably hostile universe. The writing was very Golden Age SF, with lots of references to writers like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. Book two read like a pulp era space opera, with more action on a larger setting and a style closer to A. E. van Vogt. But less characterization and a grander scope led to a story that was a little less personal, although still highly enjoyable. Book three was more of a problem. Characterization is almost completely abandoned in favor of wide-scale philosophical speculations in the manner of Olaf Stapledon with the problem being that Liu is an engineer, not a philosopher, and his attempts at using science fiction to create a complete philosophical universe don't quite succeed. The series as a whole is well worth reading, though, even if the author isn't quite able to pull off a final reconciliation that lives up to the grandness and complexity of the physics and cosmology that underlie the series as a whole.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Loved reading your thoughts. Interesting that you enjoy book 1. Definitely an uncommon opinion on the trilogy

[@sarahbevc2434]

Thank you! This helped me to decide to finally read this series. I've been thinking about it for a really long time and after listening to your thoughts, I'm excited to try them.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

So glad this was helpful

[@PeteTheGeek196]

I enjoyed The Three-Body Problem. It has intriguing science and some fantastic twists. I think Liu Cixin's strength is creating the atmosphere of the story. I'm looking forward to reading The Dark Forest.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope you love it even more!

[@James-ip7zk]

Of course you should, it is one the best reads of the last decade. Powerful, fun and intricatw

[@Shadow__133]

Than you! This helped me to decide to never read this series. I've been thinking about it for a short time and after listening to your thoughts, I'm excited I didn't fall for the peer social pressure bolstered by the tv show launch.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I'm actually just as pleased to hear I helped someone pass on a book series. I ended up enjoying it but life is too short to read something you aren't going to love

[@Shadow__133]

@@TheShadesofOrangeI wholeheartedly agree. I usually read two books per month, yet have an excess of unread samples waiting for my time. The background narrative appears intriguing, but I found The Enders saga from my youth to be enough to cover my quota for extensive sci-fi stories spanning millennia.

[@moonwatcher8657]

Read this two summers back. Just begun The Dark Forest this afternoon and am really looking forward to it.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope you enjoy it

[@justheathers]

Very much appreciate your video. I'm about 65% through The Three Body Problem and was feeling like I might not bother finishing the series, but now I will!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Glad this was helpful

[@aditj]

I got part of the way through the first book. I guess I could go back and give it a shot!

[@addy7464]

Thank you... Even though i am a physicist i still felt kind of in the middle about this book... Some chapters were great but overall it was like a 6 out of 10 for me and i was pretty confused about if i should read book two or not... This video is exactly what i was looking for.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Glad if it provided any clarity

[@ZpGKillua]

i loved the first book, it was giving me chills constantly throughout. I enjoyed it more than the 2nd and 3rd one. But I know many people prefer the 2nd one. It's interesting to hear everyone's opinion.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah I don't hear of too many people who prefer book one

[@ZpGKillua]

​@@TheShadesofOrange I wonder if it was because the first one had more hard science and mystries. Or maybe I just hyped myself up.

[@DMGGoodTimes]

This is exactly what i was searching for..❤

[@ferrag0279]

This is one of the best series I have read. Book 1 is good, book 2 is phenomenal, book 3 great. Characters are in general not well developed but the sci fi concepts are incredible and the books keep giving. A must read

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Agreed!

[@NomadicBrian]

Listened to 'The Three Body Problem' and I think I might have drifted a bit. Granted Audible is a fairly new experiment for me. All the previous Science Fiction prior I actually read. I watched the streaming 'Tencent' version and found that I did get most of it but got a few things reinforced. I'm into book 2 'The Dark Forest' and I am finding it considerably more engaging. I was a fence sitter coming into the second book but I am feeling that I will recommend it when done. I also have to get used to listening while I multitask. I work with application code so when I'm just typing the code and would otherwise listen to music I'm trying to do it with Audible books. Hopefully I'll adjust.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I personally only recommend listen to audiobooks while multitasking if it's something mindless like laundry. I love audiobooks because I don't listen when I have to do something like typing or reading

[@oshapermadi]

I've read this book after i finished the netflix series. It adds more detail to the nf adaptation. For someone who really love science like me, this book is awesome. But i don't really recommended this book for beginner tho.

[@josephiyeke8946]

The 2nd book is the most interesting to me, but the third is the one that has took the most risk. I’ve also read the sanctioned FanFic, and that was problematic. I’d love if they released this series one episode at a time & give people time to discuss each in its own.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I can see what you mean by book 3rd taking risks. By fanfic... are you talking about Redemption? Is it bad?

[@josephiyeke8946]

Yeah, it’s Redemption. It falls into the typical women written by men tropes. It’s definitely fun hearing about his ideas about the aliens physiology and higher dimensions though.

[@kovenant7]

Read it but didn't feel driven to continue. After this review going to continue to book two thanks!

[@jessileemiller]

I'm about to try this again. I just put the audio on hold through Libby. I tried reading this with my eyes last year and just couldn't get into it even though I was SO into the idea. I'm such a character driven reader so I think that was part of my problem. I'm hoping the audiobook helps me get through because I am so interested!

[@granthoffman315]

I started the physical book as well and had to DNF after only 20-30 pages. I'm not sure if it was a bad translation, but the writing was so poor I couldn't understand how it was even published.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Hope the audio does the trick for you

[@mgelliott1]

I read the 3 books straight through a few weeks ago. I would say it blew my mind, not because of Dark Forest per se, but because of the time scale and the ideas in the book (matter removal ) were quite ambitious/novel (to me). Surprised if folks are complaining about female rep. One of the main characters, IMO, if not 2, are women. Given the cultural subject matter, it could have been far far worse. Finally, if you have not done so, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend reading the novella/companion novel Redemption of Time. Even though the author is different, the writing (or translation) is seamless in terms of style. I unfortunately read ROT last, it is probably book 2.5. Anyway, ROT, provided much needed and VERY interesting detail that Liu should've included himself. Way more character depth you stated was lacking. The blurb on the book by the author states Liu gave his 100% endorsement and support for this work. It totally adds depth and flavor to something key that was hand waived/ignored in the three Liu books. Anyway, great video.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Love reading your reaction to this series. At this time, I haven't read the companion novel yet

[@mistyk.1734]

He actually only endorsed the book because his publishers basically forced him to... And it's also the reason he'll probably never write more in this universe (he might have written about Yun, but he doesn't feel like he can anymore because some of his ideas already appeared in the fanfic). :(

[@epiphoney]

I actually watched the Chinese tv show first, which is longer than the audiobook, before reading the first book. Maybe that helped. The tv show had some nice music, and is very accurate to the book. And I haven't read the 2nd book yet, but it sounds good. I've also seen the 2 Wandering Earth movies which have nothing to do with the short stories, but have some pretty cool scenes. Great space elevator in the 2nd movie. I hear characters from later books are in the Netflix show right away. And Wang got turned into 5 people. Maybe in the finale their powers combine.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I really want to try the Chinese version

[@macrograms]

It is thick, dense, and packed. It does help to be open to exploring what life might have been like during pre/post revolutionary china. As an alternative, the Tencent version of the TV show is pretty damned amazing, IMHO. I'm skeptical of the american TV series of the same books and show but we'll see how that goes. The whole complete story on the other hand is (while amazing) horrifying and dark. Like if dystopias aren't depressing enough for you, here - have these books! :)

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I'm just learning about the other TV series from the comments. I will try to check it out

[@laraelwing]

I started the 1st book and stopped bc life got too busy and I intended to start again and still didn't! I am very excited for the tv show and plan to watch this first season and read the books after. It usually doesn't spoil for me, I loved the tv series of Silo and am so excited to read it now!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah I often watch shows before reading the book

[@kundanchhabra]

I haven't read the books but I am up to Episode 4 of the Chinese serial adaptation now streaming on Peacock TV. [SORT of SPOILER below]: Yes from Plato's allegory of the Cave and Hindu "Kalpa" to the modern day "Matrix", it's actually a very old idea.

[@Jacobenz]

In reading the English translation of this series, I couldn't help wonder if the translator introduced some of the issues I had with the prose. Something tells me the story is superior in Chinese. That's just a feeling though, a hope.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah the one Translator, Ken Liu, is quite renowned by I always wonder what could get lost in translation

[@elbandito5411]

I haven't read these books yet but I definitely am going to because I have a feeling these books may read like a physics techs book which I could get into. I understand why the show focuses more on the characters because the general watching audience will not be that interested in the science like sci-fi nerds like me. If the Netflix series goes there than it will fail like the MCU did when they started their whole multiverse concept which is too complicated for most. I will read these books. Thanks for not spoiling them for me.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I hope you enjoy them

[@elbandito5411]

@@TheShadesofOrange thank you. I think I will.

[@andrewgillis5997]

Saving for later. I'm 3/4 the way through Death's End. can't wait.

[@iknownothing-49]

I had to read the book twice. The first time I gave up after I’d read 3/4 of it. It wasn’t the story, nor necessarily the plot. It was the way characters and their way of living in society was portrayed. It took me 2 years to understand a totally, for me, different point of view of what constitutes a hero, a citizen, a protaganist. I came back to it with a more open mind and willingness to see a different world view. It still wasn’t an “easy” read. I’ve waited a year and I’m ready to read The Dark Forest.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I definitely see it as one I'll need to reread. A few times

[@iknownothing-49]

@@TheShadesofOrange Arg, life is too short for me to read a book more then twice unless of course it one of my super favorites. But you’re making a living (hopefully) from this so it’s more important for you to “get” it.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

​@ImeldaFagin this is definitely not a job for me

[@TheMike28212]

Terrific video. I'm glad I gave the series a second chance as well. I agree that book two is the best of the series.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks Mike!

[@namne11]

Great review Rachel. I personally loved the entire series and it's up there with The Expanse(which i gave a chance thanks to your reviews) as one of my favorites all time. As a science geek, this had some of the most mind blowing scifi concepts I've ever read. I like the expanse slightly more just cuz the balance of character driven plot and story driven plot were balanced better than in this series. However, it was so refreshing to see this type of story being told from a non western pov and how that might impact the story. I'm personally a patient reader so i didn't mind all the set up at the start. I definitely agree reading the second book right after this book is the way to. Still find it hilarious though both the expanse and this start out as detective stories and keep growing to become such a huge epic saga. keep up the amazing work you do with these reviews. ❤❤

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Haha I didn't think about the connection about how both stories start. I agree it's nice to see a non western POV

[@sociallyhawkword]

great review! i was completely opposite and book 2 was the weakest for me. i think because of the different translator (I was not as much a fan of the writing style for book 2) and also because it didn't have as much of a secondary story element - like the video game in book 1 or the fairy tale from book 3. those were my favourite elements.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

So interesting that we had opposite feelings on book 2!

[@RSW6666]

How do you feel about the prequel? Or the book #4? Are they worth the time and money?

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Your timing is perfect because I just posted this... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nne7eKWhfMR0bJY

[@robws007]

Great channel! Does the Netflix series cover all 3 books or just the first one?

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I'm not sure but I would assume they'll make more seasons to cover the later books if the first season performs well

[@robws007]

@@TheShadesofOrange makes sense, thanks!

[@eldritchdragon]

📚 First time visit - I loved the spoiler-free review, thank you. I have subscribed. 😉 📚

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Thanks

[@ronagoodwell2709]

Waiting for the original Chinese movie (series) version of the book(s). Whole story of Trisolaris becomes additionally interesting in light of recent discoveries by JWST regarding Proxima Centauri B and what appears to be artificial light on the surface. PCB is planet in binary plus one-star system. Closest to earth. Some very weird coincidences going on here.

[@DJ-mw6mm]

I finished the series and enjoyed the premise and hard sci-fi aspects. The individual characters are somewhat relatable. Appreciate that the book doesn't lean on tried and true tropes of the genre. It's the overall societal reaction that is totally lost on me and made the books hard to finish. I guess it's a western/eastern thing...but I didn't buy into the way the author portrayed the way governments and large groups responded to the alien threat.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah I understand that this book will have additional meaning for those who understand the Eastern Cultural elements

[@cindywingetbooks]

I am still intimidated by this one, if I am being honest. Have you read either Salvaged or Reclaimed by Madeleine Roux? If so, are they any good?

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I didn't love Salvaged

[@cindywingetbooks]

@@TheShadesofOrange good to know

[@soniascs8238]

👏 Read the first one months ago,liked but not loved it. Will reread before getting to the second one, thanks for the tip! Hope the tv series is good!🤞

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I also am hoping the TV show delivers

[@DearReaders_thisisJess]

This one is on my TBR!!

[@tely5]

I read a lot of science fiction. I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded, the concepts in the books and the massive implications for humanity. However, as you mentioned, the characters left something to be desired. Normally I don't feel I am overly picky about having strong charactes, but some of the characters were, as you mentioned, frustrating. For me, that made the books sort of a slog to get through. I also saw where the books were not very female-friendly, and I wonder if it is a cultural thing. So your review is pretty spot-on as a recommendation with some caveats. Not everyeone will enjoy the books, but they are worth trying out.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Glad my recommendation felt fair and balanced!

[@EarhirX]

At last someone with whom I agree on this book! Yes, It is a good story, yes it has some very nice concepts. No it is not mind-blowing, and I can barely call it a novel. It is interesting in the way that it is interesting to listen to Neil deGrasse Tyson or Brian Cox, but as a story is not all that appealing. It is more of a medium for exposition

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah it felt like a lot of the DeGrasse Tyson books I've read. I like learning those science theories but I had heard nearly all of them before in non fiction works

[@Selinalinaly]

That book is not for me. However, I always enjoy your book reviews and content 📚📚

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Oh thank you!

[@ddra105]

I think I will give it a try!! 📚

[@johncandy6508]

Great review. Chinese 'culture' often doesn't not consider 'women' as prominent in society and culture and especially not in places of significance.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah I suspected that the place of the female characters reflected traditional values

[@rocsimmons8535]

Thank you 👍🏽

[@khomo12]

I have, of course, heard about this one....interesting review!👍👍👍📚🤖🚀🐲

[@lisacole6037]

I read the first book but can't be bothered with the next two. I was bored. Maybe I didn't get it. 🤔

[@granthoffman315]

I started the physical book as well and had to DNF after only 20-30 pages. I'm not sure if it was a bad translation, but the writing was so poor I couldn't understand how it was even published.

[@danroosh7699]

I loved the series, but had there not been some hype carrying me through I may not have. There is no character development, very concept heavy, the translation of the first seems to not be as good as the 2nd and 3rd. The others are MUCH better, same big concepts but the scope pans out massively. TL;DR first book is rough, next two are fascinating

[@TheShadesofOrange]

It's tough because book 1 isn't very reputable of the rest of the series. It's kinda one where you have to keep reading before I was able to appreciate book 1

[@itowilltube]

thanks. i enjoy your reviews and that you dont try to over sell the novel as revolutionary or instant genius but go for a little more authenticity this is definitely a book i was seeing everywhere but never pushed as what I'd try but now seems like a good time to start if you read this comment Im curious if you read Sleeping Giants and if you enjoyed it

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Appreciate the feedback. That's definitely what I'm going for. I have read Sleeping Giants. I liked the premise more than the reading experience but that's mostly because I don't enjoy books written in interview format

[@JohnSmith-x8s5g]

Read first book a couple of years ago not knowing much about except it was The It Book of the moment. Your comment describing it as "a prologue" was good, since when I finished I thought: is that it? When you get to the end of a big book only to be told "something Bad is coming", well...yeah, we could have been given something more in book #1. Also it didn't seep in the dangers of the Cultural Revolution. You have my sympathies for reading it twice.🛸

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I honestly enjoyed it a lot more the second time. If I has known if it was a prologue, I likely would have picked up the next book sooner

[@Eugen963]

Book series relies on events instead of characters. Events start on Earth and end up involving the whole universe. Chinese series by Tencent was close to the book but Netflix messed it up

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I was pretty disappointed by the Netflix show

[@davidcottrell1308]

This story took an immense amount of effort from the author...and, honestly, kinda takes a bit of effort to read. Lots of twists and turns. In the end, it felt a bit like it ran out of energy, and the promise of a good story wasn't exactly fulfilled, imho. Still, some very interesting ideas.

[@ignacioramirezbautista2056]

If the defense is that "Well you have to read the second book to like the first one.." then to me the first one is not good enough to be read in the first place. a book, even part of a trilogy needs to be able to stand on its own.

[@SanthanamSridharan]

Can you please do a review of project hail mary?

[@PhreakPhantom]

I found "Blindsight" a much harder book to comprehend (and I like it wayyy more then 3BP)

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I enjoyed this trilogy but I also agree with your comment

[@mmaft5697]

I loved the series It is, though, one of the rare examples where the netflix series did a better job on the plot and characters while staying true to the book

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I preferred the books but the tv definitely had more chances development

[@rausaen]

If you're the type that likes thrillers where something is happening and it's happening right now, then this book is not for you. If you like hard sci-fi and you're patient, I'd check this book out. In my opinion, it's setting up the world for the trilogy as a whole.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yes I agree that if someone is expecting the usual modern sci fi thriller, they could be disappointed

[@mfrattola]

very good review 👍♥

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

afraid I had to give up on reading this I couldn't get through the dreary cultural revolution stuff and couldn't really see where it was all supposed to be going⚛😀

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I know you're not alone

[@michaelme1548]

I’ve tried twice and could only make it halfway through the second book. I couldn’t find a single interesting character. The characters motivations didn’t make sense to me.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah I feel like the characters aren't the reason to read this trilogy

[@michaelme1548]

@@TheShadesofOrange For a work of fiction, I don’t need to like the characters but I need to be interested in them. To me, a nonfiction book discussing the concepts would be better. The reason I tried a second time is because I was told it gets better. It might get better after the point I stopped at but I just couldn’t make myself continue. It’s a shame because the concept is fascinating.

[@erlendsvendsen7277]

It sounds to me like this is a book I should read myself and not listen to. I always have to read myself if the stories are complex🙂

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah it's definitely one to read in whatever format will give you the best focus

[@Darrkness]

I still need to read this series! 👽🛸

[@luisutil9070]

Original book... amazing

[@cavendar24]

"I encourage you to continue on into the dark forest." Sounds creepy.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

🌲🌲🌲

[@printface4935]

I wonder if anyone agrees with me. I do not read trilogies or series' anymore because I've found what I'm sure others have: the first book is good, the second is a fluffy bridge, to the third which almost always too derivative of the original and usually a let down. My second is more personal; I'm really tired of "world building" as some kind of measure of quality. Far too often If I find worlds full of weak characters, weak plot lines, unrealistic motivations, preposterous situations, endless tropes, and gobs of fluff and worse. Give it a sequel and it's sunk. Sorry Dune.

[@nazimelmardi]

You maybe let out that the first part is about the cultural revolution in China. And it gives a lot about the picture. And all the book is in a very much not western view perspective. That’s why it seems strange (mentioned the female characters). It won’t care about today’s expectations about checking boxes at all. It’s more like a sci-fi written in the age of Asimov. I think the old man would love it. But also we should mention that it’s very depressing. So those who are in a bad place now … it’s not advised to read it!!

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I didn't think providing the historical context a spoiler so I am sorry if you felt that. I typically only mention this that are immediately apparent in the first chapter or so. And some of my views is meant to address other critiques, hence the comments on female representation. It's reason to read the book, but I think it's a shame if people dismiss the book on that point

[@nazimelmardi]

@@TheShadesofOrange that’s true. I didn’t think as a spoiler. I read this book series years ago. I specifically meant that this starts with a historical perspective so as Merph Napier(I was the one suggesting her to read it) did, you have some insight to that historical era, you can appreciate that how on point it is. And as for the female characters some people take it too much today and I added it that they should look at other cultures with context. We are not the center of the universe so our understanding on how to check boxes in books today is not a necessary need on the globe and we don’t have to be offended so much. I saw this book reviewed and some made a point on this and it’s just sad that they DNF the book because of the girlfriend of you know who. That’s overreacting.

[@Tetsujin-28]

I think I'll be better served watching the series. Read 100pgs in on the 1st book and was *meh*.

[@AidanGalileo]

Cool 🙌🔥

[@zubaerchaudhari8267]

Hello there hey there 😊😊😊😊😊hey hey 😊😊

[@shakenbacon-vm4eu]

It’s a shame cuz the first book is so dry and boring, and the next 2 are amazing. It’s hard though to get to those since the first is ugh.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Yeah I find it frustrating when books have misleading starts

[@GrammaticusBooks]

Thanks for the in-depth review but I'm going to politely disagree. The book has problems. Flat, cardboard cut out characters. Glacial pacing, And some truly awful prose. I personally don't recommend it as a quality work of science fiction.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

I definitely didn't read it for dimensional characters

[@michaelhansen7516]

I found the first book unreadable. Nothing about it is good. Whether you know science or literature, you will find this story unbelievable, contrived, and stilted.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

Appreciate reading your experience even if it was different than mine

[@dan7163]

I read the first book and hated it. I'm not going to waste time with the rest. I don't care about the Chinese way of life

[@TepidShambles]

📚

[@Octobig]

📚📚📚

[@roanokebrooks]

🛸

[@katharynbaker5592]

📚🚀

[@cristawocadlo7025]

📚🖖🎈

[@zacharia827]

🤯

[@jamesbaird1342]

🐱🐱🐧📚

[@Elayzee]

It's easily the most overrated sci-fi series ever. The concepts is incredible but brought down by bland character and awkward dialogue (which could be a translation issue though) awful pacing. It's not bad, it's just okay. I think I was disappointed because of just how much Quinn's Ideas overhyped it to high heaven.