“Oftentimes, the most powerful weapon is not a physical force, but an idea.” - Death’s End, Cixin Liu A vast universe of space-zipping aliens, gravity-defying spaceships, four-dimensional exploration, and literal

star-crossed romance is beautifully encapsulated by Cixin Liu's Three-Body Problem series. To this day, it remains the most popular sci-fi series in China, known if not read by most of China's literate population. Its publication truly marked a turning point in China's sci-fi scene.

The three-part saga runs from the siege of Constantinople, Mao-era construction in Northern China, to billions of years after the demise of the solar system by a twodimensional “slip”. It blends realism with fascinating imagination, "hard" science with heart-breaking loneliness and romance. It raises deep questions about humanity's place in the universe. In the "dark forest" of the universe full of hunters and easy targets, where exposure could mean destruction because for powerful extraterrestrial civilizations,it's easier to eliminate any threat than to make contact and verify.

For those unfamiliar with Chinese history, the book offers a glimpse into the chaos and disruptions of the 1950s and 60s. Set in the Northeastern region of China, the Hong ‘an Base (Red Coast Base) is described believably and with close attention to detail.

As the first Asia to win the Hugo awards, the Three-Body Problem series is a wonderful read for sci-fi enthusiasts and novices alike. Now translated into English, and having been adapted into a Netflix series and movie, it is reaching ever more overseas readers and viewers.