[Insert literary and intellectual comment saying how this is the bestest sci fi book.]

This science fiction novel written by Cixin Liu was a very interesting and enjoyable read. The way he described things was very explicit and detailed. While reading the story, I felt like I was living in the world the plot takes place in. The characters in the story were all pretty interesting and all of them felt like they served a purpose. What I enjoyed most about the book was its use of flash-forwards and flashbacks. This is because doing so made me feel that the plot was constantly progressing and that there weren’t any fillers. I recommend this book to anyone who is willing to give it a try or is interested in sci-fi novels. @firstname_lastname of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library

This is a fantastic look at what happens when science and philosophy collide. This is for fans of hard science fiction. Any commenters disbelieving trinary star systems and creatures that can dehydrate to survive droughts are clearly ignoring the fact that we already know these things exist. Honestly, frogs surviving being frozen is stranger than that to me. The science is interesting, as are the ideas about nature and humanity. For everyone who has thought about humanity's place in nature, this is worth reading.

Three years ago I tried to read, forgot that I had and tried again. I didn't get too far after it drifted in fantasy and I recalled part of it. Looking back, I like the characters even less, and there is so much that you have "just go with it." My two-star rating is how I think readers of plausible science fiction would view this work. Granted that almost all sci fi is unrealistic in positing faster-than-light travel, one big "suspension of disbelief" should be enough, but here we have characters rolled up like bark wood, the laws of physics upended, a planet orbiting a trinary star, is too much.
Perhaps reading it in the original Chinese would make it better, but from what I read, the story is more "told" than experienced by getting into the minds of the principle characters.
However, readers vote with the books they read, and this one has dozens of copies and a long waiting list from our library. You may be among the droves of people who will love this book.

A highly imaginative and richly textured plot, with a satisfying amount of historical, sociological, and scientific context. The central premise itself is intensely thought provoking and the more speculative scientific elaborations, while sometimes lacking credibility, are unfailingly entertaining. I hope the sequels maintain this level of quality.

I am two thirds through the first book, and can not wait to get my hands on the next ones. Refreshing sci-fi, on par w/ the great classics out there.

Mind-blowing! Really good imaginative science fiction from a Chinese author. It is perhaps useful to have some passing knowledge of physics, but not necessary, I think. Has echoes of Asimov's work (thinking of the Foundation series). The fact that it s written from a Chinese perspective and with Chinese sensibilities made for a fresh tone to what might have otherwise been a more 'conventional' sci-fi story. Currently reading the next volume of the trilogy. I have no idea how this is going to pan out! I recommend.

I really wanted to like it, and it's possible I'm just not smart enough to appreciate/understand it, but I just couldn't get in to it. I finished it, but it was a chore.

Finally got around to reading this brilliant Chinese science fiction novel. If you know a bit about Chinese history and philosophy you're going to enjoy this even more. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3.

This title is a unique take on what it would take for humanity to make contact with an alien race and what the ramifications of said contact would be for our species. A slow-burn to be sure, but one that is ultimately rewarding for the reader.