Cixin Liu

Cixin Liu is a renowned Chinese science fiction author, best known for his 'Three-Body Problem' trilogy, which has gained international acclaim and numerous awards.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Three-Body Problem

    The book is a science fiction novel that intertwines the cultural revolution of China with a complex narrative involving astrophysics, virtual reality, and alien contact. It follows a disillusioned scientist who, after suffering personal tragedy during the Cultural Revolution, sends a message into space, only to receive a response from an alien civilization on the brink of destruction. As the aliens plan their migration to Earth, a secret organization works to facilitate the invasion, while a disparate group of scientists and military personnel attempt to understand and prevent the impending extraterrestrial crisis. The novel grapples with themes of human nature, technological advancement, and the vast, often incomprehensible universe.

    The 2320th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Death's End

    In this science fiction epic, humanity confronts an uncertain future as the universe teeters on the brink of destruction. The narrative weaves through time and space, following a complex tapestry of characters and civilizations as they grapple with advanced alien technologies, cosmic dilemmas, and philosophical quandaries. The story explores the depths of human ingenuity and the vastness of the cosmos, culminating in a profound examination of survival, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of life in the face of an unfathomable cosmos. With a blend of hard science fiction and imaginative speculation, the novel pushes the boundaries of human understanding and presents a grand vision of the ultimate fate of the universe.

    The 10253rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Dark Forest

    In the second installment of a renowned science fiction trilogy, humanity is faced with an impending alien invasion, set to occur in four centuries. The world turns to the Wallfacer Project, a strategic initiative that appoints four individuals with the power to execute plans to combat the extraterrestrial threat, their strategies hidden even from humanity to prevent the aliens from gaining foreknowledge. One of these Wallfacers, a disillusioned astronomer, devises a complex plan involving astrophysics, sociology, and game theory, all while grappling with the philosophical implications of a universe where survival is predicated on a dark forest theory, where civilizations are hunters lying in wait, ready to strike out of fear and self-preservation.

    The 11131st Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Wandering Earth

    Classic Science Fiction Collection

    In a future where the sun is rapidly expanding into a red giant, threatening to engulf Earth, humanity unites to embark on an ambitious project to save the planet by turning it into a massive spaceship. Using enormous thrusters, Earth is propelled on a centuries-long journey to a new star system. The story explores the challenges and sacrifices faced by the human race as they confront the harsh realities of space travel, the struggle for survival, and the profound impact of this monumental endeavor on society and individual lives.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. Ball Lightning

    The novel explores the mysterious and destructive phenomenon of ball lightning through the eyes of Chen, a physicist whose parents were killed by it. Driven by a desire to understand and harness this enigmatic force, Chen embarks on a journey that intertwines with military interests and scientific exploration. As he delves deeper, he encounters a brilliant but morally ambiguous scientist, Lin Yun, and together they uncover the potential of ball lightning as a weapon, raising profound ethical questions about the pursuit of knowledge and the consequences of technological advancement. The narrative blends elements of science fiction with philosophical reflections on the nature of obsession and the limits of human understanding.

  6. 6. To Hold Up The Sky

    This collection of science fiction short stories explores the vastness and complexity of the universe, blending advanced scientific concepts with profound philosophical questions. Each story delves into themes such as humanity's place in the cosmos, the potential and peril of technological advancements, and the intricate relationship between humans and extraterrestrial beings. Through imaginative narratives, the book challenges readers to contemplate the future of civilization, the nature of consciousness, and the ethical implications of scientific progress, all while maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity about the unknown.