Ro's Recz

In a previous post, I wrote about the Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin. The Dark Forest is the second book in the series, and I thought it was an incredible read. While I had mixed feelings about the first one (it was good, but also kind of confusing and difficult to understand), I had no mixed feelings about the second one.

The Dark Forest is also a science fiction novel, but I found it easier to understand. There were definitely some parts that could have been better explained, but once the story gets going, the book is hard to put down. I would say that once you get past the first 20% of the book, the rest of the book is great.

I do not want to give any spoilers, but just a brief synopsis, the book is about the continued interaction between Earth and the Trisolarian society that is coming to invade it. It also goes much more into detail about the Wallfacer plan and Luo Ji. The book really makes you think a lot, and once again, it is just far enough outside the realm of possibility that it is science fiction (but also makes you think what would actually happen if we could make contact with an alien civilization).

The title of the book (The Dark Forest), is a really apt title, and it is something that is explained at the end of the book. If you have ever heard of The Fermi Paradox concept, I think you can guess the basics of the story; however, if the concept is new to you, then I would read the book and research the concept more after.

Obviously, you have to read the first book in order to understand what is going on in this one. However, the second book is definitely a must read, so make sure you read the first one as well. There is one more book left in the trilogy called Death’s End, and I will be starting that book shortly. Look for an upcoming post about it in the next couple of weeks.

The Dark Forest Recommendation Rating: 4

1: Something worth checking out if you have time

2: Something that is a hit for some people, but not a must for everyone

3: Something worth prioritizing if interested

4: Something worth making time to check out

5: An absolute home run, worth going out of your way for