The Dark Forest (2015)

Written on January 30th, 2022 by James

Author: Cixin Liu

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Part 2 of 3 of the 3 body problem series.

This one follows on from the first book, which I was so struck with it was one of my favourite books. Initially I struggled to start this one, picking it up at various times and then putting it down again. But in the end it was just as enjoyable – if not more so – than the first.

It shifts things into the future somewhat, outlining the attempts of humanity to deal with the Trisolarian invasion – the strategic thinking/manuvuering. I found the story really settled in this book and found patience.

The dark forest concept is also a very striking theory. I like this passage from the book:

“The universe is a dark forest. Every civilisation is an armed hunter stalking through the trees like a ghost, gently pushing aside branches that block the path and trying to tread without sound. Even breathing is done with care. The hunter has to be careful, because everywhere in the forest are stealthy hunters like her. If she finds another life—another hunter, angel, or a demon, a delicate infant to tottering old man, a fairy or demigod—there’s only one thing she can do: open fire and eliminate them.”