Books Like...

Ball Lightning by Liu Cixin revolves around the study of the mysterious phenomenon of ball lightning, impacting the life of the protagonist from an early age. The story delves into the protagonist's lifelong dedication to understanding ball lightning, leading him into military applications of his scientific research and raising questions about the moral responsibility of scientists. The narrative explores themes of science, morality, and the consequences of scientific discoveries when used for destructive purposes. The book combines elements of renegade scientists, quantum physics, and military intrigue, with a touch of speculative fiction involving aliens watching from afar.

The plot unfolds through the lens of atmospheric scientists, military personnel, and researchers entwined in the quest to harness ball lightning's power for warfare. Characters with personal connections to tragedies involving advanced weaponry and the protagonist's journey to unravel the mysteries of ball lightning drive the narrative forward. The book explores complex questions about the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists, the blurred lines between knowledge and its applications, and the unforeseen consequences of scientific advancements when manipulated for destructive purposes.

Supernova Era by Liu Cixin is a science fiction novel that explores a world where a nearby supernova extinguishes all human life over the age of thirteen, leaving the children to fend for themselves. The book delves into themes of societal transition, political commentary, and the consequences of a global shift to a children's society. Through a nuanced exploration of how different cultures and societies might react to such a cataclysmic event, Liu Cixin presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to consider the implications of a world ruled by children.

The writing style of Supernova Era is described as a blend of science fiction and near future fiction, reminiscent of works like Lord of the Flies. The author's ability to present complex ideas in a subtle manner, coupled with a unique storytelling approach, keeps readers engaged as they navigate through a world where children must adapt to a new reality without adult guidance.

'The Dark Forest' is the second volume in the 'Remembrance of Earth's Past' series by Liu Cixin. The story follows Earth's struggle against the impending Trisolarian invasion fleet, hindered by the sophons. The narrative delves into the concept of the Wallfacers, individuals tasked with preventing the sophons from uncovering their plans, adding layers of complexity to the storyline. The book explores themes of existentialism, human resilience, and the darker aspects of society, all set against a backdrop of advanced technology and interstellar conflict.

The writing style in 'The Dark Forest' is noted for its blend of psychology, horror, and futurism, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative. Readers appreciate the imaginative and high-concept sci-fi elements introduced, such as the Wallfacer strategy, cryogenic hibernation, and the exploration of human behavior under extreme circumstances. The book is praised for its ability to maintain interest through character development, intricate subplots, and a compelling storyline that evolves over generations, setting the stage for an epic showdown in the series' conclusion.

'Death's End' by Liu Cixin is the final installment in the 'Remembrance of Earth’s Past' series, exploring grand concepts of humanity's destiny in an uncaring universe. The narrative spans from the cultural revolution to 18 million years in the future, delving into the inescapable darkness of the vision while raising questions about morality and the bleak nature of the universe. The author masterfully progresses from one event to its inevitable consequence, leading to a mind-blowing conclusion that challenges readers to think about the dark questions posed by the storyline.

presents a mix of hard science fiction and anthropological ideas, with each installment in the series showcasing a unique tone and direction. 'Death's End' changes themes and storylines multiple times, highlighting human survival as a species and focusing on the grandest scale of the trilogy. The narrative inspires with its raised stakes, despite losing some relatability found in the previous books, and provides an epic conclusion that is unlike any other science fiction novel.

Invisible Planets by Ken Liu is a collection of contemporary Chinese science fiction stories that offer a diverse range of narratives, from social commentary to technological fantasy. The book showcases the distinctive characteristics of Chinese science fiction, exploring themes such as political satire, technological advancements, and social issues that resonate both in China and the US. The stories cover a wide spectrum, from hope-filled sci-fi to thought-provoking dystopian futures, providing a rich and varied insight into the world of Chinese speculative fiction.

The anthology includes works by various Chinese authors, translated and edited by Ken Liu, offering readers a glimpse into the imaginative worlds created by these talented writers. With stories that range from interstellar travel to social stratification, the collection presents a blend of hard science fiction, fantasy, and poetic writing that captivates and challenges readers to explore new perspectives on the genre.

'To Hold Up the Sky' by Liu Cixin is a collection of short stories that delves into vast scientific ideas while maintaining a human touch. The stories range from exploring the cosmos to the intimate connections between individuals, all wrapped in vivid imagery and concise storytelling. Cixin Liu's writing style combines incredible creativity with scientific credibility, offering a mix of optimism and brilliant concepts that make readers ponder the mysteries of the universe.

'The Cultural Revolution: A People's History, 1962-1976' by Frank Dikotter provides a detailed account of the Cultural Revolution in China under Mao's rule. It delves into the societal upheaval orchestrated by Mao against his perceived enemies within the party and army, leading to mass social chaos and political purges. The author chronicles the events unfolding during this period, highlighting the manipulation of the masses and the authoritarian control exerted by Mao to maintain power. Through a narrative that combines firsthand accounts and historical analysis, the book exposes the dark and disturbing aspects of the Cultural Revolution, shedding light on how unchecked leadership can lead to devastating consequences within a society.

'The Redemption of Time' by Baoshu is a fan fiction continuation of the 'Three-Body' series by Cixin Liu. Readers describe it as a complex and masterful piece of literature that weaves together plot points left unresolved in the original trilogy. Baoshu's writing style is said to be campy at times but overall a good story that ties up loose ends and provides explanations for some of the stranger events that occurred in the previous books.

'Broken Stars: Contemporary Chinese Science Fiction in Translation' by Ken Liu is a collection of sixteen short stories from various Chinese authors, exploring themes of family, love, friendship, and science fiction. The stories range from alien encounters to time travel, with a focus on human emotions and relationships. also includes three essays delving into the origin and rise of Chinese science fiction, offering readers a diverse and intriguing glimpse into the world of Chinese speculative fiction.

In "The Golden Apple," readers are taken on a journey reminiscent of fractured fairy tales, where a woman named Kayla finds herself in a contest for her hand in marriage, involving a perilous trip through cursed woods with her soon-to-be husband. The book introduces a cast of characters, including Kayla, Rane, and Soren, as they navigate through a world filled with sorcerers, wild magic, and unexpected twists.