The Three Body Problem

cover

In a word

Flawless.

Absolutely. Read it. Now.

Thoughts (spoiler free!)

This novel is outstanding, and there's really nothing else to say.

I would particularly like to commend the author for respecting the reader's time: every concept is interesting, contemplative, brief, and in the service of the plot. Where every other sci fi author goes off on self-indulgent tangents, Liu Cixin shows masterful discipline and self restraint; this novel couldn't lose a single paragraph without also losing essential context, and that's an incredible feat.

The translator also deserves special commendation.