Death’s End by Cixin Liu

Now that I’ve finished all of the books in the Remembrance of Earth’s trilogy, I can confidently declare Cixin Liu as my favorite SciFi author. He writes as if he has the expertise of a PhD in physics and he spins narratives with very direct, yet touching and thoughtful prose.

Reading Liu's work is addicting, so much so that I have literal withdrawals when I’m not reading. Being able to go deep into a novel for hours on end without tiring out is such an incredible sensation. I’ll remember the feeling of going into my dorm room in NCHW and snuggling up on my pillows to read with my phone on DND. Warm lamp light; LEDs surrounding the square windows; and a large pillow leaning against my bed frame.

(Wyatt has not finished the series so I won’t name anything particular that could even remotely spoil it. I'll update this post after he's done.)

The first book is mystery. The second book is a reflection of human societies, our nature and yearning for progress, and has a focus on strategy. The third book does both the first and second and more. It makes me feel that we are truly just less than dust on the grand scale of the universe. It makes me rethink first principles of how society should be formed; how it cyclically changes through time; and how we come to prioritize different modes of thought. Liu is also talented at making his readers ask the big questions through his incredibly riveting plot, which has a philosophical nature without subscribing to any one school of thought. Although after a certain level of fulfillment on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs humans will always face similar core problems. Liu does a fantastic job at showing those core problems in modern society and in a futuristic realm, comparing and contrasting the two through concepts like hibernation and "historical archives."

I find myself wishing to be born into a distant future. One where society focuses on relishing life and learning and not on status, symbols, and institutions. Hibernate away into a world with near infinite energy and where people can focus on their life's callings.

Anyone who aspires to be grand enough to leave their mark on the universe (not just humanity) should read and reflect on this book.

The universe is grand, but life is grander. - Sophon