The Three-Body Problem
by Liu Cixin
Against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space to establish contact with aliens. An alien civilization on the brink of destruction captures the signal and plans to invade Earth.
The Redemption of Timeby Baoshu
The officially sanctioned expansion of the Three-Body universe.
Why you'll love it:If you want to know what happened to Yun Tianming, this is the essential next step in the saga.
Foundationby Isaac Asimov
The classic epic of mathematical sociology and galactic civilization.
Why you'll love it:Like Three-Body, it explores the grand sweep of history and the power of 'scientific' prediction on a cosmic scale.
Project Hail Maryby Andy Weir
A high-stakes survival story where science is the only weapon.
Why you'll love it:Features the same iterative 'problem-solving with hard science' vibe that makes the first Three-Body book so addictive.
Children of Timeby Adrian Tchaikovsky
An epic saga of evolution and the desperate remnants of humanity.
Why you'll love it:An incredible look at non-human intelligence and long-term societal planning that will captivate Liu Cixin fans.
Duneby Frank Herbert
A monumental blend of politics, religion, and ecology.
Why you'll love it:The 'Dark Forest' theory of the universe finds its sociopolitical equivalent in the ruthless power structures of Arrakis.
Hyperionby Dan Simmons
A complex, interweaving narrative of six pilgrims on a journey.
Why you'll love it:Combines hard sci-fi concepts with a philosophical depth and structural complexity that Liu Cixin readers appreciate.
Leviathan Wakesby James S.A. Corey
Gritty space opera meets detective noir and political conspiracy.
Why you'll love it:Perfect if you enjoyed the grounded, detective-work beginning of Three-Body before it went full cosmic.
All Systems Redby Martha Wells
A sardonic look at consciousness and corporate power.
Why you'll love it:While shorter, its exploration of non-human viewpoint and technology constraints is sharp and clever.
Ender’s Gameby Orson Scott Card
A child trained to lead Earth's fleet against an alien threat.
Why you'll love it:Explores the psychological cost of interstellar war and the concept of 'understanding the enemy' in a way that parallels the ETO camp.
Rendezvous with Ramaby Arthur C. Clarke
Exploring a mysterious alien vessel entering our solar system.
Why you'll love it:The purest form of 'scientific wonder and existential mystery' that feels like the soul of Liu Cixin's writing.