“The Three-Body Problem: Death’s End” is the final instalment in the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy written by Chinese author Liu Cixin. It serves as the conclusion to the epic science fiction saga that began with “The Three-Body Problem” and continued with “The Dark Forest.” “Death’s End” picks up the story after the events of “The Dark Forest” and follows the protagonist, Cheng Xin, as she becomes a pivotal figure in humanity’s struggle for survival. The novel delves into the cosmic-scale conflict between different civilizations and explores profound themes of morality, human nature, and the fate of the universe.
Storyline
The book begins with Cheng Xin, a aerospace engineer, being awakened from hibernation in the 24th century. She is given a daunting mission: to make contact with the Trisolarans, an alien race from the Trisolar System, whose intentions toward humanity remain uncertain. The Trisolarans, also known as sophons, have manipulated human civilization in previous books, causing chaos and suppressing scientific progress.
As Cheng Xin undertakes her mission, the narrative expands beyond Earth and explores the vast universe, introducing new civilizations and mind-bending concepts. A significant portion of the story revolves around the concept of the “Dark Forest,” a metaphorical representation of the universe as a place of danger, where every civilization must strive to survive at the expense of others. Cheng Xin grapples with the moral implications of her actions, as she must navigate the complexities of interstellar politics and balance humanity’s survival with the potential consequences of her decisions.
The time line
The Story board
Zhizi
Cheng Xin
