The Redemption of Time

The Redemption of Time by Baoshu
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The Redemption of Time: A Three-Body Problem Novel" attempts to continue the legacy of Liu Cixin's renowned trilogy, but sadly falls short of the mark. As a fanfiction-like work by Baoshu, it ventures into new storylines and characters within the familiar universe. However, it disappointingly lacks the scientific depth and complexity that made the original trilogy so captivating.

While the concept of humanity's struggle against the Trisolarans remains intriguing, the execution feels more like a fantasy tale rather than a science-driven narrative. I had hoped for a more grounded exploration of the universe, akin to the "Remembrance of Earth's Past" trilogy, but this installment fails to deliver on that front.

As an unofficial sequel, "The Redemption of Time" tries to pay tribute to the original trilogy, but it's evident that it lacks the masterful touch of Liu Cixin. While authorized by the acclaimed author himself, the absence of his direct involvement is palpable throughout the book.

I found myself persevering through the pages solely due to the sunk cost fallacy and my passion for reading, but it was a struggle to maintain interest. There were long stretches of the story that failed to engage me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this work was a departure from the essence of the original series.

On a positive note, the writing style remained clear and concise, a trait that foreign authors like the Chinese often excel in. The book was devoid of unnecessary explicit content, maintaining a clean approach to storytelling.

Regrettably, "The Redemption of Time" failed to live up to my expectations, and I can only offer it a one-star rating. As I move on to my next science fiction novel, I hope to find a more compelling and scientifically immersive experience.

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