mimirtells's review against another edition
5.0
5/5 Stars (%88/100)
The story revolves around the idea that the sun is going to explode and that Earth needs to leave the orbit in order to survive. It sounds a bit complicated and weird, so let me explain.
The sun is apparently evolving into a red sun but in the process of that evolution, there will be a helium flash that would destroy other planets. Humanity notices the situation of the Sun and decides that it is best to leave the orbit and find a new one. They build huge engines called the Earth Engines that will launch them towards a new system called Proxima Centauri. I'll leave a quotation so you can understand the whole plan of humanity.
Our protagonist is born in the Reigning Age and describes his and also the Earth's journey towards a new life. In the end, we see an older and much wiser man who has seen things. I really liked the story. I wish it was longer than 45 pages because I was just getting ready. Yet, the ending is very good that you do not want to learn what happens next. You can only guess what happens to our protagonist and more importantly, the Earth. As a guy who LOVES Three Body Problem trilogy, this short story/novella was definitely a treat.
The story revolves around the idea that the sun is going to explode and that Earth needs to leave the orbit in order to survive. It sounds a bit complicated and weird, so let me explain.
The sun is apparently evolving into a red sun but in the process of that evolution, there will be a helium flash that would destroy other planets. Humanity notices the situation of the Sun and decides that it is best to leave the orbit and find a new one. They build huge engines called the Earth Engines that will launch them towards a new system called Proxima Centauri. I'll leave a quotation so you can understand the whole plan of humanity.
Humanity's exodus would proceed in five steps: First, the Earth Engines' jets would be used to counteract the Earth's movement, stopping its rotation. Second, the engines' entire power would be used to set the Earth on a new path, accelerating the Earth into escape velocity, taking it away from the Sun. Third, in outer space, the Earth would continue to accelerate as it traveled to Proxima Centauri. Fourth, in transit, the Earth Engines would be re-aligned, the Earth's rotation would be restarted and the deceleration process initiated. And then fifth, the Earth would be moored in an orbit around Proxima Centauri, becoming its planet. People also called these five steps the “Reining Age”, the “Exodial Age”, the “First Wandering Age” (during acceleration), the “Second Wandering Age” (during deceleration), and the “New Sun Age”. The entire exodus would last 2,500 years, about 100 generations.
Our protagonist is born in the Reigning Age and describes his and also the Earth's journey towards a new life. In the end, we see an older and much wiser man who has seen things. I really liked the story. I wish it was longer than 45 pages because I was just getting ready. Yet, the ending is very good that you do not want to learn what happens next. You can only guess what happens to our protagonist and more importantly, the Earth. As a guy who LOVES Three Body Problem trilogy, this short story/novella was definitely a treat.
darklylit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ulisg's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rosgw's review against another edition
4.0
Another brilliant concept. I read this as part of a collection of short stories, all of them different. I like Liu’s idea in this short - let’s stick a bunch of engines on the surface of the earth. Makes total sense! Hard sci-fi right there.
astenson's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
cloramagone's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
favorites:
-the wandering earth
-mountain
-of ants and dinosaurs
-the wages of humanity
-taking care of gods
alright:
-sun of china
-curse 5.0
-micro-age
-devourer
-with her eyes
-the longest fall
-the wandering earth
-mountain
-of ants and dinosaurs
-the wages of humanity
-taking care of gods
alright:
-sun of china
-curse 5.0
-micro-age
-devourer
-with her eyes
-the longest fall
bluechambrey's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
dotvicky's review against another edition
4.0
Good hard sci-fi. Some stories work better than others but I feel their concepts will stay with me for a while and their execution is well done.
Read as my son was listening to it on audiobook.
Read as my son was listening to it on audiobook.
rcriii's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars means good. Definitely recommend ed for science fiction fans, a window into Chinese sf.
pharmdad2007's review against another edition
5.0
Cixin Liu is quickly becoming one of my favorite sci-fi authors. These stories are masterfully crafted and diversely interesting.