Remembrance of Earth's Past books in order
Liu Cixin's books carry the full argument in three volumes, from a Cultural Revolution opening to the long view of Death's End.
- 1
The Three-Body Problem
2014 · 3 Body Problem (Netflix), season 1 (2024)Science fiction, first published in Chinese in 2008, and the basis of the Netflix series.
- 2
The Dark Forest
2015 · Parts used in season 1; later seasons expected, book-to-season mapping not announcedThe second volume, translated into English by Joel Martinsen.
- 3
Death's End
2016 · Netflix says the series will reach it; no season setThe third volume, which Netflix says the series will reach.
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What the books give you
Only in the books
The books carry the full argument across three volumes, from the Cultural Revolution opening to the Death's End finale.
What the screen changes
The series moves the story to present-day London and changes some protagonists' race and gender. Seasons 2 and 3 are renewed, so the comparison will keep growing.
Show differences (spoilers)
Editions
- 1
The Three-Body Problem, Ken Liu translation
Tor Books in the US, Head of Zeus in the UK, 2014
- 2
The Dark Forest, Joel Martinsen translation
English edition, Tor Books, 2015
- 3
The Three-Body Problem audiobook
Narrated by Luke Daniels, 2014; a 2023 edition is narrated by Rosalind Chao
More by Liu Cixin
- 1
Ball Lightning
2018 · English edition of a 2004 novel, a precursor to The Three-Body Problem
- 2
Supernova Era
2019 · a supernova's radiation harms everyone over thirteen
If you liked it
- 1
Blindsight
Peter Watts · 2006 · a crew investigates a comet broadcasting a mysterious signal
- 2
Children of Time
Adrian Tchaikovsky · 2015 · engineered spiders build a civilization on a reshaped world
- 3
Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir · 2021 · a 2026 film adaptation
Quick answers
Which book is each movie and series based on?
| Movie or series | Book |
|---|---|
| 3 Body Problem (Netflix) | The Three-Body Problem (2014) · eight episodes in season 1; seasons 2 and 3 renewed |
In what order should I read Remembrance of Earth's Past?
Read The Three-Body Problem, then The Dark Forest and Death's End, the three books of Remembrance of Earth's Past by Liu Cixin. English editions came out from 2014 to 2016, and the Netflix series 3 Body Problem is based on the first book.
What book is 3 Body Problem based on?
3 Body Problem, the Netflix series that premiered on March 21, 2024, is based mainly on Liu Cixin's The Three-Body Problem, the first book of Remembrance of Earth's Past, with ideas from The Dark Forest and Death's End. Season 2 finished filming in January 2026.
How many Remembrance of Earth's Past books are there?
Three: The Three-Body Problem (English 2014), The Dark Forest (2015) and Death's End (2016), all published in the US by Tor Books. The Chinese originals came out in 2008 and 2010.
In what order should I read the Three-Body Problem books?
In publication order: The Three-Body Problem, then The Dark Forest, then Death's End. Start with the first book, since the Netflix series is based on it and it opens in China's Cultural Revolution.
Is Ball Lightning part of the Three-Body Problem series?
No. Ball Lightning is a separate novel, first published in Chinese in 2004 and in English by Tor Books in 2018. Wikipedia describes it as a precursor to The Three-Body Problem, so it can be read before the trilogy.