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Cover of The Dark Forest

Science fiction · Fantasy

The Dark Forest

by Cixin Liu

4.3 out of 5, from 1,994 ratings from Hardcover readers

The second book of the Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy. Humanity knows an alien fleet is coming and has centuries to prepare, and chooses a handful of individuals to devise strategies that must stay secret even from their own side.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2008
Pace
Medium
Length
Long
Pages
480
Format
Book 2 of 4 in Remembrance of Earth's Past
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Read this if you enjoy huge-concept science fiction that treats first contact as a problem of game theory.

Skip this if you haven't read the first book, or you want strong character work over ideas.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Suicide

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Alcoholism

Quick answers about The Dark Forest

What is The Dark Forest about?
The second book of the Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy. Humanity knows an alien fleet is coming and has centuries to prepare, and chooses a handful of individuals to devise strategies that must stay secret even from their own side.
Who should read The Dark Forest?
Read it if you enjoy huge-concept science fiction that treats first contact as a problem of game theory. Skip it if you haven't read the first book, or you want strong character work over ideas.
How long and how fast is The Dark Forest?
It is a medium-paced, long read of about 480 pages, first published in 2008.
Does The Dark Forest have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Suicide.
Can I borrow The Dark Forest for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Dark Forest; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Dark Forest?
Readers who liked it often move on to Hyperion, Rendezvous with Rama, Children of Time.

Where to get it

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