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Liu Cixin

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 36 Books

6
Series
36
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Liulang Diqiu / The Wandering Earth (1999)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Daishang Tade Yanjing / Her Eyes on the Belt (1998)

About Liu Cixin

Born on 23rd June, 1963, in the city of Yangquan in the Shanxi province of the People’s Republic of China, Liu Cixin has quickly risen in prominence among the science fiction writers of China to achieve a rare position in the global club of popular science fiction writers. Born to humble roots, Liu was trained at the North China University of Water Conservancy and Electric power, from where he was able to graduate in 1988, to begin working as a computer engineer for a local power plant. Liu Cixin’s experience as a novelist began in 2002, when his first novel was published to widespread acclaim. Since then, Liu has gone on to publish several novels and short stories in the science fiction genre. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, Liu Cixin has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Liu Cixin

Publication Order of The Three-Body Problem Books
3 books 2006–2010
1

The Three-Body Problem

The Three-Body Problem continues the Publication Order of The Three-Body Problem Books story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
2

The Dark Forest

The Dark Forest is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Three-Body Problem Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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2008
3

Death's End

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death's End as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Three-Body Problem Books series showcases Liu Cixin's mastery of suspense.

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2010
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 1998–2019
1

Daishang Tade Yanjing / Her Eyes on the Belt

Daishang Tade Yanjing / Her Eyes on the Belt is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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1998
2

Ball Lightning

Ball Lightning continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
3

Supernova Era

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Supernova Era, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2019
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
17 books 1999–2021
1

Liulang Diqiu / The Wandering Earth

Liulang Diqiu / The Wandering Earth continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
2

Quan Pingdai Zuse Sai Ganrao / The Complete Frequency Blocking Fortress

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Quan Pingdai Zuse Sai Ganrao / The Complete Frequency Blocking Fortress, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2000
3

Zhongguo Taiyang / Sun of China

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Zhongguo Taiyang / Sun of China, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2001
4

Devourer

Devourer is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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2002
5

Diqiu Dapao / Earth's Cannon / Cannonball

Diqiu Dapao / Earth's Cannon / Cannonball continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
6

Jingzi / Mirror

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Jingzi / Mirror, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2003
7

Shanyang Renlei / To Support Mankind / For The Benefit of Mankind

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Shanyang Renlei / To Support Mankind / For The Benefit of Mankind, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2005
8

The Cretaceous Past

The Cretaceous Past continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
9

The Micro-Age / Micro-Era

The Micro-Age / Micro-Era continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
10

With Her Eyes / Through Her Eyes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with With Her Eyes / Through Her Eyes, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2008
11

The Weight of Memories

The Weight of Memories continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
12

Mountain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Mountain, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2012
13

Taking Care of God

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Taking Care of God, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2012
14

The Longest Fall

The Longest Fall is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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2012
15

Curse 5.0

Curse 5.0 continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
16

The Circle

The Circle continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
17

Of Ants and Dinosaurs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Of Ants and Dinosaurs, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2021
Publication Order of Collections
3 books 2005–2024
1

The Wandering Earth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Wandering Earth, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2005
2

To Hold Up the Sky

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with To Hold Up the Sky, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2020
3

A View from the Stars

A View from the Stars is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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2024
Publication Order of Graphic Novels
7 books 2021–2022
1

Sea of Dreams

Sea of Dreams is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Graphic Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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2021
2

The Wandering Earth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Graphic Novels with The Wandering Earth, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2021
3

The Village Teacher

The Village Teacher is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Graphic Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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2021
4

Yuanyuan's Bubbles

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Graphic Novels with Yuanyuan's Bubbles, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2021
5

Cixin Liu's Yuanyuan's Bubbles

Cixin Liu's Yuanyuan's Bubbles continues the Publication Order of Graphic Novels story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
6

Butterfly

Butterfly is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Graphic Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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2022
7

The Circle

The Circle continues the Publication Order of Graphic Novels story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 2014–2019
1

Carbide Tipped Pens

Carbide Tipped Pens continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Liu Cixin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
2

Some of the Best from Tor.com, 2016 Edition

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Some of the Best from Tor.com, 2016 Edition, another outstanding contribution from Liu Cixin.

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2017
3

Clarkesworld Year Ten: Volume One

Clarkesworld Year Ten: Volume One is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Liu Cixin have come to expect.

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2019

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Liu Cixin?

Liu Cixin is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 36 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Three-Body Problem Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Liu Cixin series to start with?

For readers new to Liu Cixin's work, the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 17 books. Begin with Liulang Diqiu / The Wandering Earth to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Liu Cixin written?

Liu Cixin has written over 36 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Liu Cixin books in order?

Yes, reading Liu Cixin's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Liu Cixin write in?

Liu Cixin writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 36 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Liu Cixin's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Liu Cixin's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Liu Cixin's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Liu Cixin's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series. The first book, Liulang Diqiu / The Wandering Earth, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.