Lots of science is packed into this story. The possibility of communicating with an alien civilization and the consequences of this contact are handled in a very rational, engaging story. It reads very different to western sci-fi and it is quite the thrill to read this Chinese novel, even if some references are hard to get (shout out to the translator who does a great job of contextualization via footnotes). It is a mid opening story about humanity and our reaction to contact. Also an exercise in the scope of the universe and the meaning of communication across the stars. My only gripe is that the countdown that appeared at the star of the book in Wang's camera and vision seems to be forgotten among the rest of the stories. I am quite excited to follow on with the secon book and read along the full trilogy.
Highly recommended!