The Three-Body Problem

Yes, Liu Cixin uses the literal orbital mechanics problem of three interacting celestial bodies as the central premise for the alien Trisolaran civilization. Their home planet is trapped in a chaotic three-star system, which drives their desperate need to conquer Earth.

The 2024 Netflix series, adapted by the creators of Game of Thrones, covers the events of the first book alongside elements from the sequels. It modernizes the timeline to the present day rather than focusing heavily on the 1960s and 70s Cultural Revolution backstory like the original novel.

The Three-Body Problem concludes with the Trisolarans' fleet heading toward Earth, setting up a direct cliffhanger. To see how humanity survives the impending invasion, you have to read the sequels, The Dark Forest and Death's End, written by Liu Cixin.

The novel opens during the 1960s Cultural Revolution in China, featuring brutal struggles and public executions that the author utilizes to explain the protagonist's disillusionment with humanity. While the specific characters are fictional, the political climate and violence depicted are grounded in the very real historical events of that era.