I’m nearly finished book 3 and have the reverse opinion - for me book 2 was the weakest of them; books 1 and 2 my clear favourites. Wonder if this reflects our preferences for translation style as much as the quality of the sci-fi itself? Books 1 & 3 were translated by Ken Liu; book 2 by Joel Martinson.

Thanks for the input. I might go back and give book two a try then! :-)