[drclau]

My opinion is that the 2nd book is the best of the trilogy, followed closely by the 3rd. The 1st, I could have done without, except that there's some information that will help make sense of things in the 2nd. Maybe a good summary can replace the 1st book entirely for some readers.

To answer your question, I think it's worth reading them. I enjoyed them both. There are some smart ideas in there, the Dark Forrest Theory being probably the most famous, and one in particular that is overlooked: an interesting (fictional) explanation for dark matter. There are some good characters too. Also, they're better written (or maybe better translated?).

The story progresses faster into the future, with some characters remaining present throughout the books (cryonics FTW), and there are some ups and downs, so it's not all dark and gloomy and pessimistic. But overall, I maintain that the story is one of pessimism.