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Summary: An Absolutely Essential Read
Review: I resisted picking up this book for a long time because the blurb on the back did not appeal to me. That was an incredible mistake! This book is like turning over the Tarot cards on every page, to see what fate befalls each of the characters. In some ways it is like the Canterbury Tales, but deeply disturbing. After reading this volume I could not wait to get the sequels. The book definitely deserved the Hugo award.
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Summary: The Stage is Set
Review: In our distant future, galactic war has broken out, and the computers that run our society have begun to plot against us. All eyes now turn to Hyperion, a mysterious planet which holds the fate of mankind. Seven pilgrims have been chosen to make a final journey to Hyperion because of their remarkable connections with the planet and its horrific protector- the Shrike! Prepare to be blown away as each of the pilgrims share their bewildering tales, and try to solve this great riddle. That is pretty much all this book is- a very complex collection of short stories, which serve to 'set the stage' for the concluding novel, FALL OF HYPERION. But don't get me wrong... This is an outstanding book, for each of these short stories is so unique and riveting- you will be left in awe! Simmons has combined action, mystery, horror, and futuristic fantasy with outstanding ability. One of the tales in particular, was so heart-wrenching that I almost had to put the book down! Hyperion has won the Hugo Award for a reason, and it is definitely a must for any fan of fantasy and sci-fi. I would say it compares quite admirably with the original Foundation Trilogy- Highly recommended!
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Summary: THE BEGINNING OF THE SAGA
Review: Everything has already been said about Dan Simmons's HYPERION, a book that is without contest one of the most important books of the 20 last years. Simmons develops original themes pages after pages and each of the stories of the pilgrims could have been published as an independent novel of its own. Father Lénar Hoyt's story is the favorite of mine because it's a variation of the main theme of CARRION COMFORT, Dan Simmon's precedent novel. How men can fight evil that is corrupting the soul - in CARRION COMFORT - and the body, in HYPERION. The final of this peculiar story is a very impressive moment, even for the reader used to morbid descriptions. One is a little bit puzzled at the beginning of the book because Dan Simmons, in the first 30 pages, is refering to such characters or places as The Gritch, the Time Tombs, the Extros or the City of the Poets without a single explanation for the reader. Don't give up, these themes will be extremely well developed in the different stories told by the Pilgrims. At the end of the novel, the whole universe conceived by Dan Simmons is literally living in front of our eyes. That's obviously the mark of the great writer. Even in the despised science-fiction literary genre. A book which is already in your library.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping
Review: Hyperion is an entertaining and a very satisfying read. The plot slowly unfolds as members of a small group each reveal why they agreed to participate in a pilgrimage to save mankind to Hyperion, home of the mysterious Time Tombs and the Shrike. The stories are rich in details about life and cultures in the massive Hegemon universe. Some tales are especially moving and it is easy for the reader to emphathize with the tragedies that led each character to join the pilgrimage. The ending of this novel is ambiguous but is still neatly wrapped up. I'm looking forward to the next novel in the series!
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Summary: Unforgettable ideas in this book
Review: What a great book. I've read many SF books, but I can ensure you that some of the ideas in this will follow you for the rest of your life: I'm from Spain and don't know the english translation, but the more impressive ideas were for me: the Shrike (alcaudón), "el arbol de espinas", "el cruciforme", the consul, "la enfermedad de merlin", "las catacumbas" with his piles of dead people... I'm sure never will forget these histories. You must read.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best
Review: I have spent 20 years reading as much Science Fiction as possible, and I have to say this book is one of the top two or three best I have ever read.
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Summary: The recipie for a perfect book
Review: Start with a wonderful space opera. Add to that a very healthy dose of horror. Mix in pinches Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Keats. Add philosophy and religion to taste. If you are master writer such as Simmons, then you will get _Hyperion_, one of the ten best books of the last 15 years, IMHO. Simply put, a fantastic book. A group of diverse characters travel together in the tradition of _The Canterbury Tales_ and each has a different story to tell. Each story could stand alone (one does, in Simmons' short story collection _Prayers to Broken Stones_) and his ability to shift narrative styles gives each story a distinct voice and feel. The result is a truly wonderful book, one which spans a number of genres and should be enjoyed by many people. However, let the reader be warned...the end of the this book is an absolute cliffhanger. You might as well by _Fall of Hyperion_ at the same time if you want to know how the story ends.
Rating:
Summary: Simmons is the Wizard
Review: ... a beautiful and exquisite melange of ideas and haunting images poetically evoked by a truly gifted writer. The strkingly original ideas and visual grandeur will sweep you along, and Simmons keeps you emotionally invested until the very end--when you are left breathless. I promise you will learn something important about yourself in these works. (That's why he's the Wizard).
Rating:
Summary: Literate, beautifully written adventure
Review: I have always been amazed by how many brilliant science fiction writers have great technical ideas, a superb sense of adventure, and jack squat for writing skill. Dan Simmons is different. If you are like me and you get tired of science fiction novels with two dimensional characters and over use of the exclamation point, you should read Hyperion. Hyperion is one of the best written books I have read, and probably the best science fiction book. The writing is subtle, symbolic, and beautiful. The adventure is riveting and the ideas thought provoking. Hyperion's universe is deap and consistant. On top of all that, Simmons has a way of putting images in your head that stick. There are several from this series of books that I will never forget.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Choice
Review: Great plot, story development, and characters. Actually makes you think.
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