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Summary: Transcending the Sci-Fi genre. Simply a great book.
Review: Ok, I admit I'm a SF/Fantasy fan but I don't usually go screaming it to the world due to the enormous volume of garbage that can be found within that genre. Every once in a (long) while an author comes along who has the imagination and talent to break the mold and actually write a compelling book which deserves to be read by SF and non SF fans alike. "The Lord of the Rings" and "Dune" are fine examples of this. "Hyperion" should be added to the list.Read it. It'll move you in ways you didn't think possible.
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Summary: THE VERY BEST
Review: If I had to choose one book to read for the rest of my life, it would be the bible. But this would be my second choice, cant wait for Mr. Simmons next Sci-fi work!
Rating:
Summary: The epic that rightfully deserves 5 stars
Review: Whether you read it alone, or as the beginning to the epic Cantos series, Hyperion is simply brilliant, and Dan Simmons should have every reason to be proud of it. The tale is of the seven pilgrims, off to face certain death at the will of the ever mysterious Shrike. As they progress further towards their final destination, each pilgrim shares with the others their pasts, discovering more about each other and learning more of themselves. Each tale is differently filled with equally fantastic settings and interesting characters, that are woven into an elaborate storyline with such detail and depth, that each tale could become a novel onto itself. There can't be too much said on the plot without revealing the really incredible ideas in this novel. So, that makes me having to write breifly on the many great points in the book. But one true thing for all, writing a novel about a world set 700 years into the future can't be seen as an easy task. Yet Simmons delivers it with such precise detail, it's hard to not envision this possible future. Truely one of the best Science-Fiction novels ever written (if not THE best, which I think it is).
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Summary: Beautiful!
Review: Mr. Simmons has created a truly unique story. 6 pilgrims relate their stories on a journey to see the Lord of Pain, the legendary Shrike. Vivid insights into the personalities of the characters (such as the ancient Steinway piano in the consul's ship) and a very believable view of the future make this book a masterpiece. It is the kind of book which you have to put down every now and then to catch your breath (but not for long!). I finished it terrified, horrified, and craving more! The Shrike is the most intriguing and horrifying...well...thing. And the stories catch your imagination so that you are actually living and feeling along with the characters. This story is so different from much of the fluff that's out there nowadays (David Eddings stuff) and is truly memorable. (I found the Priest's story the most horrible and the most wonderful...imagine...seven years!)
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Summary: 50 Years From Now
Review: This book will stand rightfully amongst its older peers such as LOTR, the Foundation Trilogy and Dune. This is one of the most masterful tales ever woven, and the universe Simmons creates is one you feel you're actually living in while you're reading the book, even though the story takes place seven hundred years into the future. Simmons mixes narrative styles and literary genres to come up with a tale that is not quite sci-fi, not quite a battlefield tale, not quite detective novel, but wholly and uniquely human.
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Summary: Hyperion Shines
Review: Dan Simmons has created the ultimate in sci-fi epic. Not since Asimov's Foundation series has an author been able to examine the same themes of politics, adventure, and the human psyche. The plot is the story of the Canterbury Tales: A group of pilgrims telling their life-stories. The majority of this book is the tales, and all are poignant, thoughtful, and usually depressing. I prefer the Priest's Tale, but all people have different preferences. Anyway, if you're a fan of Asimov's foundation, or have never been a huge sci-fi fan, pick up Hyperion. It will influence your entire view of science fiction.
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Summary: In awe
Review: I just completed the Hyperion saga and I am left stunned. This intense journey of the human spirit, from the self-indulgent, self-centered citizens of the Hegemony, to the conscious, ever growing humans at the end of the Fall of Endymion, starts here (in Hyperion) with the story of seven pilgirms selected to travel to a strange valley where they will encounter the Shrike (a mysterious creature of the future) and join in determining the path of humanity. Mr. Simmons characters, imagination and science build a universe with such detail, solidity and humanity, I felt I was leaving friends and loved ones behind when I turned the last page.
Rating:
Summary: The Best!
Review: This book and its sequel are two of my favorites. Science fiction doesn't get much better than this!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: When I start reading Hyperion 2 years ago, I couldn't finish the first 50 pages, but my friend told me to read it to the end, and I'm glad he did. This book is not easy to read but "good things come to those who wait", and the result is a marvelous combination between a sci-fi novel and mystic concepts. Just Amazing.
Rating:
Summary: Literary science fiction at its very best.
Review: Hyperion contains some of the best storytelling of this or any other century. The book is layered with references to Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and the poetry of John Keats. If you're not familiar with either, don't worry: Hyperion is one of the most intensely readable books you'll find. It's also the beginning of a four-part series. The Fall of Hyperion is just as good as Hyperion and I recommend you buy them both. However, the intensity, plotting and strength fall off in the final two books, Endymion and The Rise of Endymion.
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