Hyperion

Rating:
Summary: not really a novel, but a bunch of good novellas
Review: As stated before, a bunch of good novellas, some of which are quite haunting. Since, it's not really structured as a novel, I can't rate it as great novel. I'm confused by the other reviewers shock at the profanity/sexuality. It's quite tame compared to other sci-fi (read Heinlein).

Rating:
Summary: Do not allow yourself to miss this
Review: If the book (and it's sequels) were 5,000 pages - it would be worth reading simply to experience one of the sub-tales.

Sol / Rachel's tale is simply the most poignant story I've read, bar none. It will haunt you for days on end - then pop up again weeks later. I will remember this tale, always. Having read the story - I doubt anyone will hear "Later gator. While crocodile" without rememebering this story.

The balance of the tales each bring their own facet to light - and each is a worthy read.

The weakest portion of the entire book, IMO, is the framework glueing these together. However, this is not because it is a poor story - it simply pales in comparison to the sub-stories.

Rating:
Summary: Suspensful and engrossing
Review: Most aspects of this fine novel have been covered in other reviews so I will confine my comments to say that the number of literary allusions in both "Hyperion" and "Fall of Hyperion" was staggering and they are probably better recieved by people who read more then just science fiction. Some people complained that the book had "graphic" or "offensive" sex scenes, and while I will agree that this book is not for children, I must commend Simmons for his portrayal of the romance between Kassad and Moneta was both moving and realistic. Two people who are in love with war will not have a sedate and chaste romance, there was passion, violence and despair, just as their should have been. I would recomend this book to anyone who is a fan of science fiction, but also a thinker because much in Simmon's writting needs to be mulled over for the full effect to be enjoyed.

Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal
Review: I will not waste my review by discussing the content of the 4 book series (Tetrad?). All I want to say is that, prior to reading this series, I thought that the Dune series was the greatest for creating a Universe. I have just finished "The Rise of Endymion" and feel that there my be more books in the sequence coming. A lot of questions remained unanswered, which left me wanting more! I can recommend this series for anyone who enjoys good writing, as it appeals to all tastes: philosophy, war, love, horror, science fiction, humor.

Rating:
Summary: Sequel Hullaballu
Review: The book is great. Read it. The reality of the today's modern publishing arena is that the publishers like serial books. Writing and publishing are profit endeavors. My guess is that Simmons would have loved to write the whole series in one book, but face it, thats not practical on any level. (BTW, those of you that have the true first edition, only about 2000 published, its worth about $400.)

Rating:
Summary: Decent
Review: Not a bad novel, not a great one either. This book only begins the story, it doesn't have an ending. The story just begins with this novel. The timing of the stories seem awfully convenient. Nonetheless, the tales were intriguing, and I look forward to reading the second book.

Rating:
Summary: I can't believe all this drivel about it not being standalon
Review: Was the Fellowship of the ring a bad novel because it didn't finish? Perhaps people are complaining because it wasn't evident from the jacket that this would be a trilogy (or 4, now). I loved it, but have to agree it was wordy. But on the other hand, I want to know MORE. I want to know about the ousters. I want to know about the technocore. I want to know about the shrike. That's a good author, that you WANT to know. Now if he'd just tell us. I've read the first 3, and I'm still waiting. :)

Rating:
Summary: Une veritable merveille (a true marvel)
Review: Well, here is a critic from FRANCE. So THANK YOU MR SIMMONS. I read it in 1993 and i remember i did not sleep to finish it. 2 days of hard reading. And THIS WAS A BOOK. The sequels are also the best SIFI books i have ever read. Well never mind, i read the others 3 times in french and 3 times in English !

Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING
Review: I read this book when it came out in '90, and it is still the best SF I have ever read. However, I was not very impressed by the Fall of Hyperion.

Rating:
Summary: Great captivating read, haunting stories.
Review: I've recently finished Hyperion and I am currently reading The Fall of Hyperion which is really more a part two than a sequel. I rank this up with my all time favorite Sci Fi; Dune, Foundation, Ender/Speaker for the Dead and A Fire Upon the Deep. The pilgrim's tales by themselves (particularly the priest's and scholars) are worth reading the book and left me with recurring thoughts and images that 'haunted' me well after I read them. The encompassing story is not quite as riveting as most of the pilgrims stories but I thought well written. I would have preferred a bit less sex and vulgarity and do not recommend the book to people who are easily offended by such. So far the second book is not quite up to the first but still a very good book.