Endymion

Rating:
Summary: A never-ending chase scene
Review: First, let me say that Hyperion / Fall of Hyperion are my favorite works of fiction. So when Endymion came out, I couldn't wait for the paperback and shelled out the dough for the hardback instead. I was very dissapointed. Although some of it was rather clever (I was particularly fond of the evolution of the church), the plot never went anywhere. It was a never-ending chase scene that wouldn't be effectively changed if several hundred pages were left out. That said, I'll probably read the next one too, just in case he decides to get on with the story...

Rating:
Summary: wait for the sequel
Review: This book is clearly transitory between the Hyperion series and the book to come. The "big" revelation was already obvious to anyone who read the Hyperion series, and as before all the big questions are left dangling. It will be better to wait for the sequel to come out, then buy both, since it seems that they'll be as inseperable as Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion

Rating:
Summary: Endymion: The Hyperion world gets bigger
Review: Dan Simmons creates a new cast of characters and a new era of the human race in order to continue his Hyperion Saga. Once again his work is colorful, active, and filled with complex meanings. Because of the frequent references to events, places, and people from the previous books, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone not familiar with the Hyperion books, even though they are not really a trilogy. Just as in Hyperion, he has ended the first book right where it gets interesting, guarenteeing that his next book (Rise of Endymion) will sell.

Rating:
Summary: A great novel continuing the legends in Simmons universe
Review: Though Endymion (third in the Hyperion series) isn't as well crafted as the first Hyperion novel it is far better than the second! Simmons brings in old characters and creates vivid new ones that continue to explore the vast universe he created in Hyperion. Though the story if much more linear than the last two, if you liked the earlier books because of their worlds and characters you'll love Endymion.

Rating:
Summary: Good intermediate book in a seemingly unending anthology
Review: Endymion keeps with the tradition of Simmons earlier work; telling a good story without really reaching a conclusion. I've travelled with this plot line through three books now with few signs of resolving its major themes. Endymion is not as good as the earlier works or maybe I am getting tired of reading without resolution. I am beginning to feel that Simmons doesn't have an end in mind and we are all just wandering through his world with each book. I await his next work to see how he reconciles Keats, Frank Loyd Wright, and the omnipresent Shrike.

Rating:
Summary: Simmons in superb action-packed, hard science fiction form.
Review: I eagerly awaited the release of this book. I about passed out when I stumbled upon it at the bookstore while Xmas shopping last year. I purposely read it slowly over a month so I could enjoy it without slamming through it in just a couple of nights. This book is more accessible than FALL OF HYPERION and is about as fantastic and many-planeted as HYPERION is. I've read lots of science fiction written between 1935 and 1995, and this one ranks in my top ten. Ken Papai, 11/19/96 San Rafael, Calif.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great.
Review: This is frankly a extension of the first two Hyperion books. It is in it's essence a enjoyable adventure story with several powerful scenes. But is does thicken the plot, deepening the mystery surrounding the final fatline message, the true nature of the Core, the nature of the cruciforms, and the purpose and origin of the Shrike. Lacking the scope and power of the first two, the discussions of advanced subjects, it makes enjoyable reading and makes of pull your hair out waiting for the next book. It does have an excellent climax, showing the lively fire of the Dan Simmons I know and hte power of his writing. I have faith that this is the build up for a book that Simmons will at least begin to reveal the mysteries that only seem to deepen with each book

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful extension of the universe of _Hyperion_
Review: I enjoyed _Endymion_ -- even more than _Hyperion_ -- in part because I was prepared for Simmons' approach of telling a story that takes two novels to complete, but mainly because he truly succeeds in making _Endymion_ a satisfying novel in its own right. Yes, it's an adventure story, and yes, in its way, it's a sequel. But I can't think of anyone who's read _Hyperion_ not getting a chilly shiver at the first revelation of the "new" use of the cruciform; and, while the political scene is not nearly as complex as _Hyperion_, the tantalizing hints of conspiracy help to make up for it. I'm already anxious for the release of _The Rise of Endymion_, and I strongly recommend any of the (thus far) three books covering the Hyperion universe to any sci-fi fan.

Rating:
Summary: An adventure story. . . not a work of art.
Review: This book lacks the complexity and literary power that I loved in HYPERION and FALL OF HYPERION. ENDYMION appears more as a simple adventure story, although a well written one. The repercussions of the cruciform have been fleshed out so that it forms the basis for a galactic religion and the political setting for the novel. The ending was so powerful that it is worth the price of the book alone.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely wonderful!
Review: A great novel that ties in the older books with a new and exciting story line. Using the refrences to Old Earth and various religions was very interesting. His use of different worlds gives the book a rich varying texture. A complete story while giving tantalizing hints as to what will come. I can't wait until his next installment!