Reviews

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

eclecticeducator's review against another edition

5.0

A masterwork

I’ve been told a number of times that I must read this book and I’m happy to report that all of those suggestions were correct. I needed to read this book. Dan Simmons is a master of speculative fiction. I didn’t want to put this book down.

Now, to finish the rest of the Hyperion Cantos.

isaacl98's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

katemarieshorts's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kassquatch's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

joemandrell's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

kiyanj's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

pklawton's review against another edition

4.0

Dan Simmons' "Hyperion" is a tour de force in the realm of science fiction, cleverly crafted and brimming with intelligence.

Inspired by Chaucer’s "The Canterbury Tales," where tales of intrigue and mystery unfold through the voices of varied pilgrims headed to the planet Hyperion. Each story is a masterclass in suspense, woven into the larger enigma of the Time Tombs and the enigmatic Shrike.

Though Simmons has lost his mind in 2024 with Qannon conspiracies, back in the 80s his style is precise and lush, sparing no detail in crafting worlds and futures that are as believable as they are breathtaking.

While the book’s rich tapestry of mythology might daunt the uninitiated, those who venture will find a blend of action, intellect, and emotional depth rarely matched in literature. "Hyperion" is an essential experience for the sophisticated SF reader who demands both style and substance.

Cool book!

undated2's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

wojevan's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

meedamian's review against another edition

4.0

THIS BOOK ENDS IN THE MIDDLE OF A STORY, if you read this one you must read #2 as well. I was really disappointed with the ending first time I read it a dozen years ago, and never reached for the rest of the series. Recently, however I decided to try again, and while the #1 ending is still frustrating, #2 picks up right after and FINALLY brings all things together, and maybe even gives some resolve (not sure–I'm still reading #2).