Reviews

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

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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

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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

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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).

l3vy's review against another edition

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challenging slow-paced

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

2.0

The world-building is undeniably imaginative. However, the fragmented narrative style makes it difficult to become fully immersed in the story. Some of the pilgrims' stories are really interesting, but others drag on and feel overly convoluted. The philosophical musings feel overly intellectualized, pompous, and often bog down the narrative, making the book feel more like a series of disjointed essays than a cohesive novel.

Character development suffers as well, with some characters remaining flat and unengaging. The dialogue can be dense and pretentious, further distancing readers from the emotional core of the story. Additionally, the book ends in one of the most egregious cliffhangers that I have ever read, which feels unsatisfying given the investment required to get through the lengthy and often ponderous text.

Overall, Hyperion is a novel that has some good moments but is marred by its inconsistent pacing, heavy-handed themes, and lack of resolution. It's a read that may appeal to die-hard science fiction fans looking for something overly complex, but it left me more frustrated than fulfilled.

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