You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
A review by beaconatnight
Hyperion by Dan Simmons
5.0
With Hyperion, Dan Simmons created a science fiction epic that is equal parts mystery, philosophical exploration, and thrilling storytelling, unfolding in a universe on the brink of interstellar all-out war.
Seven so-called pilgrims are chosen to journey to the Time Tombs on the eponymous planet, hoping to present a wish to the Shrike, a powerful and enigmatic being that dwells there. This quest represents what may be humanity’s last chance for survival against the Ousters, a long-before separated faction of humanity threatening with a devastating attack.
Rather than a straightforward narrative, Hyperion is structured around six novella-length stories that each traveler shares along the way, blending elements of adventure, war, noir detective work, political resistance, family drama, and fictional biography.
Readers may find themselves reminded of H.G. Wells’s The Time Machine, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Murderbot Diaries, or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but the novel still feels fresh and original even today. It asks some intriguing questions questions, like what it would be like to age backward, losing memories one day at a time. Or to be modeled on another person’s personality. In fact, one android character was created from the tormented real-life poet John Keats, whose work inspired some of the story's themes.
Simmons’ language is almost overwhelmingly dense at times, but that only adds to the atmosphere and immersion. Overall these stories were great fun to read. I'm not sure where the story is going – well, it's very obvious where it's going, but not how this will fill up another brick of a book – but I'm very excited to continue with the series!
4.5/5
Seven so-called pilgrims are chosen to journey to the Time Tombs on the eponymous planet, hoping to present a wish to the Shrike, a powerful and enigmatic being that dwells there. This quest represents what may be humanity’s last chance for survival against the Ousters, a long-before separated faction of humanity threatening with a devastating attack.
Rather than a straightforward narrative, Hyperion is structured around six novella-length stories that each traveler shares along the way, blending elements of adventure, war, noir detective work, political resistance, family drama, and fictional biography.
Readers may find themselves reminded of H.G. Wells’s The Time Machine, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Murderbot Diaries, or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but the novel still feels fresh and original even today. It asks some intriguing questions questions, like what it would be like to age backward, losing memories one day at a time. Or to be modeled on another person’s personality. In fact, one android character was created from the tormented real-life poet John Keats, whose work inspired some of the story's themes.
Simmons’ language is almost overwhelmingly dense at times, but that only adds to the atmosphere and immersion. Overall these stories were great fun to read. I'm not sure where the story is going – well, it's very obvious where it's going, but not how this will fill up another brick of a book – but I'm very excited to continue with the series!
4.5/5