Average Bufph Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Dan Simmons
2011-01-12
A stunning tour de force filled with transcendent awe and wonder, Hyperion is a masterwork of science fiction that resonates with excitement and invention, the first volume in a remarkable epic by the multiple-award-winning author of The Hollow Man.
On the world called Hyperion, beyond the reach of galactic law, waits a creature called the Shrike. There are those who worship it. There are those who fear it. And there are those who have vowed to destroy it. In the Valley of the Time Tombs, where huge, brooding structures move backward through time, the Shrike waits for them all.
On the eve of Armageddon, with the entire galaxy at war, seven pilgrims set forth on a final voyage to Hyperion seeking the answers to the unsolved riddles of their lives. Each carries a desperate hope—and a terrible secret. And one may hold the fate of humanity in his hands.
Praise for Dan Simmons and Hyperion
“Dan Simmons has brilliantly conceptualized a future 700 years distant. In sheer scope and complexity it matches, and perhaps even surpasses, those of Isaac Asimov and James Blish.”—The Washington Post Book World
“An unfailingly inventive narrative . . . generously conceived and stylistically sure-handed.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Simmons’s own genius transforms space opera into a new kind of poetry.”—The Denver Post
“An essential part of any science fiction collection.”—Booklist
Dan Simmons' 'Hyperion' offers a cerebral and meticulously crafted narrative that interweaves multiple storylines in a richly detailed universe. The novel's exploration of themes such as time, consciousness, and the intersection of science and spirituality resonates deeply with my interest in hard science fiction and philosophical inquiry. The intricate character development and the narrative structure, reminiscent of Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales,' provide a satisfying blend of intellectual challenge and narrative engagement. The technical precision with which Simmons constructs his world is commendable, making this a worthwhile addition to my library.
Dan Simmons' 'Hyperion' offers a meticulously crafted narrative that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction and epic literature. The Canticles present a fascinating exploration of human experience against the backdrop of an expansive universe, inviting the reader to ponder the existential dilemmas faced by its characters. The narrative structure, reminiscent of Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', enhances the thematic depth and provides a unique reading experience. While the philosophical underpinnings are robust, the prose occasionally veers into melodrama, a departure from the stark realism that grounds much of the hard science fiction genre. Nevertheless, the novel's ambition and scope are commendable, making it a worthy addition to any discerning reader's library.
