Hyperion

· S.F. MASTERWORKS Book 92 · Hachette UK
4.6
290 reviews
Ebook
480
Pages

About this ebook

The book that reinvented Space Opera. The Canterbury Tales in space - from the Hugo and World Fantasy Award-winning author of The Terror, which is now a chilling TV show.

It is the 29th century and the universe of the Human Hegemony is under threat. Invasion by the warlike Ousters looms, and the mysterious schemes of the secessionist AI TechnoCore bring chaos ever closer.

On the eve of disaster, with the entire galaxy at war, seven pilgrims set fourth on a final voyage to the legendary Time Tombs on Hyperion, home to the Shrike, a lethal creature, part god and part killing machine, whose powers transcend the limits of time and space. The pilgrims have resolved to die before discovering anything less than the secrets of the universe itself.

Readers are hooked on Hyperion:

'His narrative is beautifully written . . . I couldn't stop reading. The payoff is totally worth it, as each story unfolds another facet of this incredible universe Simmons has created' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'One of the best epic, old mythology, and literature inspired, mindblowing, amazingly ingeniously written space operas' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The scope of imagination, wordplay, and critical analysis of humankind is astounding . . . this is a story-driven narrative, and the stories that we're given are well worth the entry into a brave, new, unfamiliar world' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Hyperion has that indescribable, almost lovecraftian terror, dread and brooding present throughout' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The superb use of the pilgrim's story telling device, that not only pushes the main story on, but seamlessly provides the depth and vibrancy to lay out this reality to the reader in such a simple, yet compelling way' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Imagine a universe where the Earth has been destroyed and humanity is spread out across hundreds of planets. Combine the artful poetry of John Keats with a science fiction retelling of the Canterbury Tales . . . what you have is Hyperion. A masterpiece of literature' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'A science fiction classic . . . If you count yourself an sf fan you need to read this. If you just want to read a damn good book this is also for you' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Ratings and reviews

4.6
290 reviews
Richard Lanelly
October 16, 2023
Great world building. There is an overarching story around several characters. Each one tells a story as to why they are going on this special journey. Each story is a different genre and most are amazing, I found the stories for the Poet and most of the Consul's very boring. This is part one of the story and ends as their motivations are made clear and we arrive at the dreaded place. You'll need to also read the Fall of Hyperion to continue the story. I can see why people love this book.
Rohan Anerao
May 11, 2020
Pros: Excellent Sci-fi/fantasy story, it's unique and extraordinary. Good vocab. Cons: 1: The end is abrupt. Have to purchase it's volume 2 to know the whole story. I my opinion, it's unethical & cheating 2: Some parts are unnecessarily long 3: Events are presented first & at very later stage objects in events are described, making it difficult to keep up with author's imagination and redo our's. 4: In my opinion, description of landscapes especially when directions involved are difficult to interpret.
2 people found this review helpful
Steve Stewart
January 8, 2014
Out of this world characters that are three dimensional and believable, with flaws warts and all. A world of creation that takes the world wide web to lengths that can only be marvelled at. A glimpse at something that can only be imagined and sensed but with a solidity through prose that lends what is abstract a feeling of what can become real.
1 person found this review helpful

About the author

Dan Simmons won the WORLD FANTASY AWARD for his first novel, SONG OF KALI, inspired by his travels in India. In the 1990s he rewrote the SF rulebook with his Hyperion Cantos quartet. He has also written thrillers. Alongside his writing he maintains a career as a college lecturer in English Literature in the USA.

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