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 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
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An excellent science fiction novel. Start of a epic space opera series. First read it many years ago– bought it at Davis-Kidd in Nashville.
The Shrike, Far-Casters and more. A mind blowing experience.
Highly recommended.
I did not expect Hyperion to end in a cliffhanger!! But thanks to everyone who recommended it—I loved it. This is my favorite kind of science fiction, where the author uses a possible future and technological advancements to explore elements of human nature and culture. Nothing was off limits—Dan Simmons tackled religion and faith, art and inspiration, time, politics, colonization, artificial intelligence, death, warfare, ethics, man’s relationship with nature. While it would be easy to verge into the cliche with these sorts of themes and subjects, the writing rarely felt heavy-handed or obvious. The world-building was also exceptional.
I’ll definitely be reading other books in this series!
Hyperion is a masterpiece. The intergalactic world Simmons built is one of stupendous scope and detail, and the gradual reveal of how it works over the course of the stories told by the pilgrims (think serious sci-fi Canterbury Tales) has wonderful buildup. My personal favorite is probably the first tale in the book, which details a (fascinating, twisted, extremely suspenseful) pilgrimage of its own.
I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi. I’ve already purchased the sequel.
For a long while, I would re-read the Dune series nearly yearly. For all its flaws, the universe was something I loved so very much…
Then along came Dan Simmons. With his Hyperion Cantos, he unseated Dune’s place in my heart. It checks all the boxes Dune checked for me but each execution is better and more nuanced. The depth of the universe Simmons has created makes it a lovely place to revisit every year or so.
Simply the best science fiction book I’ve ever read.
This is the book that made me want to write science fiction.
It took me awhile, but I just finished the first of the Hyperion Cantos and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one! If you’re looking for lush, detailed world-building, complex characters, and a plot that spans space and time, pick up this book immediately! There are some truly terrifying moments, but there are just as many tender moments to balance them out. I think I actually teared-up at one point, it’s that good.
Really enjoyed this! Loved the world and the story’s were cool. It felt rushed at the end though and it left me wanting more! Guess I have to go get the second book.
One of my all-time favorites. I’ve read the series at least four times now – I love going back to Hyperion. Dan Simmons has a literary depth to his writing that you don’t find in most epic space operas.
I’ve been an avid sci-fi reader since I was a child. In my opinion, Hyperion is the best there is. Mind-boggling ideas, superb characters, excitement, galaxy-scale wars, amazing weapons, scary aliens, time-travel, and on and on. Make Hyperion your next book! You’ll be glad you did!
Greatest Sci-Fi book of all time? Or just the past 25 years? This is always my go-to when asked what my favorite science fiction book. I highly recommend it to people who are interested in cerebral scifi.
An amazing ‘tour de force’, a science fiction take on the Canterbury Tales – an incredible story – a Must Read!
Or The Canterbury Tales – the Space Opera. A collection of linked stories related by disparate pilgrims to the mysterious, time-twisting planet Hyperion. This is the first volume in Simmons’ epic duology relating the cataclysmic fall of a galaxy-spanning human civilisation linked by a wormhole network. Themes of religion, war, colonialism and paternal love are explored via compelling characterisation and expert plotting. I just wish I knew what the Shrike is…
This whole Hyperion series is awesomely good. Characters are somehow both larger-than-life and flesh and blood. You’ll want to rip through it.
Classic.
So ahead of his time in his ability to paint a fiction world that’s become a reality in some ways. Imaginative. Entertaining.
Not just Hyperion. There are 4 books in this series, called the Hyperion Cantos.
1. Hyperion
2. The Fall of Hyperion
3. Endymion
4. The Rise of Endymion
Dan Simmons is an extraordinary writer. He writes in all genres, but I prefer his sci fi/speculative fiction. I read this series at least once each year.
This book is one of the best science fiction novels ever written in my opinion. With great characters, an epic story line, unknown alien artifacts moving backward in time, and major plot twists, it really has it all.
This is fantastic sci-fi that makes your brain work. I loved the whole series!
A very complex and slowly-building plot that on the surface resembles The Canterbury Tales but is so much more. I can’t wait to see what happens next!