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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One of the most imaginative and ambitious sci-fi’s I’ve ever read. Pure inspiration, Simmons’ book is both powerful and heartfelt literary fiction as well as it cutting-edge, fast-paced, provocative, epic sci-fi, using hard sci-fi concepts of FTL travel and far-future technology and world-building. It’s cyber-punk, dream-like, and thrilling.
This book and its sequels were amazing! I read them and then a few years later, my son (then in high school) found them on my shelf, and he was equally blown away. We still talk about the books YEARS later. I envy everyone who gets to read this book and its sequels for the first time.
A very imaginative book laid out like a collection of short stories and following a group of characters on their quests through sci fi scapes that make you want to be there. Set in the distant future where possibilities in technologies are boundless, and yet feel so real.
One of the troubles with science fiction–once my favorite genre–is that authors spend pages and pages explaining their worlds. It’s all tell and no show. Good authors know how to weave in the world without all the explication. This book just exhausted me and despite it’s popularity, I gave up about 1/3 of the way through.
It ended with a view toward a sequel and that always frustrates me.
Doubtless many sci-fi fans have already read this book, but I wanted to highlight it because it’s just that good. Simmons effortlessly weaves multiple tales (and times) together, the effect of which is an epic tapestry depicting a group of people from varied backgrounds who all align for a single purpose (which is expanded upon in later books in the series). For solid characterization, excellent world building, and miles of imagination, look no further than Hyperion by Dan Simmons.
This is a science fiction classic. It is an amazing read. It has one of the most original plots in the genre. Read it; you won’t be disappointed
Dense, highly original with richly imagined, even hallucinatory settings. The time tombs are fascinating an the Shrike, well it is probably the most frightening creature I have experienced in all my reading. I’ve read the entire series. Highly recommend.
Dan has become one of my favorite authors as his works are original and realistic for sci-fi.
Not what I expected. Well worth the read.
I loved that series by Dan Simmons…Anything by him has got to be good…I’ve read several of his books.
Great storytelling.
This story wasn’t for me. I read the series and am still on the fence over it. The primary reason that I recommend it is that it is very well written, and Simmons deserves everyone to read it and make their own decision. It is hardcore Sci-Fi and is not an easy read. This is a book for grown-ups, and long time Sci-Fi fans. To put it into perspective, “Dune” was a great story, that most people could follow fairly easily, but it was still well written. The farther into the original series you get, while the writing stays brilliant, the books gets harder to read, because the story gets more and more “out there”. Hyperion starts where things are “out there” and stays on that track. Mr. Simmons, you are a great writer and I respect your capability, this story just wasn’t exactly in my wheel house. I hope everyone that reads my review decides to read this book and either hates my review, or agrees with my thoughts. I doubt if there will be anyone in between.
Science fiction just doesn’t get any better than this. I’ve read the Hyperion series many times, each time getting drawn deeper into the fantastic world Simmons has created. But like a certain chip, nobody should read just one! Be sure to read the second book too, it just blows the story up into an incredible intersection of past and future, and the human condition amplified for hundreds of years.
I read this a long time ago. I generally enjoyed it. Oddly though, I couldn’t get into the follow-up; quit only a little way into it.
This book will not allow you to put it down. Incredible different yet so believable. A masterpiece of a story.
As fine a sci-fi book as has ever been written. All 4 of them. All classics.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s on all of my favorite lists. Dig deep into the psyche of the people who are sent to explore a dangerous mystery on a distant planet and find out what they learn about time, space and death.
Dan Simmons is a unique and genius author and I will read anything he has written. This was no exception.
Hyperion is one of the best science fiction books out there in my opinion. If you haven’t read it, I strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible.