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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I recall viewing this book many times at the bookstore and being very intrigued by its synopsis and the picture of the Shrike on the cover. However, I would go on to select some other book to purchase. Wow, I certainly regret passing up Hyperion over and over. This book is the BEST book I have ever read and I have read a lot. The plot of several pilgrims making a journey to a distant plant called Hyperion and they have been chosen to make the journey because of a past experience with the mysterious planet. Each pilgrim then recounts to the fellow travelers their previous experience on Hyperion. No tale is the same and each is very intricate, detailed, and utterly captivating.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. The following books in the series are just as fantastic.
First in a series of four books, this one is worth reading and re-reading. But don’t stop there! Pick up any Dan Simmons book and you’ll never be let down. (I say that quite confidently, btw!) Enjoy!
Best science fiction I have ever read. Read all four books in the series.
The end became fairly obvious about 2/3 through.
The absolute best science fiction series ever written! In my opinion, of course.
Kept seeing it on various lists that I look at so decided to read it! Very unique and fun to read!!!
As epic as science fiction gets.
One of the best SciFi books I’ve ever read. Similar to Asimov’s “Foundation” series.
The best science fiction book I have read. It was also thoroughly enjoyable on my second and third readings. Massivly inventive well written mind blowing concepts.
For me the story didn’t quite hold together. It’s very imaginitive but the story line flips around between characters, making it hard to follow. It pulls a lot of myth stories into the plot but all combined made the story sort of weird.
As a big fan of Iain M. Banks “Culture” books, I was ecstatic to find this author and his Hyperion series. The writing is superb, the characters are complex but well defined, and the story is about as cosmic as it can get. As with Mr. Banks’ work, I plan on devouring everything Mr. Simmons writes henceforth.
I love the strange, the odd, the complexity unexpected. This author checks all those boxes. In this genre this author is my top favorite!
Classis science fiction
I ready this book many years ago and loved it. It came up on Book Bub so I purchased it. Worth a second read.
Ponderous, slow, hard to get into
The best sci-fi I’ve read
Very creative
Full of twists and turns, strong character development, great imagination in the creation of worlds and the effects of atmosphere on each.
Read only if you are ready to read the series.Serious Science Fiction readers will enjoy.
My favourite Sci Fi author ever – fantastic series.