Reviews with content warning for Genocide - Hyperion

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Hyperion by Dan Simmons

5 reviews

mheath31's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It's the best sci-fi I've ever read. BUT do not go out and start reading this book right away. If you're seeing this review, you've probably read some things about being in the right mindset for this book. You've probably seen words like "disturbing" or maybe even "horrifying."
It's pretty much all true, but I think I might've made it worse in my head? It's hard to tell now that I'm on the other side, living this post-Hyperion life. If you've read anything about this book, you know it's a collection of short stories within the same universe revolving around the world of Hyperion and the mystical Shrike creature that promises to bring pain to humanity.
The first two stories, are probably the most graphic / grotesque. I learned my lesson about reading it at night. I'd say, if the Shrike shows up, just put the book down and go to bed.
The other thing about this book is that it's hard sci fi. I'll admit that I got a little confused by some of the players and concepts at the end. I'm actually excited to loan it out so that I can get insight from another reader. I'll also probably read it again. There's a ton of focus on time and a few theories within the book that aren't cleared up in the end, but I suspect to resolve in the second book.
In summary, walk, don't run, to pick up Hyperion. And by walk, I mean, walk slowly whilst preparing yourself for some intensity and some very violent scenes. But, ultimately, get ready for some great writing and amazing storytelling.

Content Warnings

bandolyre's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Depressing Canterbury Tales in Space, what more could you ask for?

The story is told in a series of vignettes, one from each character's point of view. Some are very serious, some lighthearted, but ultimately all are tragic in their own ways and help develop the world of the Hegemony and the story of Hyperion and The Shrike.

The book is absolutely magnificent in its story telling: each character feels totally unique in their storytelling style, so that the book feels like it has 6 authors instead of one, but the cohesion of these stories' intersections is something special.

There is one particular vignette that has haunted me for days since I finished the book:

the story of Rachel and Sol Weintraub absolutely destroyed me as a parent to a young child.

I can't think of the last time I was moved by a book so much.

Read Hyperion; don't not read Hyperion. You'll enjoy it if you like:

- space travel time dilation hijinks
- razorblades the space monster
- Persian space marines
- star ships made out of trees
- drunken poetry
- creepy crucifixion imagery

It's a wild ride and I really enjoyed it.

Content Warnings