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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
More so than the previous book, this one spends a lot of time describing religious ceremonies, the names of mountains, the structure of buildings, and the names of a couple dozen people without personalities or backstories. There's a big chunk in the middle that's particularly tedious, and the book as a whole lacks the sense of adventure of the last one.
That said, it's still an interesting read with a lot of super high stakes, a few great settings, and what's ultimately a satisfying conclusion to the entire Cantos.
That said, it's still an interesting read with a lot of super high stakes, a few great settings, and what's ultimately a satisfying conclusion to the entire Cantos.
So the whole Aenea as Christ thing was a bit much. And the "romance" between her and Raul so pale and uninteresting that it did nothing to make me want to reach the end of the over 700 pages of tiresome, unedited detail. And there really was no reason for the sex scene in which Raul eats out Aenea. Was there? This much anticipated closing volume of the Hyperion cycle is enjoyable as a tale, but could have been hundreds of pages shorter. I love big, meaty reads, I admit, but shouldn't you want to get to the end of a story you've been following through the course of 4 novels? I didn't. I almost stopped reading it just because I didn't want to have to carry it with me around Europe anymore. But I stuck with it and finished it on the plane to Paris from Madrid. I hope whoever found it in the seat pocket just happens to want to read it. It's an effort.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While I thought there were some weaknesses in the last book, overall I adored the series and was completely lost in it. Amazing worlds and great characters. Thoughtful and philosophical approach to theology, but overall just moving and entertaining. I was sorry for it to end.
Perhaps not quite up to the standard of Hyperion or Endymion, but definitely a satisfying ending to the series.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I took my time with this book. I loved the first three novels in Simmon's Cantos and this was no different. In fact, it was the best, because I could not have thought of a more satisfying, beautiful way to tie in all of the theories and elements of the story in an emotional climax. I do feel a deep emptiness having left these characters and this universe, as I just realized it's likely I won't ever love a series as much as the Cantos (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, The Chronicles of Number Ten Ox are up there for me but were easily surpassed). This last novel of the Cantos provides so much depth, explanation and emotional force. You owe it to yourself to finish it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Do yourself a favor & just read this series.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Death, Genocide