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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
The Hyperion series is one of my favorite science fiction series of all time. When a third book in the series (Endymion) appeared I was doubtful. Why mess with a classic? When I finished it I was entertained but doubts still lingered. I started this book, the last in the series, over 10 years ago and lost the book while halfway through it, I always thought I'd finish it but I didn't know it would have taken this long. It was definitely worth the wait. Without spoilers I'll say that the latter books do indeed embrace the earlier classics (Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion) and form a perfect ending to the entire series. Well done.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-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
informative
mysterious
reflective
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
Didn't know if Mr. Simmons could pull it out, but he does! Excellent, satisfying conclusion to one of the best sci-fi series I've read.
OK. 5 stars for the emotional finish of the Hyperion four. absolutely loved this series. This fourth book was a little tedious in that I grew tired of Raul not knowing ANYTHING. I wonder if anyone else had that exhaustion. It only caused me to speed read. I can see myself reading all of these again and certainly if I live as long as Martin.
adventurous
dark
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Not as good as book 3 of the series. The book seemed very narrative driven, the characters not really having their own will. Aenea seemed a little too flawless, and while I understand that Raul served as a stand-in for the audience, he came across as a little dense. But overall an entertaining read and a good finish to the series.
At the risk of hyperbole, this series is possibly the best thing I've ever read. I've often seen authors lavishly praised for "creating a fully realized and totally believable world" or "creating a fascinating and fully developed alien race." Throughout the course of this gigantic and sprawling story, Simmons does both of these things over and over and over again within the framework of a story that is the stuff of legends and takes place across several centuries. This story was so totally immersing and mesmerizing that I never wanted to put it down, and frequently fell asleep while reading far past my bedtime. The concepts presented throughout are consistently amazing, sometimes totally mind-blowing. The statements it makes about religion, spirituality, power and the abuse thereof, and most especially what it means to be a human, and a compassionate being, are deeply moving. I cannot possibly recommend this huge and beautiful series too strongly. I will definitely revisit this one sometime in the future.
The Hyperion Cantos series was a great way for me to dip my toes into the science fiction genre. I want to jump into that world and experience 'freecasting,' ride on one of the magnificent treeships, and cruise the Maui-Covenant oceans while lounging on the motile isles and swimming with the dolphins. Sigh.