Reviews

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

alicemirage's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

tal42levy's review against another edition

slow-paced

4.25

adeltron's review against another edition

adventurous emotional slow-paced

4.0

Unique structure and story. The range of the author is really impressive throughout this book. I feel like a larger knowledge base of Western poets would have increased my enjoyment of the book. Definitely got me interested in exploring poetry 

crystalllite's review against another edition

5.0

Excellent story with an infuriating ending that was also lovely.

grantkramer's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

ajstyles's review against another edition

challenging dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

odin45mp's review against another edition

5.0

This was an epic novel. My issues with it are how abruptly it ends. But the journey, much like in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, is where we savor the meat of the story.

We open in media res with 7 pilgrims on their way to the time temples on Hyperion. Why have they been chosen? What awaits them there? These are questions that are answered for the most part through their Canterbury Tales-like stories. We get to know each of the pilgrims in turn, including their history and their reasons for coming on this likely fatal pilgrimage.

I enjoyed each of the stories for the rich worldbuilding and further details they provided, but I think my favorite was Weintraub's story for its unique focal point as well as the crossing of my knowledge of theology and my love of science fiction, as we deal with the Jewish community and one man's relationship to the community and God in a post-Earth world. Simmons gives each character a vocal tic or two that makes their voice unique and easily distinguishable throughout the story.

I think the epilogue ends too abruptly, but for me I can live with that because the journey was so compelling.

kartooch's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.0

mellokitty's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

4.25

staticmemories's review against another edition

challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.0