Reviews

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

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

_sunflower_'s review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional 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? Yes

4.25

seanhelvey's review against another edition

3.0

I loved how the story was told from each pilgrim's perspective, but was underwhelmed with the end of the book after so much build up. The backstory was confusing for me as well.

iluxia's review against another edition

5.0

Beautifully written and every bit deserving of its accolades, this book is one of the best of sci-fi out there. Simmons imagines a highly detailed, engaging and mysterious future through several characters who tell their stories through the progression of the plot. The style is at once reminiscent of Boccaccio's Decameron (episodic tales) & Dante's Inferno (tales told through a voyage). The author deftly uses various techniques to invoke the appropriate atmospheric effect for each character and scene. Plenty of literary references, from Keats to Shakespeare... but most of all, the ideologies explored and the ethical quandaries presented in emotionally harrowing character stories gilded with ambitious futuristic science... an absolute must-read, but this book requires commitment!

allcapspyrex's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.5

drlc's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

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

3.0