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Hyperion

Hyperion Cantos #1 / 4
by Dan Simmons
Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos #1) by Dan Simmons
  ★ 8.76 / 49
1★2★3★14★5★66★17★108★99★2310★

Winner of the Hugo Award (1990).
Winner of the Locus Award (1990).

On the world called Hyperion, beyond the law of the Hegemony of Man, there waits the creature called the Shrike. There are those who worship it. There are those who fear it. And there are those who have vowed to destroy it. In the Valley of the Time Tombs, where huge, brooding structures move backward in time, the Shrike waits for them all.

On the eve of Armageddon, with the entire galaxy at war, seven pilgrims set forth on a final voyage to Hyperion seeking the answers to the unsolved riddles of their lives. Each carries a desperate hope – and a terrible secret. And one may hold the fate of humanity in his hands.

THE PRIEST – When he was young, Father Lenar Hoyt honestly believed in the Roman Catholic Church – despite the fact that history and change had made the Church wither away. But now his faith is shaken, troubled by the fate suffered on Hyperion by a man he once admired.

THE SOLDIER – Colonel Fedmahn Kassad was one of the brightest, most capable, and toughest young officers in the entire Hegemony military – until chance brought him to Hyperion.

THE POET – There is something in Martin Silenus's eyed when he speaks of the Shrike. A hunger. Or something more...

THE SCHOLAR – Sol Weintraub led a quiet life until his dauhter went to Hyperion on an archaeological expedition... where the Shrike touched her and sent her reeling backward in time.

THE STARSHIP CAPTAIN – Quiet and easy-going – strangely confident – Het Masteen knows far more than he reveals.

THE DETECTIVE – Brawne Lamia came to Hyperion to ferret out a murderer – the murder of client who was under her protection.

THE CONSUL – He seems quiet, reserved... the perfect functionary. Or is there something tortured inside him hiding itself from view, intent on some unspeakable purpose?

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Your Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Standard Shelves
Updated 04/08/2025
Category: Science Fiction, Locus Award, Hugo Award
Release date: 1989

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Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who thrives on weaving together elements of science fiction, horror, and historical fiction into intricate narratives that explore the depths of the human experience. Known for his mastery of atmospheric tension and philosophical depth, Simmons has built a career centered on the hauntingly imaginative and intellectually stimulating. His works blur the lines between genres, blending speculative fiction with thought-provoking explorations of fear, ambition, and existential questions.

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Born in Illinois, Simmons grew up with a love of books and an early fascination with storytelling. His background as a teacher and a voracious reader would later shape the way he approached his writing, blending rich historical detail with speculative world-building and a distinct philosophical lens. From his early works, he established a reputation for creating complex characters and worlds where the human condition is placed under a magnifying glass.

Simmons first achieved wide acclaim with The Hyperion Cantos, a groundbreaking series that introduced readers to a universe of interwoven tales, each exploring different aspects of the human psyche against the backdrop of an expansive, far-future world. The Hyperion series is often cited as one of the defining works of modern science fiction, earning Simmons both critical recognition and a devoted following. His ability to juxtapose high-stakes space opera with deeply personal stories has made his work resonate far beyond the confines of any one genre.

Throughout his career, Simmons has delved into a variety of genres, often experimenting with narrative structures, as seen in works like The Terror and Carrion Comfort. These stories showcase his ability to infuse historical events with supernatural elements, and to delve into the darkest corners of the human mind. Whether writing about an expedition to the Arctic, a war between mental powers, or a haunted future, Simmons’s writing always carries a sense of dread and wonder, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of reality itself.

His accolades are as vast as his range, with multiple Hugo, Bram Stoker, and Locus Awards gracing his career, cementing his place as one of the most versatile and respected voices in contemporary speculative fiction. Yet, beyond the awards and critical acclaim, it’s the lingering sense of mystery and the deeply introspective themes in Simmons’ work that truly define him. His stories never just entertain—they challenge, they provoke, and they leave a lasting impression.

Simmons once said, “The best stories have layers and textures, ones that speak to the reader at multiple levels.” This is the ethos that defines his writing, drawing readers in with layers of complexity and worlds both wondrous and terrifying. His work will continue to haunt and inspire those who dare to explore the depths of his extraordinary imagination.

Hyperion Cantos

Hyperion Cantos consists of four books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Related series Hyperion Cantos (omnibus editions)

Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos #1)
  ★ 8.76 / 49
The Fall of Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos #2)
  ★ 8.38 / 26
Endymion (Hyperion Cantos #3)
  ★ 7.78 / 18
The Rise of Endymion (Hyperion Cantos #4)
  ★ 8.06 / 19

Book Reviews

03/27/2025
Darkki avatar
Darkki
255 books, 27 reviews, 322 posts
★★★★★★★★★★ 10 / 10

For years, Hyperion sat on my reading list, always pushed aside for something else. I had heard great things about it, but the cover and description never really pulled me in. I have no idea why I waited so long—because when I finally picked it up, it completely blew me away. This is hands down one of the best sci-fi books I’ve ever read.

The structure is unique, almost like The Canterbury Tales in space, with each character telling their own story during their journey to the mysterious Time Tombs. And every single one of those stories is incredible—dark, emotional, and thought-provoking. Some are tragic, some are terrifying, and all of them slowly piece together the larger mystery surrounding the Shrike and the fate of the universe.

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Dan Simmons’ world-building is mind-blowing. The mix of advanced technology, AI, time distortions, and human history creates such a deep and immersive setting. But what really makes Hyperion special is its characters. Each of the travelers is so well-written and distinct, and by the end, I was completely invested in all of them.

This book is intelligent, poetic, and full of big ideas about fate, faith, war, and the nature of time. And yet, it never feels overwhelming—it’s gripping from start to finish. If you love sci-fi and somehow haven’t read Hyperion yet, don’t wait like I did. It’s absolutely worth it.

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