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The Fall of Hyperion

Hyperion Cantos #2 / 4
by Dan Simmons
The Fall of Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos #2) by Dan Simmons
  ★ 8.38 / 26
1★2★3★24★5★36★7★78★49★1010★

Winner of the Locus Award (1991).

On the world called Hyperion the mysterious Time Tombs are opening and seven pilgrims risk their lives to petition the entity called the Shrike – a creature that may well control the fate of all mankind.

The Hegemony of Man – a thousand thousand worlds linked by a network of farcaster portals and high-tech gateways – is under siege by Ousters, strange, half-human tribes mutated almost beyond recognition.

The AIs – Artificial Intelligences whose synthetic wisdom created and now maintains the nets that bind the Hegemony – have become a threat. There are hints that they have turned against the Hegemony and all mankind. There is evidence that they have begun a strange and frightening project: a scheme to create the Ultimate Intelligence – to build, in short, God. God of Machines: the ultimate deus ex machina. His genesis may well mean man's annihilation.

Something is drawing the Hegemony, the AIs, the Ousters, and indeed the entire universe towards the Shrike and the Time Tombs from which it has arisen. In a moment the paths of man, machine and god will intersect. And nothing will ever be the same.

THE FALL OF HYPERION is a stunning, powerful world-building science fiction novel and a superb sequel to the internationally acclaimed HYPERION, winner of the Hugo Award and the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel.

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☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Standard Shelves
Updated 04/08/2025
Category: Science Fiction, Locus Award, BSFA Award
Release date: 1990

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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 / 50
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
253 books, 27 reviews, 326 posts
★★★★★★★★★★ 10 / 10

If Hyperion was amazing, The Fall of Hyperion somehow takes everything to an even higher level. It’s a completely different kind of book—where the first was a journey filled with personal stories and mysteries, this one delivers the full-scale, epic conclusion that ties everything together. I was completely hooked from start to finish.

The story shifts from a personal pilgrimage to a massive, galaxy-spanning conflict. The stakes are higher than ever, and Simmons expertly weaves together politics, war, philosophy, and mind-bending science fiction. The AI-driven future of humanity, the mysteries of the Shrike, and the fate of the Hegemony all collide in a way that is both unpredictable and completely gripping.

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One of the things I loved most was how the characters evolve. The connections between them become deeper, and their struggles feel even more intense. And then there’s the poet John Keats—his role in the story is so brilliantly done that it just left me in awe.

Simmons’ writing is stunning, balancing beautiful prose with deep, thought-provoking themes. The book is packed with action, emotion, and twists that keep you guessing until the very end. It’s rare to find a sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in many ways. The Fall of Hyperion is truly a masterpiece of science fiction, and after finishing it, I just had to sit back and take it all in.

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