Book: Hyperion
Author: Dan Simmons
Genre: Sci Fi, Fiction, Fantasy, Space

Epic.

No other words would do Hyperion justice. Every page, every story, every sentence felt like the very definition of sci-fi.

I grew up on sci-fi films; Fifth Element, Blade Runner, Total Recall. Some campy, some grandiose, but all memorable in shaping my youth and Hyperion felt like a seamless tapestry of them all woven together.

A shifting story of pilgrimage to an alien being, the Shrike. Hyperion has multiple narratives and short stories combined into a huge story spanning eons, worlds, and more.

World building, character depth, narrative style and exposition were all flawless.

I’m disappointed that I wasn’t already actively aware of this book in my youth, I feel it’s a must-read for any science fiction, or literary fan. I can understand how it has amassed such a volume of critical acclaim and awards.

It feels as poignant now as it would have when written almost 40 years ago.

Now I need to figure out if reading the rest of the Hyperion Cantos is going to taint this experience, or whether I need to read them all.

4.7/5