Hyperion

[sobrique]

I'm currently (re) reading Hyperion. There's a set of 4 books, by Dan Simmons. Hyperion, Fall of Hyperion, Endymion, and Rise of Endymion.

I'm reminded just how much I like the writing style. The first book, Hyperion resonates strongly with the Canturbury tales - it's about a pilgrimage, of sorts. 7 people on a pilgrimage, who all have their own reason to be there. And they tell their story, as they travel, across Hyperion. And so wonderfully does it fill in the backplot and setting, and develops a whole universe, just from those short stories told.

The Web is a where humanity ended up, after Earth was destroyed. There are a whole lot of worlds, linked by Farcaster, where the ... well, culture has adapted to a society where interplanetary mobility is a matter of getting to the nearest portal.

The pilgrims are headed to the Time Tombs - one of the few mysteries left, on a pilgrimage to see the Shrike - an strange, inscrutable creature, famed primarily for being an unstoppable killing machine.

Lovely elegant set of books, and I strongly recommend reading them.

Comments

[iamnotramphus.livejournal.com]

I love them - probably my favorite set of books.

[sobrique.livejournal.com]

I think it may have been you that pointed me that way initially. Thanks, I've enjoyed 'em, and have copies of the omnibus editions on my bookshelf these days.

[wolflady26.livejournal.com]

I've been reading the Hyperion series (for the first time) this year. I like it a lot, too, though the first one was by far the best. I still have the final book left to read, I'm saving it a bit.

[tya.livejournal.com]

I'd second that. Absolutely superb books.

I want a Shrike to deal with the numpties our building. A Tree of Pain (IIRC?) wouldn't go amiss either...