A science fiction book from 1989 that got the Hugo Award in 1990.
Hyperion is a planet on which Time Tombs can be found. This is the place where Shrike can be found. Some people worship this entity, some consider it the most fearsome creature in the universe. A group of seven chosen people are on a quest to meet this entity in hope that they can save the world (known universe).
The book tells a story of 6 (out of 7) pilgrims that take the last pilgrimage to the Time Tombs. Each of these pilgrims was chosen for this "mission" for a reason which we find out in the story they share with the rest of the travelers. Each of these stories is narrated in the style the book's character would use making them truly unique.
All the stories are dark and mostly make reference to things that are pretty harsh. You will find out that death is not the worst thing that can happen to you (in the first story). The stories are surely shocking and they make you think and wonder (especially about the meaning of death, religion, torture, political power, time travel and parenthood). Through the stories you will slowly make a whole picture about Hyperion and about the imminent war coming that will concern humans from the federation of planets, TechnoCore (AIs) and Outsters (genetically altered humans that fled to space believing in diversity and their own adaptation to the environment).
Personal Rating 4.5/5
Conclusion: This book is written mostly in retrospective (each story about one of the travelers) and even though the main plot hardly moves the book makes you want to read more. The story itself though is 'finished' (not everything is clear) in Fall of Hyperion (another book of 500pages).
The author was influenced by many world thinkers (mostly religious) and John Keats (a English poet from 19th century) which can be seen throughout the book and this sometimes feels awkward. What I did not really appreciate either were many love/sex scenes.
No comments:
Post a Comment