Hyperion

Hyperion by Dan Simmons. This book and its sequel, Fall of Hyperion, are combined in the Hyperion Cantos. Neither book is short so the Cantos is a veritable tome. Given this fact I'm dividing my review into two parts one for each of the books. One other thing to note, I've read both books before. I generally don't reread books but I enjoyed Hyperion the first time and it's been awhile since I've read it. It's one of the better sci-fi books out there so I feel a responsibility to share it with the public.

Dan Simmons does not mess around when he creates a universe to play around in. Hyperion and its sequels feature: teleportation, time travel, the cyberscape, AI, post-humans, and biological starships. As much as I respect the grand old sci-fi tradition of focusing on one or two future technologies I prefer this 'everything and the kitchen sink' approach to sci-fi. You don't get a carefully nuanced, multi-faceted exploration of what each technology means for humanity. For example, time travel plays a large role in Hyperion without really any text wasted on moral and philosphical implications of tampering with the past. But the technologies in this series aren't really what Hyperion is about.* It is, at its core, just interested in telling a complicated enjoyable story. This is a focus that many sci-fi books could stand to share. 

Hyperion is broken into six short stories with an overarching story serving as a framework between the stories. The master plot itself manages to be a compelling story in itself- seven strangers on a haunting trip through an alien world- a world on the brink of apocalypse. Each story details how each of the seven ended up on their doomed pilgrimage. Hyperion lives and dies therefore on the quality of these six stories. And for the most part the six vignettes are successful.

Each of the six stories have their own little sub-genre. The first is a story of religious horror, it is probably the strongest of the bunch. It's been a long time and I could still remember most of it. Other genres of the stories include cyberpunk, military sci-fi, and a sentimental tragedy. Most of these stories I could remember the gist of- they were quality tales. Two of them are a bit weaker (the cyberpunk story didn't do it for me at all) but overall there is something for everyone here. The entire book features quality writing and the characters are all interesting flawed creatures.

Pictured: the Shrike and his tree of thorns

Some mention needs to be made of the Shrike. The Shrike gets built up a lot- he is the God of Pain, Angel of Atonement. The Shrike is the boogeyman, Satan, and the Horseman of Death all rolled into one. That... is a lot to live up to. In my experience when you have this level of build up the actual thing is sure to disappoint. It is a testament to Dan Simmon's writing skill then that the Shrike truly is as horribly awesome as he is meant to be. The Shrike is one of the best literary monsters in my humble opinion. Like Dracula and werewolves the Shrike taps into some pool of elemental human fear. 

So do I recommend Hyperion? Of course I recommend it fool, haven't you been reading the review? It is not a flawless book. There are times when it could delve a little deeper and times when the mysticism of the stories can be obnoxious. But these are truly minor quibbles. This book is what sci-fi is all about. Small personal stories with universe shattering implications set in a wild and weird future.                                        7 out of 8 torchships

*although it should be noted that one particular technology is explored this way: the farcasters. Farcasters are doorways that can open to any other farcaster anywhere in the universe. It is the key peice of technology of the setting and all of society is shaped by the fact that nearly every human world is basically physically linked through these doorways. The farcaster system is a brilliant commentary on our own world where globalization is still transforming all societies and environments.