Science Fiction Book Club discussion

I finished Hyperion a few weeks ago. I was divided about this book. I really enjoyed reading it, whilst at the same time being very disappointed - I was left with the same questions at the end as I had at the beginning.

I had no idea what was going on at the beginning because of the heavy use of terminology. That's not a criticism, just an observation. I am not put off by terminology as I just assume it will all become clearer later on. (However, it took me to about half way through the book before I could read the terms Web and World Web as a collection of connected planets. I knew what it meant - but my brain refused to link the word to anything but the www.)

Then I thought: Oh no, I'm going to have to read dull background on each person before getting to the story. Turned out the whole book was really a set of short stories with a common theme, and the stories were really good.

At the end, I was still thinking: so why were the going/sent to Hyperion?, who is the Shrike?, who killed that guy and why? what was his story? why was Hyperion important? who built the labyrinths and Time Tombs and why?

Thinking about it a few weeks after finishing, I realised that most of the answers were probably there, but the point is you have to work it out for yourself. Or is the point that sometimes there are no anwsers?

Usually I get bit annoyed with authors who spell things out - "yes, of course that is what is going on, get on with it", but in this case I would have liked a helping hand at the end.

I wish I'd known what I was really going to be reading when I started. If I had known it was going to be down to me to work it out, I would have read it more carefully. And I wouldn't have had expectations for the end, and so wouldn't have been disappointed when it didn't come together. This book is a puzzle not an epic adventure.

Enjoyed reading, thought the stories were all good, but overall it was all build up with no conclusion.

What did everyone else think?

I feel your pain with the terminology. I did think the stories where great and I loved the ending. I personally thought the mystery was well done. There is a second book, that has all your answers. However, its not nearly as good as the first. Its a waste of time. Everything that made the first book good is missing from the second. The second book is thin on action and horror and sorrow. How can you get more moving then the story of Sal and The consul? More horrifying than father Holt and Kassad? It dont get much better than that. The second book is different. I like philosophy as much as the next guy but it got too deep for me. The upside is I now know a good deal about John Keats. Sorry this is more about the second book.

"but the point is you have to work it out for yourself"

The second book is certainly required reading if you want to know more answers, i'm not sure if it is possible to work it out for yourself from just the first book :)

I am actually partially through the second book, and as Zac alludes to, it is different, but I haven't made my mind up if it matches the 1st yet.

Haha...oh, good, that explains a lot. It did feel like there should have been another book, but I didn't see any mention of it. Usually if there is a follow on it is obvious: "NOW READ (buy) THE NEXT IN THE SERIES!" or people generally talking about it as a series. Amazon didn't even suggest it to me.

In that case I'll read the second. Glad for the warning it is different. Wish I'd know it was a series when I read this one - I wouldn't have been so critical or disappointed!

Thanks.

PS just did a search on Amazon and I'm not sure now I missed it.

I just started the 2nd book. There are two more after that Endymion and Fall of Endymion. I might need a break after The Fall of Hyperion and read something lighter... hahhaha

Yes Anna, I agree it's really dark and heavy isn't it. I will be looking for something pink and fluffy with unicorns in for the next read.

Rob wrote: "Yes Anna, I agree it's really dark and heavy isn't it. I will be looking for something pink and fluffy with unicorns in for the next read."

hahahah LOL Are you making fun of me?

No, not at all, I think I might read some Pratchett next :)

You are bad :)

I haven't read Hyperion yet, but I've recently purchased the first two books. Originally, the first two books of the series were written as a single novel by the author. It was the publisher who split it into two parts because it was thought to be too long. So it's a bit necessary to read the second in the series, or so I've been told.

Yes. I am in the middle of the second one right now. Love it.

Just finished this book and I have to say I am unsure of whether or not I will read the second one to the seires. The different planets and the settings on each one are vividly described. I definitely enjoyed that aspect of the novel. It was the short stories that I struggled with. Too many times I found myself dreading the next story to be told. This doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy any of them because I must say the time regression story (Benjamin Button) was a gem. It was just that I really wanted to find out what happened with the Ousters and the Shrike being let into the farcaster portals. I enjoyed the concepts laid down and definitely would consider reading the next one. Reading reviews seems to leave me split on whether or not it is worth it although from Anna's last post I may want to just give my own mind a chance to form an opinion of it's own.

I've read this book too...maybe a year or so back. I finished the next 2 books in the series as well. I was bumbed out to hear the concluding book in the series was awful. I was told to say away from it. Amazon gives it four stars though which is odd. If you look through the reviews you get a lot of 1 star and five star reviews.

Anyone finished this series yet?

I am a huge fan of the Hyperion series (have read it 3 times) and of Dan Simmons.

I concur with Jon; Hyperion is book one of a series that is meant to read in its entirety or you will find there are pieces missing and the story doesn't come together.

Jon wrote: "Thanks Donna.. I also think those of you that did like the size and scope of Hyperion would also enjoy Illium and Olympos by Dan Simmons."

Agree again. I loved Ilium and Olympos almost as much at Hyperion :)

Jon wrote: "Time to start a Dan Simmons Lovefest thread."

Most excellent idea!

I love Hyperion and even more The fall of Hyperion. They are dark and hard. The Shriek character is amazing. You don´t see it, you just smell your own fear.

But in all that darkness you can see the best love story I´ve ever read. The warrior (don´t remember the name) and his lover travelling back in time. Unforgetable!

Maybe I should reconsider reading The Fall of Hyperion. Too many books to read though. I'll squeeze it in there somewhere.