The Fall of Hyperion
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4.5 • 90 Ratings
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
LOCUS AWARD WINNER • The multiple-award-winning science fiction master continues the epic adventure that began in Hyperion, where the opening of the Time Tombs threatens to alter the very fabric of time and space, in the second novel in the Hyperion Cantos.
“One of the finest achievements of modern science fiction.”—The New York Times Book Review
The shadow of war has fallen on the Web. In the corridors of power on Tau Ceti Center, chaos reigns. Out of reach from the clashing empires, the artificial intelligences of the TechnoCore manipulate everyone and everything. And on Hyperion itself, where battle rages in the skies and on the streets, the mysterious Time Tombs are opening. And the secrets they contain mean that nothing—nothing anywhere in the universe—will ever be the same.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This densely plotted book concludes the futuristic tale begun in Hyperion . Earth has long since been destroyed, and humans now occupy more than 150 worlds linked by the Web, an instantaneous travel system created and operated by artificial intelligences (AIs--self-aware, highly advanced computers). These worlds are about to war with the Ousters, a branch of humanity that has disdained dependency on the AIs. At risk are the planet Hyperion, its mysterious Tombs that travel backward in time, and the Shrike, its god/avatar of pain or retribution. The narrative focuses on the government of the Web and its leader, Meina Gladstone, as observed by Joseph Severn, a cybernetic re-creation of the poet John Keats, and seven Shrike pilgrims, who may affect the war's outcome. Simmons pits good against evil, with the religions of man and those of the machines battling for supremacy. Despite his grand scale, however, he fashions intensely human individuals whom the reader will take to heart. ( Mar. )
Customer Reviews
The Fall of Hyperion
This is a well constructed narrative, with superbly engaging characters. There are sublime surprises, and wonderful twists that keep the reader bewildered. I would not have the expectation of being as mesmerized as with Hyperion, but the final result is, in fact, more satisfying.
First book great, second book terrible
I loved the first book of this series but this book was just awful and ruined the experience of the first novel for me. I gave it a decent chance - reading 1/3 of the book - but I found that most of the time I was bored. Most of what I read seemed to be filler without any interesting content.
Science fiction always gives me much food for thought..
But this book was an interesting look at not just science, future possibilities, AI, but also the role of religion in society and where current trends could take us. It touches on the nature of mankind - are we born good? Is there original sin? The nature of God, theodicy, sacrifice, beauty and poetry. A lot of good conversations with my husband as we read both of the Hyperion novels together...