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keiusify's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Gore, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Genocide, Xenophobia, Vomit, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Pregnancy
Hyperion, the first book of the Hyperion Cantos, introduces 7 pilgrims that have their own unique backstories. The book contains many SF elements, although it is more leaning towards fantasy on most parts. The stories of the 7 pilgrims contributed to building a vast universe and left a heavy impression.benji_dw's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The book is broken up to tell the stories of seven people on a journey to the ‘time tombs’. Of the seven there is only one woman, and that attitude to gender pervades the entire narrative.
It is interesting and different. I thought of totally new things. Full points for novelty.
I am docking points because when it was good it was good (albeit problematic), but when it was bad, it was actually unforgivable. I didn’t find the manic pixie dream girl list quest or self insert sad-boi poet whining compelling at all. The racist language around Indigenous people is extremely gross.
Maybe this book was good for its time. But modern sci fi is better.
Graphic: Body horror, Drug abuse, Drug use, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Colonisation
mheath31's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's pretty much all true, but I think I might've made it worse in my head? It's hard to tell now that I'm on the other side, living this post-Hyperion life. If you've read anything about this book, you know it's a collection of short stories within the same universe revolving around the world of Hyperion and the mystical Shrike creature that promises to bring pain to humanity.
The first two stories, are probably the most graphic / grotesque. I learned my lesson about reading it at night. I'd say, if the Shrike shows up, just put the book down and go to bed.
The other thing about this book is that it's hard sci fi. I'll admit that I got a little confused by some of the players and concepts at the end. I'm actually excited to loan it out so that I can get insight from another reader. I'll also probably read it again. There's a ton of focus on time and a few theories within the book that aren't cleared up in the end, but I suspect to resolve in the second book.
In summary, walk, don't run, to pick up Hyperion. And by walk, I mean, walk slowly whilst preparing yourself for some intensity and some very violent scenes. But, ultimately, get ready for some great writing and amazing storytelling.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Car accident and Pregnancy
babudarabu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Sexual content, and Blood
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Grief, Pregnancy, Colonisation, and War