Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - Hyperion

It's the best sci-fi I've ever read. BUT do not go out and start reading this book right away. If you're seeing this review, you've probably read some things about being in the right mindset for this book. You've probably seen words like "disturbing" or maybe even "horrifying."
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.

Content Warnings

captainpash's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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ailsaod's review

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adventurous challenging dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I thought this was a sci-fi book - not sci-fi horror!!! Oh boy was I not prepared for the depths this book goes to - or just for anything about this book to be honest!

Hyperion is inspired by the Tales of Canterbury (which I only have a vague idea of what they are to be honest) and consists of a group of 'pilgrims' from different backgrounds travelling together and telling each other their life stories. So far sounds boring, except all these people have some kind of horror element in their backstory, some of which I found interesting but others were unpleasant to read. I would strongly recommend looking up the content warnings for this book as it covers a wide range of topics people might have difficulty with. I personally really struggled with the soldier's story as sexual horror is something I avoid and some of the things in that section were a bit much for me (understatement of the year!).

One thing I found frustrating about this book is that I never really understand what the point of it all is. For most of the book you don't know what the Time Tombs even are and you certainly don't know why anyone would want to go there. It does get explained a bit towards the end but it never really made sense. I get that it is supposed to be mysterious but it felt more like badly explained to me. There are a lot of interesting things in the worldbuilding of this book but they are just mentioned casually like "oh yea Hyperion is one of those labyrinth worlds". OK, please elaborate?

Another reason I didn't like this book much is the way the characters are written - the main character is pretty much a blank slate and is barely even named in the book (which is for plot reasons, but doesn't make his point of view any more enjoyable!). A lot of the other characters behave in ways that are so strange that they seem unreal and everyone is really horny which didn't help.

I think this book is for a specific type of reader - which is not me! - but it's not terrible. I would have been slightly more appreciative of it if it had ended at a less frustrating point but I have no intention of putting myself through book 2!

Content Warnings

luketheduke022's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I think it deserved the Hugo/Nebula when it was published for its originality, but it hasn't aged well at all. Read it for the historical value, not as a shining example of strong Sci Fi...

Content Warnings

singalana's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

babudarabu's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

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

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