Scan barcode
onlylonelystars's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
The only reason this is getting more than 1 star is because the worldbuilding was good. The rest was distasteful to me (especially all the sexual and violent content, which was not disclosed). I had no expectations about this book, I knew nothing about it, and I was disappointed. Do not read this book if you are sensitive to sexual content, violence, or swearing.
As an aside, my Libby version of this on my phone was 1009 pages long. That is an unholy length. Just no, no thank you.
As an aside, my Libby version of this on my phone was 1009 pages long. That is an unholy length. Just no, no thank you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, and Murder
sergeantsamways's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
kalobar's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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
2.5
I found this book to be just okay. There were several times where I felt bored by the language and obviously-written-by-a-man of it. And the end felt kind of lazy to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, and Blood
mheath31's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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 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.
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
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
captainpash's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, and War
ailsaod's review
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
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, and War
Minor: Drug use and Sexism
emvalentine's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Sexual violence
More...