Endymion: A New Phase of the Hyperion Story

Endymion occurs approximately three centuries subsequent to the events in Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion. It showcases a predominantly new set of characters. The climactic events of the previous book have such far-reaching consequences. For instance, the closing of the far-casters, the end of the hegemony, the disappearance of the Shrike, and the rise of the Pax due to the cruciform. Simmons has thus crafted a highly novel and distinct galactic environment to frame his equally intricate and elaborate space opera epic.

Although Endymion might lack some of the mythic undertones of the first duology, it compensates with a fully developed narrative. This narrative meticulously extrapolates the repercussions of the previous books and continues the underlying struggle and mystery involving the Core, AIs, and the humans and Ousters caught in the middle. Dan Simmons is unafraid to reshape his own elaborate universe while treating it as a natural extension of the earlier story. Just like the first two books, Endymion is merely one half of the story. Therefore, you must be prepared to commit to reading both books to obtain the full vision as Dan Simmons intended.

At the beginning, the author issues a warning that you might be reading this book for the wrong reasons, and he is absolutely right. If you are picking up this book simply because you were fond of Hyperion, then indeed, you are reading it for the wrong motivation.

Endymion is like Hyperion in the same way that Pluto is like Jupiter.

I had come across numerous accounts stating how inferior the last two books in this series are, but I never in my wildest dreams imagined the situation to be as dire as it actually is. Endymion is not really a proper book. It feels more like a drawn-out prologue to Rise of Endymion, and that's all there is to it.

Set approximately two hundred and fifty years after the Fall, the Vatican, leveraging the power of resurrection, has seized control of the old Hegemony space. For the sake of nostalgia, the story commences on Hyperion, and we follow the journey of Raul Endymion (he refers to it as an adventure, but I would call it the most excruciatingly boring thing one could ever read). Throw in the Shrike, the time tombs, a so-called mysterious (but in reality, not mysterious at all) prophet, and a hapless fellow named De Soya, and voila, we have Endymion. However, there is no cohesion among its various parts. It's just a jumble of disparate elements. So, don't worry too much about trying to make sense of it all.

Raul the shepherd (he behaves more like a sheep being led around than an actual shepherd) - a twelve-year-old know-it-all whom everyone obeys for no apparent reason, and a completely irrelevant android - are the central characters of this sorry excuse for a story. To be honest, De Soya's storyline is far more engaging than whatever these other characters are up to.

The entire book is充斥着irrelevant and nonsensical discussions. I long for the days when each sentence held meaning and had a profound impact on the reader. The narration, for the most part, is in the first person, which means that the most passive character gets to relay to us what other equally passive characters are doing or not doing, or whatever it is that's happening or not happening.

In conclusion, Endymion is an uninspiring, uninteresting, and unworthy sequel to what was once one of the greatest books I've ever read!

The third book in the series, after the depth, complexity, and scope of the first two, is not unreadable but rather a whole lot of dull. It reads like 563 pages of largely uneventful prelude to the final installment. By the time Nemes enters the picture, which is a tantalizing yet ultimately under-used and anti-climatic inclusion, the book is all but over. And then it is over. One wonders why about 500 extra pages were needed to set up the galaxy post-Fall, the role of the Church and its connection to the TechnoCore, which is evident almost immediately for anyone with half a brain who devoted even a quarter of their diminutive gray matter to the previous book, and the foundation of our protagonists' relationship.

Not to mention the ill-used Shrike, once a formidable force even in threat, now reduced to a handful of clumsy deus ex machina cameos. At least Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion made clever and even conscious use of such convenient plot interruptions.

Another thing that wore on me was Simmons' penchant for jumping between character perspectives. Done right, it's a great tactic. But in this book, it's overkill. I reached the eye-rolling, sigh-inducing point towards the end as I realized again and again that I was starting a new chapter only to rehash the scene from another character's perspective.

Overall, I think Simmons' future post-Hyperion suffers from the sudden and conspicuous absence of the TechnoCore threat. Previously, the weight of the issues was palpable. Now, 247 years after the supposed triumph of humanity, in a universe where the Church has sold its soul in a massive, perverse bargain, a reader is supposed to care about trip itineraries and how adept Aenea is at folding a microtent? If this is the "calm before the storm", I don't think 563 pages were needed for it. I only hope The Rise of Endymion makes something of the potential squandered here.

I finally reached the second half of this truly amazing series!! I have a deep affection for Dan Simmons. His rich and epic world building is truly remarkable, the engaging storytelling keeps me hooked from start to finish, and it is teaming with a plethora of ideas, concepts, and adventures. I absolutely loved reconnecting with the Hyperion universe. Although it may not be quite as engaging as Hyperion or as densely packed with ideas as Fall of Hyperion, for me, this is still a great continuation of a fantastic series. I can't contain my excitement and I'm eagerly waiting to find out how this all ends.

I listened to it on Audible and Victor Bevine did an excellent job. His narration added an extra layer of depth and excitement to the story, making the listening experience even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves science fiction and epic adventures.

4.5 Stars

Many fans of Dan Simmons's Hyperion series were not overly fond of this more distinct entity within the saga. However, this does not diminish the fact that this book is truly a thrilling and enjoyable ride. You don't have to have read the first two books to relish this one; in fact, it might even be better if you haven't. Simmons has incorporated the more exciting elements from the previous books and woven them into this magnificent and highly entertaining science fiction adventure. The Worldweb and the mysterious Shrike creature add an extra layer of excitement to an already great story.

Almost 300 years have passed since The Fall, and Earth seemingly, but not definitely, no longer exists. The Worldweb and the Shrike creature are still around, yet the only things standing between the complete control of everything by the military arm of the Catholic Church, PAX, are an 11-year-old girl named Aenea and Raul Endymion. Aenea is the future leader of all, and Raul Endymion has been chosen to protect her from harm. Using Farcaster portals as gateways to other worlds to evade their somewhat reluctant pursuer, Father DeSoya, they find an ally in A. Bettik, a blue android.

The chase is intense and moves at a breakneck pace. The mysterious and deadly Shrike creature adds an element of the unknown for the three. The questions pondered and ruminated on are thought-provoking, engaging the reader's mind while their heart enjoys the adventure, the outcome of which is constantly in doubt. As the connection between Raul and Aenea grows stronger, so does the reader's need to know the outcome. Doom for all mankind looms like a dark storm over everything in this grand adventure tale. It is a book that is easy to get lost in, a breathtaking story of a fantastical future that can only be found in books.

You read something like this slowly, savoring it, because you know it is part of a series and, therefore, probably without a conclusive ending. Whether you are a science fiction reader or not, if you enjoy getting lost in another world, this is a great book for you. Sort of a stand-alone book within the series, it is simply a lot of fun to read and highly recommended.

Definitely, it is the weakest of the four.

Although perhaps it isn't entirely fair to group the tetralogy in such a manner. Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion are essentially one book spread over two volumes, despite the change in writing style.

Endymion, in some respects, is a sequel if one is strictly looking at the chronological continuation of the universe these characters inhabit. However, when one takes into account how brilliant and creative the first two books were, filled with plot and rich in characterization, Endymion reads more like the action-adventure prequel to a much cooler and more satisfying Rise of Endymion.

I do like Aenea and Raul, and I even appreciate how Simmons constructs their personalities. But everything else is just kind of... blah. The explanations for many of the "wait a minute... what?" moments in this novel don't arrive until the end of Rise. And even though this was also the case with the two Hyperion books, this wait seems much more drawn out.

In many ways, I consider it the Hump Book of the series. (No, not in that way. They don't get jiggy until Rise!) Once you get past it, it's relatively smooth sailing to the end.

Look, I'm not your typical sci-fi enthusiast. I attempted Frank Herbert's Dune but gave up after just fifty pages. I've never delved into the works of Issac Asimov or H.G. Wells. However, I'm completely in love with Dan Simmons' Hyperion series!

Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion, the initial two books in Dan Simmons's Hyperion Cantos, are a self-contained duology that blew my mind, especially the first book. Winning numerous awards like the Nebula and Locus, they demonstrated the excellence hard science fiction could achieve. Could anything surpass them?

I understood that Endymion would continue from those first two books, and I've waited far too long to read it. The main reason is that these books are large and dense, and I prefer to reach my Goodreads goal before tackling such behemoths. But it's been a while since I've been in the Hyperion universe, so details might be a bit hazy for me. Thankfully, there are wiki summaries to refresh my memory.

I'm going to assume you've read the first two books. If not, do it immediately! Otherwise, I'll send the Shrike to pay you a visit, and if you know who he is, you definitely wouldn't argue!

The story begins 274 years after the conclusion of The Fall of Hyperion. The universe Simmons created has witnessed a significant transformation with the fall of the old order and the rise of the Roman Catholic church in the form of the 'Pax' government.

We follow the main protagonist, Raul Endymion, a hunter on the planet Hyperion who now awaits execution in a small box-room orbiting the planet after being sentenced for a capital crime. He passes the time by narrating the events that led him to this situation.

We also get an alternate perspective as we discover that the former Hegemony regime has completely fallen and been replaced by 'the Pax.' The main antagonist, Father Captain de Soya, is on a mission to the time tombs on Hyperion to capture a young girl, Aenea, who is set to emerge from within.

The two perspectives intertwine when a character from the original story rescues Endymion and sends him on a mission to save Aenea with the help of the ancient android A. Bettik. Once this occurs, the story gains momentum as it alternates between the hunter and the hunted, revealing how the universe has changed.

Simmons is an outstanding writer, and this series allows him to showcase his talent by painting a vivid and visually stunning universe. His writing style is flawless, setting him apart from most other sci-fi authors. In Endymion, we see his remarkable ability to imagine and create an entire universe, which he did brilliantly in Hyperion and continues to do here.

Before I conclude, I must draw attention to the unique mode of space travel Simmons creates in this book. It ties in with humanity's newfound ability to resurrect the dead and is both original and visceral, catching my attention. It's not a pleasant experience, but there's some brilliant symbolism.

My main concern was what would happen to the characters in this installment, set so far in the future without the original cast from Hyperion. Although the characters in Endymion weren't quite on the same level, I still enjoyed and became invested in each of them.

The main character, Raul Endymion, is a likeable hero, and his interactions with A. Bettik provide some humorous moments. His relationship with Aenea is well-developed, and Simmons manages to avoid it becoming uncomfortable. My favorite character, however, was Father De Soya. He's not your typical antagonist and exercises independent thought, gradually realizing the cracks in the Pax government's narrative.

Thankfully, we do get to meet some old characters from the original novel, and there are plenty of links to the original story, including the fearsome Shrike. But perhaps, just perhaps, he might be on the other side in this one. Who knows?

Like the first duology, this story ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me eager to read the final installment, The Rise of Endymion. I don't think it's possible to top the original Hyperion novel, but I found Endymion just as engaging, although not quite as mind-blowing. It's an excellent read and some of the most exciting and entertaining science fiction I've come across.

I would highly recommend it if you enjoyed the first two books. While reading them isn't essential, I strongly suggest it as the story ties together beautifully. It's a remarkable achievement that needs to be experienced in its entirety. And now, it's time for me to move on to The Rise of Endymion. Less time writing reviews and more time doing what we all love best... reading!

Thanks for reading. Cheers!

This is a truly epic science fiction adventure. What makes it even more remarkable is Simmons's outstanding prose.

His ability to craft vivid and engaging descriptions brings the story to life in a way that few others can.

Moreover, Simmons delves deep into various themes through his well-developed characters and intricate world-building.

The characters are not just one-dimensional figures but have complex personalities and motives, which adds a layer of depth to the narrative.

The world he creates is also rich and detailed, with its own unique history, culture, and social structure.

This attention to detail makes the reader feel as if they are truly immersed in this science fiction universe.

Compared to many other works within the genre, Simmons's exploration of themes and his use of prose set this adventure apart and make it a must-read for any science fiction fan.

ENDYMION is the third installment in Dan Simmons' Hyperion saga and the initial volume of a two-part narrative that reaches its conclusion in THE RISE OF ENDYMION.

While it does offer more insights into the fascinating universe first established in HYPERION, it is unfortunately marred by numerous flaws.

The most exasperating aspect is the highly formulaic plot. Simmons' story of selected individuals fleeing from an evil organization feels as unrealistic and stereotypical as an 80s TV action show. The characters lack depth; Raul is the typical reluctant yet capable hero, and the Catholic Church is depicted as a group of diabolically laughing Crusaders.

Another significant shortcoming is the lack of substantial events in this book. Aenea and Raul spend a whopping 500 pages evading the Pax and Nemes, but little else of consequence occurs. It seems as though the sole purpose of this volume is to set the stage for THE RISE OF ENDYMION.

Moreover, Simmons' writing style has not matured significantly since the first two Hyperion books, which brings the book perilously close to being formulaic trash.

Yes, I read the book simply to complete the Hyperion saga, and it merits two stars as it is one step closer to the end. However, overall, ENDYMION was a disappointment.

Want a free cruciform? Won't hurt that long. Bodily. It's truly astonishing how humans might embrace a revolutionary, new biotechnological option. They could potentially establish a new era of faith-driven torture and a terror state that makes the empire seem feeble in comparison. After all, the empire at least didn't seek to claim your immortal soul and force you to endure the horror of indoctrination parasites. I'm absolutely certain this will occur. People will unknowingly be manipulated by means such as secretly infecting them with an indoctrination virus or attaching a flesh-eating, disgustingly grotesque monster parasite during a holy mass while they chant. That's just how we operate. Besides, before or perhaps even after its use in medicine, for example, in the pursuit of immortality or bio-nanotech hybrids, the most foolish and dangerous applications will be prioritized.

One might have already guessed. Simmons掌控着任何信仰、宗教、教派，或者未来可能出现的一切，展示了如果人类的信仰和天真被用于通过永生的虚假承诺获取权力，那么过去、现在和未来会发生什么。这是他唯一一次巧妙地抨击曾经最具破坏性的病态心理构建。在经济登上舞台并将牧师们打得落花流水之前，他说：“拿着我的神圣消费主义文本、公关、广告和营销，我要在祭坛后面劝诱你们的最后一个支持者皈依。”

有些反派角色让《终结者》看起来像个小孩子。他们可以把几十个这种原始的、石器时代的时间旅行杀人机器当早餐吃掉，就像提到的经济吞噬银河系政治和信仰一样。人们绝对应该考虑做笔记，或者标记重点，尤其是继续思考这个惊人系列所提供的想法，将它们与阅读其他科幻作品所收集的知识相结合，以获得完整的、身临其境的乐趣。

有些人不太喜欢这部小说，我不明白为什么。它什么都有，批评西蒙斯过于冗长就像批评金一样，非常奇怪。

套路展示了文学是如何被概念化和创作的，以及哪些元素的混合使作品和流派变得独特：https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...

This book was truly a letdown following Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion.

It began in a somewhat promising manner, but then devolved into an interminable succession of scenes where the bad guys pursue the good guys from one planet to another.

Virtually nothing else of significance occurred. It seemed to me that Dan Simmons was merely intent on flaunting the diverse worlds he had crafted.

There were none of the intricate plot complications that I had witnessed in the Hyperion books. The prophecy element of the story also failed to resonate with me.

Aenea is aware of certain events that will transpire, is unclear about others, and then, rather inconveniently, has no knowledge of what will occur on the planet of God's Grove.

The logic behind her foreknowledge was inconsistent and grated on me. The characters were passable, but I also found it strange that the true antagonist didn't make an appearance until very near the end.

I listened to this as an audiobook and had an interruption in my listening due to device glitches, but even taking that into consideration, this book simply didn't work for me.

Endymion continues the story that was begun in Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. However, it is not a direct sequel. The "Fall" took place approximately two centuries ago, and now the Hegemony, a far-future conglomerate of multiple planets, is under the rule of the Pax, which is enforced by the "miraculous" resurrection symbiotes discovered by Father Lenar Hoyt in Hyperion. Farcasting, the ability to travel instantaneously through portals, is no longer possible.

Raul Endymion resides on the planet of Hyperion and is handpicked by Martin Silenus to embark on a quest. His task is to protect and escort the child, Aenea, the future "messiah," to her final destination in a distant solar system. Joining them is the mysterious and loyal android, A. Bettik. They are pursued by Pax forces, led by the anti-hero, Father Captain De Soya.

I never imagined that science fiction could possess such beauty. It may sound trite, but it is indeed true. DS skillfully and brilliantly描绘 far-future life, making it remarkably believable. The desert planets of Hebron and Qom-Riyadh, the desiccated elegance of God's Grove, the icy tundra of Sol Draconi Septem... all are so alien, yet strangely familiar at the same time.

The relationship between Raul, Aenea, and A. Bettik was what truly solidified this book for me. The three of them formed a palpable connection that could not be severed despite fear, devastation, loss, and agony. I am aware that the next book in the series, The Rise of Endymion, delves into moral and ethical issues related to the future of humanity. But in this book, there is the overarching theme of love. Love in its infancy, love blooming, love between an adult and a child, love between friends. Such a simple concept, yet love truly conquers all.