Read in 2001.

Simmons is mainly recognized for this saga, Hyperion. Praised, recognized, and elevated to the status of "cult", I recognize its virtues (originality above all in that evolving monster), which however did not manage to move me. I read the first three and didn't go beyond that. I have the fourth pending, but I'm very lazy to have to re-read the previous ones to pick up the story.

Let's see if I read some comment that encourages me to do so.

P.S. From the author, I'm left with his Olympus biography.

This work, Hyperion, seems to have a certain allure that attracts many readers. Simmons' creativity in constructing this evolving monster is indeed remarkable. However, for me, it failed to create a deep emotional connection. Maybe it's because I didn't fully immerse myself in the story by not reading all the installments. The idea of re-reading the previous books to understand the fourth is a bit daunting, but perhaps a well-written comment could change my mind. The author's Olympus biography also intrigues me, and I'm curious to see what else he has to offer in that regard.

Overall, while Hyperion has its merits, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. But who knows, maybe with a bit more effort and the right inspiration, I might give it another chance.

I'm in total awe of Dan Simmons.

The first two Hyperion books are among my all-time favorite SF books. After reading FALL OF HYPERION, I was a bit skeptical about ENDYMION. For starters, none of the original pilgrims made an appearance, and I felt there was still a lot to be told about them. Little did I know that this book picks up right around the end of the pilgrims' story. Although not all the pilgrims appear, Martin Silenus has an awesome cameo.

But Aenea, Raul Endymion, and A. Bettik make an amazing trio. The Pas officials are a cool enough adversary, but what makes this book truly awesome is its scope. Hyperion created all these wonderful worlds but didn't explore them too deeply. Well, this book does just that. And if the worlds in Hyperion didn't blow your mind, the worlds the beleaguered trio explores in this book will surely render you catatonic.

This is a masterpiece, period. It takes the reader on an epic journey through a vast and imaginative universe, filled with unforgettable characters and thrilling adventures. Simmons has once again proven himself to be a master of the science fiction genre.

**"Endymion" by Dan Simmons: A Captivating Space Opera**

Endymion by Dan Simmons is a remarkable Science Fiction novel that combines the grandeur of a space opera with a deeply personal and detailed exploration of its characters. As the third installment in the Hyperion Cantos series, it continues to captivate readers with its engaging story and richly developed world.

The story commences 274 years after the events of The Fall Of Hyperion. Raul Endymion, a shepherd and hunting guide on Hyperion, finds himself convicted of murder and sentenced to death. However, after his execution, his life takes a much more complex and difficult turn. He encounters a familiar face from the past and is tasked with a crucial mission. He must journey to the Time Tombs, rescue a young girl named Aenea from the clutches of the church-controlled military forces when she leaves the Shrike Temple, and then escort her so that her message can be heard at the appropriate time and place. But this is no easy feat, as the Pax, the restored Roman church and religion, dispatches Father Captain De Soya to bring Aenea under Church control.
Throughout the book, there is a small yet compelling cast of continuous characters, including Raul, Aenea, the android A. Bettik, and Father Captain De Soya. Simmons does an excellent job of describing these characters both physically and mentally, allowing readers to quickly understand who they are and what drives them. The world building in Endymion is once again highly impressive. After the events of the previous book and the passage of 274 years, many places and societies have changed, yet the sense of continuity is maintained. The changes to familiar places feel believable, and Simmons effectively portrays the idea that people, societies, and entire worlds evolve and persevere regardless of the obstacles in their path.
In conclusion, Endymion is an amazing SF novel that features well-developed characters and an impressive world. It manages to stay true to the spirit and feel of the first two books in the series. While it may not quite reach the same heights as Hyperion, it is still an excellent read that I would highly recommend and rate 5 stars.

Stop!

If you've read Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion, it's advisable to stop right there. The series, unfortunately, doesn't continue in a satisfying manner. Pretend as if these two subsequent books, namely Endymion and Rise of Endymion, simply do not exist.

On the other hand, if you haven't yet delved into Hyperion, by all means, go ahead and read it. It is truly a remarkable piece of literature. It's great, really good, and one of my absolute favorite books. The story is amazing, filled with captivating characters and a richly detailed world.

However, Endymion takes a significant step down in quality. After reading Fall of Hyperion, you might be eager for more, but trust me when I say that it's better to leave it as it is. Some of the mysteries presented in the first two books are best left as mysteries. Endymion and Rise of Endymion simply do not live up to the expectations set by their predecessors and are not worth the read. (But Hyperion is still awesome, without a doubt.)

Review after the second reading in 2021

This is not Simmons' best novel. But it's not the worst either. And you wouldn't call it bad. It's different, and this difference is defined by Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. Yes, without these two novels, \\"Endymion\\" would have no sense. But it is written in such a different style that it throws you off balance.

Firstly, this is not a novel for the sake of the plot. It's a novel for the sake of the characters. If in \\"Hyperion\\" they are rather static (although it needs to be re-read), here they develop. Not just revealed to the readers, but actually develop. First of all, I mean Father Captain de Soya.

Secondly, this is a novel with a plot that disguises hints, allusions, and quotes. It seems to contradict the first point. But it's not so. There is a plot in the novel - and it either seems simple, almost primitive, or too dynamic (during the last two hundred pages). But actually, there are many clues hidden in it that connect this novel with \\"The Fall of Hyperion\\", and also - as I suspect - hint at the development of the plot in \\"The Rise of Endymion\\".

To be honest, Simmons is sometimes very straightforward. And sometimes - in his trademark style - he quotes the classics of American literature. Yes, under the influence of Simmons (and Joseph Conrad!), I decided to read Stephen Crane Stephen Crane.

By the way, \\"The Fall of Hyperion\\" has become so blurred that I don't see the contradictions anymore. And those that are there, Simmons explains quite plausibly. Well, it makes sense: there should be some time between the two parts of \\"The Hyperion Cantos\\": as Simmons wrote them with a break, so they should be read with a break :)

And this time I got satisfaction from the novel. Therefore, I'm bravely moving on to The Rise of Endymion!

P.S. Oh, no! I found out that I re-read the novel for... a year. Although there were two reading periods: 28.05.2020 - 15.06.2020 and 21.01.2021 - 22.05.2021. One month of reading, seven months of break, four months of reading. Well, it doesn't matter that it turned out this way. Because the first month of reading was two 30% of the text, then I gave up, and then... And then the novel becomes more interesting ;)

Review after the first reading in 2019

Critics said that the plot here is very confusing. It becomes confusing on the last 150 pages. Before that, everything is simple: the bad guys pursue the main characters. The main characters travel through space on a ship, along a river on a raft... There are no intrigues in this, because every time the bad guys catch up with them, they escape. And only at the end of the novel, Simmons twists the plot - in the style of \\"The Fall of Hyperion\\". Moreover, the text reminds of a very thinly spread layer of events in terms of the amount of text. But even at the end, Simmons doesn't hold back to not spoil the exciting plot - and starts to be inspired by \\"Terminator 2\\": the same twists, the same terminator that can change form, in particular - turn hands into knives. And Simmons even reproduces the scene with the terminator's hand emerging from the molten metal (in Simmons - from the red-hot lava). This is already in bad taste, as far as I'm concerned: Simmons can quote more subtly and skillfully.

But what annoys me the most is that Simmons suddenly starts to contradict \\"The Fall of Hyperion\\". As if it was like that there? But it was all Martin Silen who got it wrong - and misreported. Okay, we accept it. But still, it was like that. Simmons: but actually no, and I won't explain why I changed everything. Or rather, we know why: to develop the plot of \\"Endymion\\". And this happens four times during the text - in key places.

Somewhere from the middle of the novel, I already started to empathize with the bad guys and hope that their mission would succeed... Especially since the characters of the bad guys are more developed.

In conclusion, Simmons wrote a weak novel. Especially compared to \\"The Fall of Hyperion\\". And I don't understand why \\"The Fall\\" almost didn't receive awards, while \\"Endymion\\" was rated on a par with \\"Hyperion\\"...

First of all, I had the impression that it was an extremely cool and nearly unprecedented concept to have the third book in this momentous series set so far ahead (270+ years) of the previous book. This not only allows for as long a break as one desires between parts two and three but also brings us back to this utterly spellbinding reality. In this world, travel between different realms is made possible by the wondrous combination of ancient alien portals and waterways.

This book was never likely to reach the lofty heights of the previous two, as they were truly works of genius. However, along with an essentially narrow and almost linear drama between two opposing groups, we are treated to more of this lavishly and lovingly (?) created fictional far-future reality. We also get to explore more of its ridiculously well-conceived history and, ultimately, more of the incomparable cosmos-building from Simmons. I really appreciate how he depicts the evolution of the core Earth religions in the far future. If you want to discover how, then you should read the book.

If you truly loved Hyperion, you simply cannot afford to miss reading the subsequent books. However, if you only liked Hyperion, it might be best to stick to the first two. Next up is The Rise of Endymion. Overall, I would rate this book a 9 out of 12, a Four Star read.

2017 read

Rating: 8/10


Endymion is not at all what I anticipated the follow-up novel to be. It presents a vastly different story, centering on an entirely new set of characters. However, some familiar faces do make a comeback, and it feels deeply connected to the Hyperion books. It makes numerous references to previous characters and events, reveals new insights into the lore's past details, and revisits several worlds mentioned in the original novels. It wasn't the direct sequel I was hoping for, and I was slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, Endymion functions superbly as its own epic Sci-Fi adventure novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.



Image: God's Grove (A planet within the WorldWeb)


[Pros]:

- The adventure of exploring former Web-worlds was captivating, and learning about their history, ecology, and geology added depth.

- The world-building is truly epic, with the lore of this universe being expanded significantly.

- The new cast of characters was great, and I found them all completely relatable, forging a connection with each one.

- The pacing was good overall, keeping me engaged throughout.


[Cons]:

- There were some retcons that I disliked, as I believe they weakened the previous books in the series.

- There were too many misdirects and fake-out deaths, to the point where it became predictable and lessened the tension in the scenes or chapters.

- The ending was yet another cliffhanger, similar to that of Hyperion.

*My Rating System*

5 Stars (9-10): Amazing
4 Stars (7-9): Really Good to Great
3 Stars (5-7): Average to Good
2 Stars (3-5): Bad to Mediocre
1 Star (1-3): Terrible

Abyssmal. This work should never have seen the light of day.

Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion were truly magnificent pieces of literature, captivating readers with their rich worlds, complex characters, and engaging storylines.

However, this book and its companion are a prime example of when an author should have recognized that it was time to call it quits.

The writing in these books lacks the same sparkle and depth that made the previous installments so great. The plot feels convoluted and forced, as if the author was trying too hard to tie up loose ends or create a grand finale that simply doesn't work.

The characters, too, have lost some of their charm and authenticity. They seem to be going through the motions rather than truly coming alive on the page.

In conclusion, while the Hyperion series started off with such promise, these last two books are a disappointment and a reminder that even great authors can sometimes overstay their welcome.

This was an outstanding piece of science fiction. I had adored the first two books of the Cantos, namely Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. However, I was concerned that the two Endymion books might not possess the same wild novelty and sharp atmospheres as their predecessors.

Thankfully, I was mistaken. Endymion fulfilled its promises by providing us with more in-depth insights into the Shrike (albeit not an overwhelming amount), but particularly into the world after the Fall. The New Catholic Church somewhat reminded me of the Orange Bible in Dune, and it was interesting to witness the return of the Inquisition, despite its terrifying nature. The resurrection technology was completely insane and entertaining as well.

Most importantly, the journey along the farportals on the broken Tethys was what made this such a remarkable read. I was enamored with the principal characters, the thrilling action, the engaging narrative pacing, and the thought-provoking hard sci-fi ideas. This is truly excellent science fiction that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and leaves them longing for more.

**Buddy read with Athena, Desinka, Gavin & Kaora**

**3.5 stars**

“You want to be a hero,” he repeated. “You want to be one of those rare human beings who make history, rather than merely watch it flow around them like water around a rock.”

More than two centuries have elapsed since the pilgrimage to the Valley of the Time Tombs. The Hegemony of Man, the very core of humanity, has been utterly destroyed. The Worldweb, along with the farcaster network and all that made the universe as it once was, is gone. Rising from the ashes is the Pax, an all-encompassing totalitarian regime founded by the remaining Catholic Church, ruling with the aid of the mightiest armada in existence and the power to bestow eternal life upon its devout followers.

This third installment in the *Hyperion Cantos* saga is set centuries after the previous two and commences with a plethora of questions. How did the Pax come to dominate everything? What became of the other old powers, the Ousters and the TechnoCore? And what is the Church's true intention? Witnessing Dan Simmons attempt to answer all these queries while crafting a captivating narrative is a delightful experience. He does so, as always, with considerable skill.

The protagonist of *Endymion* is Aenea, the daughter of Brawne Lamia and the cybrid known as John Keats. In another era, she passed through the portals in the Valley of the Time Tombs on Hyperion and arrived in this distant future. Now, the Church views her as a threat that must be eradicated by any means necessary. As she traverses the universe to discover her true purpose, the agents of the Pax are in hot pursuit.

Although Aenea is the central character, she is not a POV character. There are two POV characters: Raul Endymion, the man who accompanies and safeguards Aenea, and Father Captain Federico de Soya, the man tasked with hunting her down. All three characters are intriguing in their own right, and Simmons keeps much of their personalities and motives concealed throughout most of the book. The narration, alternating between the hunter and the hunted, is particularly engaging.

Like the other books in the series, this one introduces a novel and extraordinary concept that I have never encountered anything remotely similar to before. Namely, the River Tethys (beautifully depicted further below), the river upon which Aenea and Raul embark on their journey. Perhaps a mere river may not seem overly remarkable, but then again, few rivers span from world to world across the entire universe. The River Tethys takes our protagonists to jungle worlds and ocean worlds, to abandoned population centers and lost planets. And that is precisely what makes both the river and the journey along it so astonishing.

Regrettably, there is almost always a drawback. The issue with *Endymion* is that it falls into the same trap as *The Fall of Hyperion*. One would assume Simmons had learned from his mistakes in that book, but alas, no. Once again, an interesting book with a truly fascinating concept devolves into a tiresomely dull tale in the middle sections, only to improve significantly towards the end. With the exception of the outstanding first book in the series, I'm beginning to suspect this is a pattern for all the books. Then again, it could also be that both the second and third books suffer from a severe case of second book syndrome.

That being said, I don't believe Dan Simmons is capable of writing a bad book either, and this was undoubtedly both an enjoyable and a thought-provoking read. It sets the stage perfectly for the final book, from which I now have high expectations.

Wow - I have a new favorite!

I truly loved this book from start to finish. Have you ever had that experience with a book where right from the beginning, you just knew you were going to adore it, and you tried to read it really slowly so you could fully savor every moment? That was exactly me with Endymion.

In this book, we follow the story of Aenea, the child of Hyperion characters John Keats and Brawnia. We learn that she is destined to be a major prophet.

This is the account of how she managed to be three centuries into the future after the events of Fall of Hyperion and her pilgrimage to Old Earth, as told by Raul Endymion, who will one day be her true love.

Although this is all a precursor to whatever destiny she will fulfill (I assume that is the story in Endymion Rising), this tale brings new clues to some of the events and happenings of the first two Hyperion books. It also creates some beautiful new characters and resolves the fates of some of the old ones.

Highly recommended!

I truly, deeply loved Hyperion. It held the top position on my top ten list in the year I read it. Every single part of it simply blew me away.

Then I delved into the second book. While it wasn't as audacious as the first, it was still incredibly good. I was completely enthralled, and at times, even creeped out.

Now, I have finally made my slow progress to the third book. And to be honest, I'm not quite as enthusiastic as before. It's still a good book, but it doesn't reach the same level of excellence. The issue isn't with the writing or the characters; rather, it lies in the plot.

Note: The rest of this review has been withheld due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.

In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook.