Parts of it gave the impression of being artificial. It was as if Simmons was weary of being overlooked at parties whenever he discussed Shakespeare and Proust, and thus resolved to incorporate those elements into a book. Additionally, it endures comparison to Lord of Light. However, the concept manages to sustain it, and I will definitely read the sequel. The artificiality in certain aspects might have detracted from the overall experience to some extent. But the unique concept that Simmons has presented is captivating enough to draw me in and make me eager to explore what comes next in the story. Despite the challenges it faces in comparison to other works, there is something about this book that keeps me engaged and interested. I am looking forward to seeing how the sequel builds upon the foundation laid in this first installment and whether it can further develop and expand the concept in a more satisfying way.
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Ilión is a remarkable novel by Dan Simmons that transforms the Iliad into a captivating science fiction story. In this expanded version, we are drawn into a world where the gods and heroes of ancient Greece coexist with advanced technology, androids, and space travel.
The novel begins with a powerful and evocative passage that sets the stage for the complex and engaging narrative to come. Simmons immediately plunges us into the action, presenting us with a series of questions that demand answers. Why is the Trojan War being fought on Mars? Who are the characters, and what do the technical terms mean? These questions are gradually answered as the story unfolds, but the initial lack of introduction can be overwhelming for some readers.
To help readers navigate the first few chapters, this review provides a brief spoiler-free summary of the different storylines. The first plot follows Thomas Hockenberry, a human from the 20th century who has been genetically reconstructed by the gods of Olympus to observe and report on the events of the Trojan War. Hockenberry's chapters are told in the first person and are filled with action and his own sense of apathy towards the task assigned to him by the gods. Thanks to the technology at his disposal, he can "morph" into any character from the Iliad, allowing him to interact with the combatants and witness the events of the war firsthand.
The second plot begins on Jupiter and follows Mahnmut and Orphu of Io, two highly advanced androids known as moravecs. These moravecs were created by humanity thousands of years ago to study the solar system, but after being abandoned by their creators, they developed their own consciousness. When they detect an abnormal quantum activity on Mars that threatens to destroy the solar system, they decide to investigate. This plot is the most complex to understand at first, but it becomes very interesting once it intersects with Hockenberry's storyline. The interactions between Mahnmut and Orphu are excellent, and they are filled with references to other works of literature, which play a crucial role in the plot.
The final plot follows the few remaining humans on Earth. These humans live in the ruins of ancient cities and have been modified with nanotechnology that allows them to live up to 100 years without physical deterioration. They can "fax" (teleport) to different locations using terminals, and whenever they die for any reason, they are cured in a "farm." However, despite all this, the humans have lost the ability to reason and only live for pleasure, as they are assisted in every task by automatic servants. Everything changes when Harman, a human approaching 100 years old, learns to read and begins to question his reality. His mission is to find out what happens to humans once they reach 100 years old and are faxed to the orbital stations where the "posthumans" live.
One of the most notable aspects of Ilión is the way in which Dan Simmons seamlessly blends the classics with science fiction. Just as he did in The Hyperion Cantos, where he paid homage to the poet John Keats, Simmons integrates the Iliad and Shakespeare's The Tempest to tell a complex story about the future of humanity. The references to these classic works are not just simple homages; they directly influence the plot of the novel.
To fully understand the plot of Hockenberry and the events he anticipates as the Trojan War unfolds, it is necessary to have a general knowledge of the Iliad. Similarly, to understand the references to Shakespeare, it is essential to read The Tempest, as both the plot of Mahnmut and the story of the humans led by Harman are filled with less obvious references that can only be fully understood if one knows Shakespeare's final work.
In conclusion, Ilión is an excellent science fiction novel that combines gods, Greek heroes, and androids in a story that pays homage to classic works such as the Iliad and The Tempest. Dan Simmons builds on these classics to tell a complex and engaging story about the future of humanity, where myths come to life and threaten to destroy the solar system. I highly recommend that readers read at least a summary of the Iliad and The Tempest before delving into this novel, as it will enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the story. \\n \\n Pueden encontrar esta y otras reseñas en mi blog\\n \\n
\\n “Canta, oh, Musa, la cólera de Aquiles, hijo de Peleo, asesino, ejecutor de hombres destinados a morir, canta la cólera que costó a los aqueos tantos buenos hombres y envió tantas almas vitales y valerosas a la temible Casa de la Muerte. Y de paso, oh, Musa, canta la cólera de los propios dioses, tan petulantes y poderosos aquí en su nuevo Olimpo, y la cólera de los posthumanos, muertos y desaparecidos como parecían, y la cólera de los pocos humanos auténticos que quedan, por ensimismados e inútiles que puedan haberse vuelto”.\\n
Así comienza Ilión, esta maravillosa novela en la que Dan Simmons convierte a la Ilíada en una historia de ciencia ficción, donde los dioses y héroes griegos conviven con la tecnología, los androides y los viajes espaciales.
Se trata de un libro bastante complejo y que debe ser leído con mucha atención, ya que los primeros
capítulos nos meten de lleno en la acción sin ningún tipo de introducción: ¿por qué se está luchando la Guerra de Troya en Marte? ¿quiénes son los personajes? ¿qué significan todos los términos técnicos que aparecen? Todas estas preguntas son respondidas mucho más adelante y pueden abrumar al lector al principio, por eso en esta reseña haré un breve resumen sin spoilers de las diferentes tramas para que los primeros capítulos no les resulten tan complejos.
Aviso que esta nueva edición de Ilión se divide en dos partes (El asedio y La rebelión) que hasta el momento habían sido publicadas en dos tomos separados. Tengan en cuenta que esta es apenas la primera mitad de la historia; las partes tres y cuatro se encuentran en otro tomo titulado Olympo.
\\n Tres historias conectadas\\n
\\n “Es aquí donde empieza la Ilíada, y debería ser el centro de mis energías y mi habilidad profesional, pero la verdad es que me importa un carajo”\\n
Ilión narra tres historias paralelas que se relacionan en diferentes puntos:
La primera de estas tramas es protagonizada por Thomas Hockenberry. Hockenberry es un “escólico”, un ser humano del siglo XX que fue reconstruido genéticamente por los dioses del Olimpo para observar y reportar los acontecimientos de la Guerra de Troya, que por razones desconocidas se está desarrollando nuevamente en las llanuras de Marte. Hockenberry y los demás escólicos son estudiosos expertos en la Ilíada y son los únicos que saben qué va a suceder, por lo tanto, deben informar a los dioses si esta nueva Guerra de Troya es igual a la que Homero narra en su poema épico.
Los capítulos de Hockenberry son narrados en primera persona y son muy entretenidos porque están llenos de acción y reflejan la apatía que siente el escólico ante la tarea que le asignaron los dioses. Además, gracias a la tecnología que tiene a su disposición, Hockenberry puede “morfearse” y adoptar la apariencia de cualquier personaje de la Ilíada, lo cual le permite interactuar con los combatientes de los dos bandos y observar de primera mano los acontecimientos de la Guerra de Troya. Sin embargo, Hockenberry, al igual que todos los que combaten en la guerra, quedará a merced de los caprichos de los dioses.
La segunda trama comienza en Júpiter y es protagonizada por Mahnmut y Orphu de Ío, dos androides extremadamente avanzados llamados moravecs. Estos moravecs fueron creados hace miles de años por la humanidad para estudiar el sistema solar, pero tras ser abandonados por sus creadores, desarrollaron conciencia propia. Tras advertir que en Marte se está desarrollando una actividad cuántica anormal que amenaza con destruir el sistema solar, los moravecs deciden ir a investigar.
Esta trama es la más compleja de comprender al principio, pero se vuelve muy interesante una vez que entra en contacto con la trama de Hockenberry. Las interacciones entre Mahnmut y Orphu son excelentes, y están llenas de referencias a otras obras literarias, ya que los moravecs tienen a Shakespeare y Proust en sus bases de datos. Estas referencias juegan un papel fundamental en la trama y son necesarias para comprender muchos momentos clave de Ilión.
La última trama, es protagonizada por los pocos humanos que quedan en la Tierra. Estos humanos habitan las ruinas de las antiguas ciudades y fueron modificados con nanotecnología que les permite vivir hasta los cien años sin deteriorarse físicamente, se pueden “faxear” (teletransportarse) a diferentes lugares utilizando terminales y cada vez que mueren por alguna razón, son curados en una “fermería”. Pese a todo esto, los seres humanos han perdido la capacidad de razonar y solo viven para el placer, ya que son asistidos para cualquier tarea por unos servidores automáticos. Todo cambia cuando Harman, un humano que está próximo a cumplir cien años, aprende a leer y comienza a cuestionar su realidad. Su misión es averiguar qué sucede con los humanos una vez que cumplen cien años y son faxeados a las estaciones orbitales donde habitan los “posthumanos”.
De las tres tramas, esta es la que parece más aislada, aunque sobre el final aparecen claras conexiones con las historias de Hockenberry y Mahnmut.
\\n Shakespeare, mitología y ciencia ficción\\n
\\n “Los dioses han venido a jugar. Más concretamente, han venido a matar”\\n
El aspecto más notable de Ilión es la forma en la que Dan Simmons consigue mezclar los clásicos con la ciencia ficción.
Al igual que Los cantos de Hyperion, donde el autor homenajea al poeta John Keats, Dan Simmons integra la Ilíada y La tempestad de William Shakespeare, para contar una historia muy compleja acerca del futuro de la humanidad.
Las referencias a obras clásicas son más que simples homenajes de Simmons a sus autores favoritos, ya que influyen directamente en la trama de la novela.
Por esta razón, considero que es necesario tener un conocimiento general de la Ilíada para comprender la trama de Hockenberry y los diferentes eventos que anticipa el escólico a medida que se desarrolla la Guerra de Troya. Por otra parte, para comprender las referencias a Shakespeare es imprescindible leer La tempestad, porque tanto la trama de Mahnmut como de los seres humanos liderados por Harman están cargadas de referencias menos claras, y solo pueden ser comprendidas del todo si se conoce la última obra de Shakespeare.
En cuanto a la mitología griega, Simmons nos muestra a una versión bastante particular de los dioses del Olimpo, ya que Zeus, Ares, Afrodita y los demás dioses que aparecen en esta historia disponen de tecnología y la utilizan para intervenir en esta nueva Guerra de Troya.
Del lado de los humanos, los personajes de la Ilíada como Aquiles, Héctor, Helena y Odiseo son exactamente como en el poema de Homero, solo que reaccionan de diferente forma ante las acciones de los dioses.
Hasta cierto punto, Dan Simmons sigue la historia clásica de la Ilíada, pero a medida que avanza la novela se apropia de los personajes para construir su propia versión.
Ilión es una excelente novela de ciencia ficción en la que conviven dioses, héroes griegos y androides, y que rinde homenaje a obras clásicas como la Ilíada y La tempestad. Dan Simmons se basa en estos clásicos para contar una compleja historia acerca del futuro de la humanidad, donde los mitos cobran vida y amenazan con destruir el sistema solar. Recomiendo que lean al menos un resumen de la Ilíada y que lean La tempestad, de lo contrario no comprenderán muchas de las referencias que son necesarias para comprender algunos puntos clave de las tramas.
The novel begins with a powerful and evocative passage that sets the stage for the complex and engaging narrative to come. Simmons immediately plunges us into the action, presenting us with a series of questions that demand answers. Why is the Trojan War being fought on Mars? Who are the characters, and what do the technical terms mean? These questions are gradually answered as the story unfolds, but the initial lack of introduction can be overwhelming for some readers.
To help readers navigate the first few chapters, this review provides a brief spoiler-free summary of the different storylines. The first plot follows Thomas Hockenberry, a human from the 20th century who has been genetically reconstructed by the gods of Olympus to observe and report on the events of the Trojan War. Hockenberry's chapters are told in the first person and are filled with action and his own sense of apathy towards the task assigned to him by the gods. Thanks to the technology at his disposal, he can "morph" into any character from the Iliad, allowing him to interact with the combatants and witness the events of the war firsthand.
The second plot begins on Jupiter and follows Mahnmut and Orphu of Io, two highly advanced androids known as moravecs. These moravecs were created by humanity thousands of years ago to study the solar system, but after being abandoned by their creators, they developed their own consciousness. When they detect an abnormal quantum activity on Mars that threatens to destroy the solar system, they decide to investigate. This plot is the most complex to understand at first, but it becomes very interesting once it intersects with Hockenberry's storyline. The interactions between Mahnmut and Orphu are excellent, and they are filled with references to other works of literature, which play a crucial role in the plot.
The final plot follows the few remaining humans on Earth. These humans live in the ruins of ancient cities and have been modified with nanotechnology that allows them to live up to 100 years without physical deterioration. They can "fax" (teleport) to different locations using terminals, and whenever they die for any reason, they are cured in a "farm." However, despite all this, the humans have lost the ability to reason and only live for pleasure, as they are assisted in every task by automatic servants. Everything changes when Harman, a human approaching 100 years old, learns to read and begins to question his reality. His mission is to find out what happens to humans once they reach 100 years old and are faxed to the orbital stations where the "posthumans" live.
One of the most notable aspects of Ilión is the way in which Dan Simmons seamlessly blends the classics with science fiction. Just as he did in The Hyperion Cantos, where he paid homage to the poet John Keats, Simmons integrates the Iliad and Shakespeare's The Tempest to tell a complex story about the future of humanity. The references to these classic works are not just simple homages; they directly influence the plot of the novel.
To fully understand the plot of Hockenberry and the events he anticipates as the Trojan War unfolds, it is necessary to have a general knowledge of the Iliad. Similarly, to understand the references to Shakespeare, it is essential to read The Tempest, as both the plot of Mahnmut and the story of the humans led by Harman are filled with less obvious references that can only be fully understood if one knows Shakespeare's final work.
In conclusion, Ilión is an excellent science fiction novel that combines gods, Greek heroes, and androids in a story that pays homage to classic works such as the Iliad and The Tempest. Dan Simmons builds on these classics to tell a complex and engaging story about the future of humanity, where myths come to life and threaten to destroy the solar system. I highly recommend that readers read at least a summary of the Iliad and The Tempest before delving into this novel, as it will enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the story. \\n \\n Pueden encontrar esta y otras reseñas en mi blog\\n \\n
\\n “Canta, oh, Musa, la cólera de Aquiles, hijo de Peleo, asesino, ejecutor de hombres destinados a morir, canta la cólera que costó a los aqueos tantos buenos hombres y envió tantas almas vitales y valerosas a la temible Casa de la Muerte. Y de paso, oh, Musa, canta la cólera de los propios dioses, tan petulantes y poderosos aquí en su nuevo Olimpo, y la cólera de los posthumanos, muertos y desaparecidos como parecían, y la cólera de los pocos humanos auténticos que quedan, por ensimismados e inútiles que puedan haberse vuelto”.\\n
Así comienza Ilión, esta maravillosa novela en la que Dan Simmons convierte a la Ilíada en una historia de ciencia ficción, donde los dioses y héroes griegos conviven con la tecnología, los androides y los viajes espaciales.
Se trata de un libro bastante complejo y que debe ser leído con mucha atención, ya que los primeros
capítulos nos meten de lleno en la acción sin ningún tipo de introducción: ¿por qué se está luchando la Guerra de Troya en Marte? ¿quiénes son los personajes? ¿qué significan todos los términos técnicos que aparecen? Todas estas preguntas son respondidas mucho más adelante y pueden abrumar al lector al principio, por eso en esta reseña haré un breve resumen sin spoilers de las diferentes tramas para que los primeros capítulos no les resulten tan complejos.
Aviso que esta nueva edición de Ilión se divide en dos partes (El asedio y La rebelión) que hasta el momento habían sido publicadas en dos tomos separados. Tengan en cuenta que esta es apenas la primera mitad de la historia; las partes tres y cuatro se encuentran en otro tomo titulado Olympo.
\\n Tres historias conectadas\\n
\\n “Es aquí donde empieza la Ilíada, y debería ser el centro de mis energías y mi habilidad profesional, pero la verdad es que me importa un carajo”\\n
Ilión narra tres historias paralelas que se relacionan en diferentes puntos:
La primera de estas tramas es protagonizada por Thomas Hockenberry. Hockenberry es un “escólico”, un ser humano del siglo XX que fue reconstruido genéticamente por los dioses del Olimpo para observar y reportar los acontecimientos de la Guerra de Troya, que por razones desconocidas se está desarrollando nuevamente en las llanuras de Marte. Hockenberry y los demás escólicos son estudiosos expertos en la Ilíada y son los únicos que saben qué va a suceder, por lo tanto, deben informar a los dioses si esta nueva Guerra de Troya es igual a la que Homero narra en su poema épico.
Los capítulos de Hockenberry son narrados en primera persona y son muy entretenidos porque están llenos de acción y reflejan la apatía que siente el escólico ante la tarea que le asignaron los dioses. Además, gracias a la tecnología que tiene a su disposición, Hockenberry puede “morfearse” y adoptar la apariencia de cualquier personaje de la Ilíada, lo cual le permite interactuar con los combatientes de los dos bandos y observar de primera mano los acontecimientos de la Guerra de Troya. Sin embargo, Hockenberry, al igual que todos los que combaten en la guerra, quedará a merced de los caprichos de los dioses.
La segunda trama comienza en Júpiter y es protagonizada por Mahnmut y Orphu de Ío, dos androides extremadamente avanzados llamados moravecs. Estos moravecs fueron creados hace miles de años por la humanidad para estudiar el sistema solar, pero tras ser abandonados por sus creadores, desarrollaron conciencia propia. Tras advertir que en Marte se está desarrollando una actividad cuántica anormal que amenaza con destruir el sistema solar, los moravecs deciden ir a investigar.
Esta trama es la más compleja de comprender al principio, pero se vuelve muy interesante una vez que entra en contacto con la trama de Hockenberry. Las interacciones entre Mahnmut y Orphu son excelentes, y están llenas de referencias a otras obras literarias, ya que los moravecs tienen a Shakespeare y Proust en sus bases de datos. Estas referencias juegan un papel fundamental en la trama y son necesarias para comprender muchos momentos clave de Ilión.
La última trama, es protagonizada por los pocos humanos que quedan en la Tierra. Estos humanos habitan las ruinas de las antiguas ciudades y fueron modificados con nanotecnología que les permite vivir hasta los cien años sin deteriorarse físicamente, se pueden “faxear” (teletransportarse) a diferentes lugares utilizando terminales y cada vez que mueren por alguna razón, son curados en una “fermería”. Pese a todo esto, los seres humanos han perdido la capacidad de razonar y solo viven para el placer, ya que son asistidos para cualquier tarea por unos servidores automáticos. Todo cambia cuando Harman, un humano que está próximo a cumplir cien años, aprende a leer y comienza a cuestionar su realidad. Su misión es averiguar qué sucede con los humanos una vez que cumplen cien años y son faxeados a las estaciones orbitales donde habitan los “posthumanos”.
De las tres tramas, esta es la que parece más aislada, aunque sobre el final aparecen claras conexiones con las historias de Hockenberry y Mahnmut.
\\n Shakespeare, mitología y ciencia ficción\\n
\\n “Los dioses han venido a jugar. Más concretamente, han venido a matar”\\n
El aspecto más notable de Ilión es la forma en la que Dan Simmons consigue mezclar los clásicos con la ciencia ficción.
Al igual que Los cantos de Hyperion, donde el autor homenajea al poeta John Keats, Dan Simmons integra la Ilíada y La tempestad de William Shakespeare, para contar una historia muy compleja acerca del futuro de la humanidad.
Las referencias a obras clásicas son más que simples homenajes de Simmons a sus autores favoritos, ya que influyen directamente en la trama de la novela.
Por esta razón, considero que es necesario tener un conocimiento general de la Ilíada para comprender la trama de Hockenberry y los diferentes eventos que anticipa el escólico a medida que se desarrolla la Guerra de Troya. Por otra parte, para comprender las referencias a Shakespeare es imprescindible leer La tempestad, porque tanto la trama de Mahnmut como de los seres humanos liderados por Harman están cargadas de referencias menos claras, y solo pueden ser comprendidas del todo si se conoce la última obra de Shakespeare.
En cuanto a la mitología griega, Simmons nos muestra a una versión bastante particular de los dioses del Olimpo, ya que Zeus, Ares, Afrodita y los demás dioses que aparecen en esta historia disponen de tecnología y la utilizan para intervenir en esta nueva Guerra de Troya.
Del lado de los humanos, los personajes de la Ilíada como Aquiles, Héctor, Helena y Odiseo son exactamente como en el poema de Homero, solo que reaccionan de diferente forma ante las acciones de los dioses.
Hasta cierto punto, Dan Simmons sigue la historia clásica de la Ilíada, pero a medida que avanza la novela se apropia de los personajes para construir su propia versión.
Ilión es una excelente novela de ciencia ficción en la que conviven dioses, héroes griegos y androides, y que rinde homenaje a obras clásicas como la Ilíada y La tempestad. Dan Simmons se basa en estos clásicos para contar una compleja historia acerca del futuro de la humanidad, donde los mitos cobran vida y amenazan con destruir el sistema solar. Recomiendo que lean al menos un resumen de la Ilíada y que lean La tempestad, de lo contrario no comprenderán muchas de las referencias que son necesarias para comprender algunos puntos clave de las tramas.
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I decided to read more of Simmons after Hyperion. What can I say... It's great! The mysterious future, for which the author makes no preliminary explanations, slowly reveals the meaning and reasons for what is happening. I'm reading the second part, and the degree of excitement is rising. In general, it's a pleasure. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering what will happen next. The characters are well-developed and the world-building is truly remarkable. Simmons has a talent for creating a sense of atmosphere and tension that is truly captivating. I can't wait to see how the story concludes and what other surprises the author has in store for us. If you're a fan of science fiction or just looking for a great read, I highly recommend checking out Simmons' work.
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Despite the “didn’t resolve anything” ending, I’m going to give this 5 ⭐️‘s … really more of a 4.5. It was quite imaginative. It was not at all what I expected. Based on the first 2 lines of the GR intro (I usually don’t read much more), I was anticipating a pure fantasy story. What I got instead was SciFi. In a far future Earth, there was fascinating tech. Also, in Dan Simmons’ signature style, it had several horror elements, which I didn’t expect. There was really no fantasy at all. It reminded me a lot of his Hyperion stories (I’ve only read 2 of the 4 of those as I write this). I look forward to writing a full RTC (Review to Come). This book took me on a journey I wasn’t prepared for. The blend of SciFi and horror was unique and engaging. The world-building was detailed and immersive. Even though the ending left me with some unanswered questions, it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I can’t wait to see what else Dan Simmons has in store for us.
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\\tThis is hands down the best science fiction I have read in the past ten years. It was my first encounter with Dan Simmons, and I was truly amazed by the depth of his characters, the complexity of his plot, and the intricate and fascinating worlds he crafted. I particularly relished the feeling of never really knowing more than any of the characters. I enjoyed the mystery of being on the same level as them, unsure of what would unfold next. This is by no means a light read. The book respects you as an adult and demands your effort. You'll never be able to predict what comes next. \\tI'm also overjoyed to witness the return of "monsters." I've grown so tired of reading about the cliched evil human, the terrible bad person who delights in torture, and so on, which all modern authors seem to use as the arch villain. Yes, we understand that people have an enormous capacity for evil. I watch the news every night and already know that. To see the return of Cetebos, Voynix, and other creepy-crawlies was both exciting and refreshing. \\tRobots, monsters, Greek gods, humans fighting for survival, the Gaia Hypothesis, dinosaurs. This book has it all, and it has it all superbly. It takes a true master to weave such a story together. You will not be disappointed by Simmons. \\tI was completely floored by this book. It is simply genius. It got my blood racing, my mouth watering, and I was both stressed and in love with the characters.
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The Greek Gods exist and live on Olympus Mons on Mars, endowed with extraordinary powers. Their favorite pastime is to relive the siege of Troy (Ilium), seemingly unaware of its outcome (despite being told 15 times that the Iliad exists). Heck, even the synopsis is a mess…Stop.Truly, truly sorry to the subscriber who asked me for this book…But I just can't.I have a theory about science fiction books that use Greco-Roman symbolism, and that is that they are always bad. Well, after Red Rising and Latium, here's a third one to add to the list, Ilium. Sorry, I don't understand the appeal of this book. It's a jumble, with three timelines/stories that are difficult to blend together. We don't understand why we have the future and the past at the same time, and why the gods of Olympus (on Olympus Mons on Mars), immortal and capable of traveling through time and space, are breaking their backs to constantly replay the siege of Troy, with their little "scholarly" colloquium to follow the Iliad. It makes no sense.That, and of course, the sexism and extreme misogyny in this book!! Okay, we see that you're taking a trip as Zeus by putting yourself in the place of Hockenberry Dan, but to write about the rape of Helen of Troy (yes, it's a parody of Zeus and Arthur, I get it, but is it necessary when it's never discussed or questioned and, worse, HELENE TELLS HIM THAT SHE HAS NEVER BEEN FUCKED LIKE THAT), NO.And of course, it's not the only place. Women are treated like fuckable vases throughout the book. Not only does the story make no sense, but this just makes it even worse.
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More ambitious than Tony Stark, this remarkable book stands as a captivating melting-pot of various genres and tropes. It truly offers a rich and diverse reading experience that leaves the reader completely enthralled. I found myself completely enamored with every single aspect of it. The space opera elements take you on a thrilling journey through the vastness of the universe, filled with excitement and wonder. The incorporation of Greek mythology adds a layer of depth and intrigue, bringing familiar tales into a new and unexpected context. The far-future speculative sci-fi aspect allows for a vivid exploration of what could potentially lie ahead, with its imaginative concepts and thought-provoking ideas. The action/war sequences are intense and heart-pounding, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. And let's not forget the passionate characters, who are brought to life with such vividness and authenticity that you can't help but become invested in their stories. Overall, this book is an absolute gem, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the sequel. It has left me with a sense of anticipation and excitement, eager to see what further adventures and revelations await in the next installment.
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Can a science fiction book set in the future also be an alternate history story at the same time? Dan Simmons has a penchant for taking on some truly monolithic challenges. Ilium commences with three distinct story-lines. I am certain that they will converge; they simply have to come together. What would be the purpose otherwise? The true allure of this story lies in the manner in which they unite. I was drawn to Ilium due to my profound love for Homer’s epics. Merely tell me that you are going to construct your world around that, and I will be there with great enthusiasm. I was utterly fascinated by how Simmons took Homer’s Iliad and crafted this story around it, incorporating a time-traveling scholar, sentient machines from the distant reaches of our universe, and a group of misfits from our own future on Earth. Ilium offered me hours of entertainment during my daily commute to and from work. The characters were masterfully developed and held my attention firmly. The plot was constantly evolving in unexpected and unforeseen directions. However, this is the first book of a two-part series. When I reached the conclusion of Ilium, I felt a sense of satisfaction. The story ended well, and I relished my time spent with Simmons’ characters in this remarkable world. Nevertheless, I do not feel the need for more. I suppose some might view this as a shortcoming, and perhaps the author might see it that way too. But I am content with the product I have received.
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Remek delo / Masterpiece
A masterpiece is not just a work of art or a creation. It is a manifestation of genius, a labor of love, and a testament to human creativity. It is something that stands the test of time, captivating audiences and inspiring generations. A masterpiece can be a painting that evokes powerful emotions, a novel that transports readers to another world, or a piece of music that moves the soul. It is the result of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and innovation. The artist or creator pours their heart and soul into every detail, striving for perfection. A masterpiece has the ability to touch people on a deep and profound level, leaving a lasting impression. It is a symbol of excellence, a benchmark against which all other works are measured. Whether it is a classic masterpiece from centuries past or a contemporary work that pushes the boundaries of art and culture, a masterpiece is always a source of inspiration and wonder. It reminds us of the limitless potential of the human spirit and the beauty that can be created through art and creativity.
A masterpiece is not just a work of art or a creation. It is a manifestation of genius, a labor of love, and a testament to human creativity. It is something that stands the test of time, captivating audiences and inspiring generations. A masterpiece can be a painting that evokes powerful emotions, a novel that transports readers to another world, or a piece of music that moves the soul. It is the result of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and innovation. The artist or creator pours their heart and soul into every detail, striving for perfection. A masterpiece has the ability to touch people on a deep and profound level, leaving a lasting impression. It is a symbol of excellence, a benchmark against which all other works are measured. Whether it is a classic masterpiece from centuries past or a contemporary work that pushes the boundaries of art and culture, a masterpiece is always a source of inspiration and wonder. It reminds us of the limitless potential of the human spirit and the beauty that can be created through art and creativity.
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78 pages… That's an overwhelming number of pages to go through. I initially thought I could power through it all at once, but as I started reading, I quickly realized that it was just too much for me to handle at the moment. I found myself getting distracted and losing focus. The content was interesting, but the sheer volume was just too intimidating. So, I've decided to hold onto it for now. Maybe later, when I have more time and a clearer mind, I'll go back to it. I'm hoping that by taking a break and coming back to it with a fresh perspective, I'll be able to better understand and appreciate the material. Until then, it will sit on my shelf, waiting for the right moment to be revisited.
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This time, with my dear #DanSimmons, somehow everything is not the same. The story is very difficult to get into. It repeatedly refers to the ancient Homer for a long time, and the numbers are clearly emphasized (I also had a hard time reading the original). And later, there is so much of everything that it seems like there is just too much. It doesn't flow smoothly. The 103 worlds are obtained in a rather disorganized way in one place. And then, the author throws a surprise at the end. Because the book ends at the most interesting point. It's not even finished. And here, after 700 pages? To be honest, I don't have the urge to read the second part. It didn't hook me. I will definitely finish it, but right now I have several burning books that I have been waiting for a long time. Maybe I will manage to start them (but if I read like this one, then I will only finish in June). #Recom, but this time, Soso's Recom is a bit off. #LEBooks #Ilium Overall, while Dan Simmons is a great author, this particular work has some flaws that make it a bit of a struggle to get through. However, I still believe that it has its merits and is worth reading for those who are fans of his or interested in the subject matter. Maybe the second part will be more engaging and tie up all the loose ends. We'll have to wait and see.
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This is a very different and interesting science fiction book. At the beginning, it developed rather slowly, and I wasn't certain whether I would be able to get into it or even like it. However, as the story progressed, it suddenly took off and firmly grabbed my attention. The book ended on a real cliffhanger, which left me extremely curious to see how the second book will wrap things up. I would highly recommend this book to all science fiction enthusiasts. It offers a unique and engaging storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Despite the slow start, the payoff is well worth it, and you'll find yourself completely immersed in the world created by the author. So, if you're looking for a new science fiction adventure, give this book a try. You won't be disappointed!
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