What do you think?
Rate this book
Hyperion Cantos #3
Endymion
Endymion est la suite d'Hypérion (Prix Hugo 1991) et de La Chute d'Hypérion. Bien des énigmes demeuraient, qu'Endymion ranime. La saga d'Hypérion, ainsi augmentée par Dan Simmons, est probablement la seule, dans toute l'histoire de la Science-Fiction, qui puisse rivaliser avec Dune. Sur Hypérion, 274 ans après la rupture entre la civilisation humaine et les Intelligences Artificielles, une petite fille, Enée, surgit du labyrinthe du Sphinx. Elle est porteuse d'une prophétie qui en fait un enjeu de pouvoir. Fille de Keats, le cybride issu des Machines, et de l'humaine Brawne Lamia, elle serait, aux yeux de l'Eglise devenue toute-puissante, une créature des machines, et doit être neutralisée. Mais pour Martin Silenus, le très vieux poète des Cantos et l'un des héros d'Hypérion, Enée doit sauver l'humanité et retrouver la Vieille Terre. Silenus charge donc Raul Endymion de l'enlever, au nez et à la barbe de la redoutable Garde Vaticane, vers une destination mystérieuse. Contre toute attente, il réussit. Sur l'ancien navire interstellaire du Consul, Enée, Endymion et l'androïde, A. Bettik, fuient le capitaine de Soya lancé à leurs trousses. Suivant le trajet de l'ancienne rivière Théthys qui, du temps des portes distrans, sillonnait l'hyperespace, ils traversent une série de mondes plus dangereux les uns que les autres.
572 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,895 reviews
March 7, 2018
Want a free cruciform? Won´t hurt that long. Bodily.
It´s so realistic that humans would use a groundbreaking, new biotechnological option to I am absolutely sure that this is going to happen, that people will be manipulated without their knowledge by That´s how we roll, besides, next, or maybe even before use in medicine, immortality for instance, or bio nanotech hybrids, the most stupid and dangerous use will be prioritized.
One may have guessed it already, Simmons owns any faith, religions, sect, or whatever may still come and shows how it happened, happens, and will happen in the future if belief and naivety of humans are used to gain power with false promises of immortality. It´s the only time he is masterfully dissing the once most influential power structure, before economy entered the stage and outmarketed priests into oblivion while saying "Hold my holy consumerism texts, PR, advertising, and marketing, while I am proselyting the last one of your proponents behind that altar."
There are some antagonists that make Terminator look like a little kid, they could eat dozens of these primitive, stone age time travel killing machines for breakfast, just as the mentioned economy eats galactic politics and faith. One should definitively consider taking notes and, or, marking highlights, and especially continuing the thoughts, offered by this amazing series, to expand and fuse them with the knowledge collected by reading other sci-fi to get the full, immersive pleasure.
Some don´t like this novel that much and I don´t get why, it has everything, and criticizing Simmons for being too wordy would be the same as doing it with King, just very weird.
It´s so realistic that humans would use a groundbreaking, new biotechnological option to I am absolutely sure that this is going to happen, that people will be manipulated without their knowledge by That´s how we roll, besides, next, or maybe even before use in medicine, immortality for instance, or bio nanotech hybrids, the most stupid and dangerous use will be prioritized.
One may have guessed it already, Simmons owns any faith, religions, sect, or whatever may still come and shows how it happened, happens, and will happen in the future if belief and naivety of humans are used to gain power with false promises of immortality. It´s the only time he is masterfully dissing the once most influential power structure, before economy entered the stage and outmarketed priests into oblivion while saying "Hold my holy consumerism texts, PR, advertising, and marketing, while I am proselyting the last one of your proponents behind that altar."
There are some antagonists that make Terminator look like a little kid, they could eat dozens of these primitive, stone age time travel killing machines for breakfast, just as the mentioned economy eats galactic politics and faith. One should definitively consider taking notes and, or, marking highlights, and especially continuing the thoughts, offered by this amazing series, to expand and fuse them with the knowledge collected by reading other sci-fi to get the full, immersive pleasure.
Some don´t like this novel that much and I don´t get why, it has everything, and criticizing Simmons for being too wordy would be the same as doing it with King, just very weird.
January 6, 2026
I am conflicted. There were some great moments and incredible world-building in Endymion, but this penultimate installment of the Hyperion Cantos is not up to the high standards of the first two Hyperion books.
Endymion is the third book in Dan Simmons’ Hyperion Cantos classic sci-fi series. I absolutely loved reading Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. If you have been following my reviews, then you will know that I consider them both some of the greatest sci-fi novels ever written. Because of this, maybe it is not too fair to compare Endymion to these two books. But even though it is a different kind of book compared to the Hyperion books, Endymion is still a form of a sequel as the story takes place almost 300 years after The Fall of Hyperion, and the characters and events from the first two books became the iron bone of Endymion. Thankfully.
The story in Endymion follows the story of Raul Endymion as he is sent on a quest to retrieve Aenea from the Sphinx before the Church troops reach her. This turns out to be the beginning of their journey instead. With help from a blue-skinned android named A. Bettik, Raul, and Aenea travel the river Tethys while being pursued by Father Captain Frederico DeSoya, an influential warrior-priest, and his troops. After the exciting initial rescue mission, the entire book Endymion revolves around The Hunted and The Hunter storyline. And on paper, The Hunted vs The Hunter storyline should work incredibly well. And I’ll be lying if I say there weren’t anything exciting or intense throughout the entire novel. But admittedly, this occurred mostly during the beginning and ending portion of Endymion. The middle-part was admittedly a struggle for me to go through. It all stems from my lack of investment in the new set of characters.
Let’s quickly lay down some context first. Hyperion can be categorized as a set of connecting novellas that depict the details of each main character who embarks to Hyperion. Each one of these POV chapters has its own strengths. They were insanely well-written. The Scholar’s Tale remains one of my favorite tales to this day. After this strong background and character development, The Fall of Hyperion proceeds to gradually conclude their storyline while including another unforgettable character, Gladstone. Yes, The Fall of Hyperion and Hyperion are an inseparable entity, and I will die on this hill. Endymion, however, did not fully succeed in capturing this compelling narrative in Raul’s. In fact, excluding the climax scene, the best part of Endymion was the appearance and callback to the characters from the first two books. I enjoyed reading the aftermath of the characters from the first two books more than Raul Endymion’s story. Aenea and Bettik were quite interesting, but overall, none of the new characters managed to reach the height of what Simmons has achieved in the Hyperion books, as far as character writing goes.
Picture: Endymion by Gary Ruddell
There isn’t much else to say. This is rare for me when I write a review on a relatively big book like Endymion. As I mentioned. Endymion is not without its merit. It was great seeing some of the characters from the Hyperion books again. The intricate world-building and description, especially on River Tethys, were absolutely beautiful. The narrative has some gorgeous vistas. The usage of the cruciform gets even more terrifying. And of course, a certain iconic creature's appearance in the series never fails to compel the narrative. Only some important questions remain. Can The Rise of Endymion, the fourth and final book in the series, tie everything that has been established and built since the first book together? Or would the last two books of this series end up being simply a disappointment? Even worse, what if the last two books ended up retconing/ruining the greatness of the first two Hyperion books? I am worried that what I predict will happen between Raul and Aenea as well. I guess we’ll find out the answer to all these questions. Eventually.
You can order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Abdul, Andrew. S, Arik, Arliss, Barbara, Ben, Benjamin, Biskit, Cade, Chris, Crystal, Cullen, Dan, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Erich, Feanor, Francesca, Frank, Gary, Gregory, James, Jason, Jeff, Jenn, Johnny, Joie, Jonathan, Katrina, Kim, Kristina, Lara, Leigh, Lourdes, Melinda, Mike, Mike S, Miracle, Mordie, Nicholas, Radiah, RCT, Sally, Samiadji, Samuel, Sarah, Scott, Sean, Shawn, Shawna, Stephanie, Trish, Tyler, TS, Wendy, Wick, Xero, Yuri, Zachary, Zammar.
“The shortest route to courage is absolute ignorance.”
Endymion is the third book in Dan Simmons’ Hyperion Cantos classic sci-fi series. I absolutely loved reading Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. If you have been following my reviews, then you will know that I consider them both some of the greatest sci-fi novels ever written. Because of this, maybe it is not too fair to compare Endymion to these two books. But even though it is a different kind of book compared to the Hyperion books, Endymion is still a form of a sequel as the story takes place almost 300 years after The Fall of Hyperion, and the characters and events from the first two books became the iron bone of Endymion. Thankfully.
“The universe is indifferent to our fates. This was the crushing burden that the character took with him as he struggled through the surf toward survival or extinction. The universe just does not give a shit.”
The story in Endymion follows the story of Raul Endymion as he is sent on a quest to retrieve Aenea from the Sphinx before the Church troops reach her. This turns out to be the beginning of their journey instead. With help from a blue-skinned android named A. Bettik, Raul, and Aenea travel the river Tethys while being pursued by Father Captain Frederico DeSoya, an influential warrior-priest, and his troops. After the exciting initial rescue mission, the entire book Endymion revolves around The Hunted and The Hunter storyline. And on paper, The Hunted vs The Hunter storyline should work incredibly well. And I’ll be lying if I say there weren’t anything exciting or intense throughout the entire novel. But admittedly, this occurred mostly during the beginning and ending portion of Endymion. The middle-part was admittedly a struggle for me to go through. It all stems from my lack of investment in the new set of characters.
“So many important things pass quickly without being understood at the time. So many powerful moments are buried beneath the absurd.”
Let’s quickly lay down some context first. Hyperion can be categorized as a set of connecting novellas that depict the details of each main character who embarks to Hyperion. Each one of these POV chapters has its own strengths. They were insanely well-written. The Scholar’s Tale remains one of my favorite tales to this day. After this strong background and character development, The Fall of Hyperion proceeds to gradually conclude their storyline while including another unforgettable character, Gladstone. Yes, The Fall of Hyperion and Hyperion are an inseparable entity, and I will die on this hill. Endymion, however, did not fully succeed in capturing this compelling narrative in Raul’s. In fact, excluding the climax scene, the best part of Endymion was the appearance and callback to the characters from the first two books. I enjoyed reading the aftermath of the characters from the first two books more than Raul Endymion’s story. Aenea and Bettik were quite interesting, but overall, none of the new characters managed to reach the height of what Simmons has achieved in the Hyperion books, as far as character writing goes.
Picture: Endymion by Gary Ruddell
There isn’t much else to say. This is rare for me when I write a review on a relatively big book like Endymion. As I mentioned. Endymion is not without its merit. It was great seeing some of the characters from the Hyperion books again. The intricate world-building and description, especially on River Tethys, were absolutely beautiful. The narrative has some gorgeous vistas. The usage of the cruciform gets even more terrifying. And of course, a certain iconic creature's appearance in the series never fails to compel the narrative. Only some important questions remain. Can The Rise of Endymion, the fourth and final book in the series, tie everything that has been established and built since the first book together? Or would the last two books of this series end up being simply a disappointment? Even worse, what if the last two books ended up retconing/ruining the greatness of the first two Hyperion books? I am worried that what I predict will happen between Raul and Aenea as well. I guess we’ll find out the answer to all these questions. Eventually.
“I loved you backward and forward in time. I loved you beyond boundaries of time and space.”
You can order this book from: Amazon | Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Abdul, Andrew. S, Arik, Arliss, Barbara, Ben, Benjamin, Biskit, Cade, Chris, Crystal, Cullen, Dan, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Erich, Feanor, Francesca, Frank, Gary, Gregory, James, Jason, Jeff, Jenn, Johnny, Joie, Jonathan, Katrina, Kim, Kristina, Lara, Leigh, Lourdes, Melinda, Mike, Mike S, Miracle, Mordie, Nicholas, Radiah, RCT, Sally, Samiadji, Samuel, Sarah, Scott, Sean, Shawn, Shawna, Stephanie, Trish, Tyler, TS, Wendy, Wick, Xero, Yuri, Zachary, Zammar.
January 13, 2018
First of all, I thought it was such a cool and almost unprecedented idea having the third book in this momentous series being so far ahead (270+ years) of the previous book, especially as it also allows as long a break as one wants parts two and three. So it's back to this utterly spellbinding reality where travel between worlds is enabled by the wondrous amalgamation of ancient alien portals and... waterways!
This book was never going to reach the heights of the previous two (because they were actually genius!) but alongside essentially a narrow almost linear drama between two opposing groups; what we do get is more of this lavishly and lovingly(?) created fictional far-future reality, more of it's ridiculously well conceived history, and ultimately more of the incomparable... what can be truly called, cosmos building from Simmons. I really like how he portrays how the core Earth religions have evolved in the far future. Want to find out how? Read the book :). If you loved Hyperion, truly loved it, you just can't miss out on reading the subsequent books; if you only liked Hyperion stick to the first two. Next... The Rise of Endymion :). A 9 out of 12, Four Star read.
2017 read
This book was never going to reach the heights of the previous two (because they were actually genius!) but alongside essentially a narrow almost linear drama between two opposing groups; what we do get is more of this lavishly and lovingly(?) created fictional far-future reality, more of it's ridiculously well conceived history, and ultimately more of the incomparable... what can be truly called, cosmos building from Simmons. I really like how he portrays how the core Earth religions have evolved in the far future. Want to find out how? Read the book :). If you loved Hyperion, truly loved it, you just can't miss out on reading the subsequent books; if you only liked Hyperion stick to the first two. Next... The Rise of Endymion :). A 9 out of 12, Four Star read.
2017 read
May 20, 2015
In the faraway year of 3126 the 32nd century , things have regressed in a remote corner of the Milky Way Galaxy some two -hundred -seventy -four after the fall of the Hegemony Empire, a young man is sentenced to death on the once prosperous planet Hyperion were he was born, for a crime that was in actuality self-defense. Raul Endymion a hunting guide, was very angry understandably at a rich spoiled jerk , he and his friends disobeyed safety rules endangering him and others firing wildly, missing the flying ducks but killing his best friend. a four legged animal, his beloved dog. Throwing the idiot out of his boat and into the filthy swamp, later Raul barely escaping with his own life the gunman was seeking revenge, shooting at him instead the would- be assassin is killed . After a hasty kangaroo trial conviction, authorities here need the financial benefits hunters bring from the off worlds and the former shepherd in childhood awakes ... the day after his execution...it had been faked bribes paid and the confused Raul Endymion is taken to the deserted city of Endymion ( his family took that name for themselves). The famous poet who wrote Cantos Martin Silenus, now forbidden to be read, ( lives on an abandoned university campus) by the new rulers the Pax ( greatly influenced by a new Christian Church ) is still alive, modern medicine has preserved the 1,000 -year -old , he looks awful though, wrinkles over his whole body faint weak voice, the carcass cannot walk, a living fossil from the distant past of old long gone Earth. Martin has an impossible mission, save his "niece" Aenea ( a late friend's daughter) from being eliminated by the Pax and the Church, the 12 -year -old will be a threat to them in the future she is some kind of enigmatic messiah, arriving soon in the Time Tombs where the killing machine, the unstoppable .The Shrike's home is located, yet has not been seen for centuries...A flying carpet right out of an Arabian Nights fantasy will greatly help Raul and his new companion Silenus's former servant, the blue man A. Bettik well partly human still more human than many humanoids. A large lethal Pax Army awaits the duo but so does The Shrike, unbelievable carnage springs out of the Valley of Death thousands perish, a miracle occurs and the three now, (Aenea joins the party) flee in the vast confusion , through a "Farcaster " (an instant transportation apparatus) then ride a small raft they built from planet to planet , ice , desert, jungle, and even water worlds always searching for the next farcaster to find. And the relentlessly pursuing Father Captain, Frederico de Soya of the Pax never gives up in hunting them down, where they go he will follow... on the immense endless treacherous River Tethys in a long perilous journey , their unknown fate awaits , and still another menace is lurking about ... A terrific read and highly enjoyable for the adventurous crowd. Dan Simmons is a superb writer this series shows that undeniable fact...
June 23, 2011
As I’ve written in my reviews of Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion, Dan Simmons is trying to melt my brain.
After weeks of medical treatment and therapy I’ve recovered enough to be rolled out to a sunny spot in my wheel chair with a nurse to wipe the drool from my chin. Despite the doctors’ warnings about continued exposure to Hyperion, I’ve gone ahead and read the third book in the series, Endymion. While there are still monumentally big sci-fi ideas in this story, I think that my earlier encounters have allowed me to build up some resistance to Simmons. I got through this one and only went blind in my right eye and lost all sense of smell, but no coma this time.
It’s hard to summarize this without giving up too much away. It’s about 250 years after the events of the last book, and we’re introduced to Raul Endymion, a young man with a checkered job history who is saved from death by a familiar character. Raul is asked by this person to find and protect a young girl, Aenea, from the forces of the Catholic Church who want to capture her. Aenea had been sent forward in time via one of the Time Tombs on Hyperion and the Church wants her captured immediately for unknown reasons.
The Church seized political and military power by using the parasitic cruciforms (handily shaped like crosses) that can resurrect a person from death to offer everlasting life to those who toe the Church’s line. Raul had refused to bow to Church authority and accept the cruciform so he’s an outcast and seems like a good candidate to keep the mysterious Aenea out of their hands. However, the Church has sent the devout Father Captain Fredrico de Soya to capture the girl. With the help of the android A. Bettik and the intervention from the deadly entity known as the Shrike, Raul and Aenea escape and begin a journey between worlds that is supposed to enable her to fulfill the destiny the Church is terrified of.
This book is an interstellar chase story with the dedicated de Soya hot on the heels of the fugitives as they run from planet to planet. De Soya was one of my favorite parts of this book. He’s dedicated and loyal to the Church, but he’s also very decent man. He’s so committed to the hunt that he makes Tommy Lee Jones in The Fugitive look like a crybaby quitter. De Soya has an incredibly fast pursuit ship but every jaunt between worlds kills him and turns his body to jelly leaving his cruciform to resurrect him. It’s an incredibly dangerous and horrible experience, but de Soya doesn’t blink as he repeatedly turns himself into paste to get closer to Aenea.
There’s enough gooey sci-fi goodness like space travel, time travel, alien monsters, and cyborg killers to keep the most demanding geek fan boy happy. And all of this moves the overarching story of Hyperion towards it’s ultimate conclusion. I just hope I can live through the next book.
After weeks of medical treatment and therapy I’ve recovered enough to be rolled out to a sunny spot in my wheel chair with a nurse to wipe the drool from my chin. Despite the doctors’ warnings about continued exposure to Hyperion, I’ve gone ahead and read the third book in the series, Endymion. While there are still monumentally big sci-fi ideas in this story, I think that my earlier encounters have allowed me to build up some resistance to Simmons. I got through this one and only went blind in my right eye and lost all sense of smell, but no coma this time.
It’s hard to summarize this without giving up too much away. It’s about 250 years after the events of the last book, and we’re introduced to Raul Endymion, a young man with a checkered job history who is saved from death by a familiar character. Raul is asked by this person to find and protect a young girl, Aenea, from the forces of the Catholic Church who want to capture her. Aenea had been sent forward in time via one of the Time Tombs on Hyperion and the Church wants her captured immediately for unknown reasons.
The Church seized political and military power by using the parasitic cruciforms (handily shaped like crosses) that can resurrect a person from death to offer everlasting life to those who toe the Church’s line. Raul had refused to bow to Church authority and accept the cruciform so he’s an outcast and seems like a good candidate to keep the mysterious Aenea out of their hands. However, the Church has sent the devout Father Captain Fredrico de Soya to capture the girl. With the help of the android A. Bettik and the intervention from the deadly entity known as the Shrike, Raul and Aenea escape and begin a journey between worlds that is supposed to enable her to fulfill the destiny the Church is terrified of.
This book is an interstellar chase story with the dedicated de Soya hot on the heels of the fugitives as they run from planet to planet. De Soya was one of my favorite parts of this book. He’s dedicated and loyal to the Church, but he’s also very decent man. He’s so committed to the hunt that he makes Tommy Lee Jones in The Fugitive look like a crybaby quitter. De Soya has an incredibly fast pursuit ship but every jaunt between worlds kills him and turns his body to jelly leaving his cruciform to resurrect him. It’s an incredibly dangerous and horrible experience, but de Soya doesn’t blink as he repeatedly turns himself into paste to get closer to Aenea.
There’s enough gooey sci-fi goodness like space travel, time travel, alien monsters, and cyborg killers to keep the most demanding geek fan boy happy. And all of this moves the overarching story of Hyperion towards it’s ultimate conclusion. I just hope I can live through the next book.
March 3, 2008
Stop! If you've read Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion, stop there. The series does not continue. Pretend like these two books (endymion and rise of endymion) do not exist. On the other hand, if you haven't read hyperion, go read it. It's great. Really good. One of my favorite books. Amazing. But endymion takes a huge step down. After Fall of Hyperion, you're probably hungry for more, but trust me, it just has to stay that way. Some of the mysteries just have to be left as mysteries. Endymion and Rise of Endymion are not worth it. (But Hyperion is awesome.)
February 25, 2011
Almost three centuries after the Fall of Hyperion, the Time Tombs open and Aenea, child of Brawne Lamia and Johnny Keats emerges. Along with a former hunting guide named Raul Endymion and android A. Bettik, Aenea goes on a journey to fulfill her destiny as the one who teaches. Only the Pax has other ideas. Can Aenea reach her goal without being captured by Father Captain de Soya of the Pax?
With all the two star reviews out there, I wasn't expecting magic from Endymion. Imagine my surprise when I wound up enjoying it quite a bit. Endymion felt like rummaging through a box of old possessions you have fond memories of but have forgotten about. Only in this case, the memories are the hawking mat, the Consul's ship, the deactivated farcaster portals along the old river Tethys, and good old A. Bettik. And also The Shrike, but we won't say much about him other than to say he's still as efficient a killing machine as ever.
While not as pants-shittingly awesome as the first two books, Endymion was still an engaging read and doesn't tarnish the memory of the first two. The former Web has changed quite a bit in the 274 years since the Fall of Hyperion. Without giving too much away, the Catholic church and the cruciforms have melded in a pretty logical way into the Pax, and the Pax doesn't want Aenea fulfilling her destiny one bit. It makes for a good read. Endymion, Aenea, and A. Bettik visit some exotic former Web worlds, undergo quite a few harrowing experiences, and wind up in a good place to set up the next book, Rise of Endymion.
As engaging as I found Aenea and her people's travels on the raft, I somehow found the bad guys, de Soya and the rest, to be a more interesting cast. de Soya was efficient but conflicted and I almost found myself rooting for the poor cruciform-bearing bastard.
Don't let all the negative reviews steer you away. All franchises lose some steam by the third installment. At least there were no Ewoks in it. For fans of the first two books, Endymion is not to be missed!
With all the two star reviews out there, I wasn't expecting magic from Endymion. Imagine my surprise when I wound up enjoying it quite a bit. Endymion felt like rummaging through a box of old possessions you have fond memories of but have forgotten about. Only in this case, the memories are the hawking mat, the Consul's ship, the deactivated farcaster portals along the old river Tethys, and good old A. Bettik. And also The Shrike, but we won't say much about him other than to say he's still as efficient a killing machine as ever.
While not as pants-shittingly awesome as the first two books, Endymion was still an engaging read and doesn't tarnish the memory of the first two. The former Web has changed quite a bit in the 274 years since the Fall of Hyperion. Without giving too much away, the Catholic church and the cruciforms have melded in a pretty logical way into the Pax, and the Pax doesn't want Aenea fulfilling her destiny one bit. It makes for a good read. Endymion, Aenea, and A. Bettik visit some exotic former Web worlds, undergo quite a few harrowing experiences, and wind up in a good place to set up the next book, Rise of Endymion.
As engaging as I found Aenea and her people's travels on the raft, I somehow found the bad guys, de Soya and the rest, to be a more interesting cast. de Soya was efficient but conflicted and I almost found myself rooting for the poor cruciform-bearing bastard.
Don't let all the negative reviews steer you away. All franchises lose some steam by the third installment. At least there were no Ewoks in it. For fans of the first two books, Endymion is not to be missed!
March 7, 2022
The level of coincidence plus the foreknowledge of the messiah in this story, coupled with the incompetence at the side of the authorities (not to speak of the near unlimited power of the Shrike) make this book of travelling an interplanetary river surprisingly dull
Once again we ignored common sense
Endymion nearly got me into a reading slump in terms of all the attention for inventory, fleets, troops, weapons and logistics Dan Simmons has. And titular Endymion is not only boring and not very observant/sharp, but most of the times clueless and kind of useless as well...
Basically the premise of the book, focussing on a messiah and with a narrator locked up (and so clearly alive despite all the adventures) already takes a lot of tension away. Overtones of Dune with the understanding of the future (not to speak of the fat is evil in chapter 2) are also clear.
The world itself is interesting, after the events of the Hyperion books the Church has taken over the role of great power in the interstellar human empire, powered by resurrection Cruciforms. Salvation is real and physical, and with that the Church has a near endless grasp on its subjects, since this sacrament can be withheld. Still I do wonder why you execute people if they can be resurrected anyways. Note that death is still a hassle, comparable to heavy jetlag, with resurrection also sometimes failing.
Technological development has basically stalled (I didn’t recognize the tune, but it sounded classical, maybe 26th century), with a centuries old flying carpet having a central role. Still there rages a war with genetically enhanced Ousters on the fringes of space.
All these workings of the Pax and Church were for me actually quite interesting, but couldn't save the overall story in my view. Maybe it is also because Simmons his writing in this book is not as tight as I remember it from Ilum and Hyperion, with him using the word gossamer every other chapter. Also the level of coincidence plus foreknowledge of Anea combined with the seeming total incompetence at the side of the Pax authorities (not to speak of the near unlimited power of the Shrike who just pops up at seemingly random) make it hard to be invested in the river Tethys journey of the motley crew.
Also the size difference fixation of Endymion in comparison with Aenea (not to speak of the fact that there is a 15 year age difference and that the girl is 12) is rather icky.
Endymion realization every few chapters that he is a hero is also tiring. This is further compounded by the many what ifs and plan explanations, before events unfold, whereby the reader sees some things from three different angles, and sometimes even an additional flashback.
Somewhere Endymion thinks to himself: It’s easy to do, to rush this tale but Simmons clearly disagrees.
Near the end the pope turns out to be psychic and has visions, which he conveniently could have had earlier? On the same note, why wasn’t the ultra killer not been released earlier?
This all builds up in a rather weak plot twist at the end of this volume, with an underutilized kind of terminator and A. Bettik the android who has more emotional depth than our narrator Endymion.
Sorely disappointing and a lack of usage of interesting settings and worlds.
Once again we ignored common sense
Endymion nearly got me into a reading slump in terms of all the attention for inventory, fleets, troops, weapons and logistics Dan Simmons has. And titular Endymion is not only boring and not very observant/sharp, but most of the times clueless and kind of useless as well...
Basically the premise of the book, focussing on a messiah and with a narrator locked up (and so clearly alive despite all the adventures) already takes a lot of tension away. Overtones of Dune with the understanding of the future (not to speak of the fat is evil in chapter 2) are also clear.
The world itself is interesting, after the events of the Hyperion books the Church has taken over the role of great power in the interstellar human empire, powered by resurrection Cruciforms. Salvation is real and physical, and with that the Church has a near endless grasp on its subjects, since this sacrament can be withheld. Still I do wonder why you execute people if they can be resurrected anyways. Note that death is still a hassle, comparable to heavy jetlag, with resurrection also sometimes failing.
Technological development has basically stalled (I didn’t recognize the tune, but it sounded classical, maybe 26th century), with a centuries old flying carpet having a central role. Still there rages a war with genetically enhanced Ousters on the fringes of space.
All these workings of the Pax and Church were for me actually quite interesting, but couldn't save the overall story in my view. Maybe it is also because Simmons his writing in this book is not as tight as I remember it from Ilum and Hyperion, with him using the word gossamer every other chapter. Also the level of coincidence plus foreknowledge of Anea combined with the seeming total incompetence at the side of the Pax authorities (not to speak of the near unlimited power of the Shrike who just pops up at seemingly random) make it hard to be invested in the river Tethys journey of the motley crew.
Also the size difference fixation of Endymion in comparison with Aenea (not to speak of the fact that there is a 15 year age difference and that the girl is 12) is rather icky.
Endymion realization every few chapters that he is a hero is also tiring. This is further compounded by the many what ifs and plan explanations, before events unfold, whereby the reader sees some things from three different angles, and sometimes even an additional flashback.
Somewhere Endymion thinks to himself: It’s easy to do, to rush this tale but Simmons clearly disagrees.
Near the end the pope turns out to be psychic and has visions, which he conveniently could have had earlier? On the same note, why wasn’t the ultra killer not been released earlier?
This all builds up in a rather weak plot twist at the end of this volume, with an underutilized kind of terminator and A. Bettik the android who has more emotional depth than our narrator Endymion.
Sorely disappointing and a lack of usage of interesting settings and worlds.
December 17, 2022
"So it was that in the early autumn of my twenty-eighth year, content in my ignorance stolid in my conviction that nothing of importance would ever change, I committed the act that would earn me a death sentence and begin my real life."
4.75⭐
Initial Thoughts
Look, I'm not a sci-fi nerd. I tried Frank Herbert'sDune and gave up after fifty pages. I've never read Issac Asimov or H.G. Wells. But boy do I love Dan Simmons' Hyperion series!
Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion were the first two books in Dan Simmons's Hyperion Cantos. They are a self-contained duology and for me were absolutely mind-blowing, particularly the first book. Winning Dan "the Man" numerous awards (Nebula and Locus among others) and showcased just how good hard science fiction could be. Could anything top them?
From what I understood Endymion would follow on from those first two books and I've already waited far too long to read them. Main reason for that is that they are big, dense books and I like to hit my Goodreads goal before I commit to these behemoths. Is anyone else sad like that? No just me. But it's been a while since I've been in the Hyperion universe, so things may be a bit vague for me. But that's what those wiki summaries are there for.
I'm going to assume that you've read the first two books and if you haven't do it right away! Otherwise I'll be sending the Shrike over to see you, and if you know who he is you would certainly not be arguing!
"Death and resurrection are not to be taken lightly."
The Story
So this one starts two hundred and seventy-four years after the conclusion of the Fall of Hyperion. The universe that Simmons created has seen a definite change with the fall of the old order and the rise of the Roman Catholic church in the form of the 'Pax' government.
We begin with the main protagonist Raul Endymion, who works as a hunter on the planet Hyperion taking groups round the outback. At least he used to, as he's now been sentenced for a capital crime and awaiting execution in a small box-room orbiting the planet. He's not got much else to do so he's narrating the story of how he arrived in this jam.
We also get an alternative perspective as we soon discover that the former regime of the Hegemony has completely fallen and been replaced by 'the Pax.' The main antagonist is Father Captain de Soya who is on a mission to the time tombs on Hyperion, which were a feature in the original story, to capture a young girl (Aenea) who is scheduled to emerge from within.
The two perspectives intertwine when a character from the original story rescues Endymion and sends him on a mission to rescue Aenea with the help of ancient android A. Bettik. This is the basic set up, and once this takes place the story moves into top gear as the story begins to shift between the hunter and the hunted. Along the way we get to see exactly how the universe has changed, but I'm keeping my lips sealed as that's all for you to find out.
"Here I was charged with protecting this girl, and when what might be the deadliest killing machine in the galaxy appears what do I do but rush her toward the danger. I was being a bit of an asshole this long day."
The Writing
Yes Simmons is a brilliant writer and this series really allows him to showcase his talent as he paints a fantastically vivid and visually stunning universe. His style really is flawless and sets him apart from almost every other author in the sci-fi genre. The majority are really bland with their prose and this author is anything but with some stunning imagery and description.
But in Endymion we get to see just how talented a guy Simmons is as the most amazing aspect is his ability to imagine and create a whole universe. He did this brilliant in Hyperion and continues to show that there's plenty more where that came from. I consistently have to pick my jaw up from the floor in sheer astonishment at just how mind-blowing this all is.
Before I finish, I have to draw attention to the mode of space travel that the author creates in this one. I won't say what it is exactly, but it ties in humanities new found ability to resurrect the dead, and it is so original and visceral that it really caught my attention. It's certainly not a pleasant experience and there's some brilliant symbolism. I can't wait for you to check it out.
"nothing is inevitable. The outcome is always in doubt. Decisions for light or dark are always ours to make--ours and every conscious entity's."
The Characters
My main concern was, due to this one being set so far in the future, what would happen without the brilliant set of characters from the original Hyperion. Although, those in Endymion weren't quite on that level, I did end up really enjoying and becoming invested in each.
Although the main character of Raul Endymion is your fairly standard hero, he is certainly likeable and his interactions with the other characters, particularly A. Bettik provide a good bit of humour. His relationship with Aenea is well done and even though it looks like they are destined to get together when she matures, hopefully a fair bit, Simmons prevents things from heading into creep city. Something Stephen King probably couldn't do.
My favourite character though had to be Father De Soya. Certainly not your typical antagonist, and definitely not a complete villain, he exercises enough independent thought to begin to see the cracks in the Pax government's narrative and slowly realises that the forces he serves aren't quite telling the truth. Thank god our governments aren't like that! Through him we get to witness the chilling nature and motives of this regime. The guy really has a conscience and it was great to see his development throughout the novel as he wrestles with that inner voice and devotion to the church.
And fear not we do get to meet some old characters from the original novel and there's plenty of links to the original story. Including the number one killing machine...the Shrike. It really wouldn't be the same without him. But maybe, just maybe, he might be on the other team in this one. Who knows? He really does like to keep his feelings to himself.
Beauty and the Shrike
Final Thoughts
Again, in a similar vein to the first duology, this story finishes on a real cliff hanger. It turns out that this is just the first half of one complete story and I can't wait to get to the final installment...The Rise of Endymion.
Look, I don't think it would be possible to top the original Hyperion novel, but I found Endymion just as engaging although not quite as mind-blowing. It's a damn fine read and still some of the most exciting and entertaining science fiction I've encountered.
I would one hundred percent recommend it if you enjoyed the first two books and although reading them isn't essential I would strongly recommend it as it ties together so nicely. It's a staggering achievement that really does need to be experienced in its entirety. And I haven't even finished it. So it's on to the Rise of Endymion for me. Less time writing reviews and more time doing what we all love best...I mean reading! Get your mind out of the gutter...
...and thanks for reading. Cheers!
July 30, 2014
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 passed since the pilgrimage to the Valley of the Time Tombs, and the Hegemony of Man, the beating heart of humanity, has been completely destroyed. The Worldweb is gone, along with the farcaster network and everything that made the universe what it once was. Rising from the ashes is the Pax, an all-encompassing totalitarian regime founded by the remainder of the Catholic Church; ruling with the help of the strongest armada in existence and the power to provide its faithful followers with eternal life…
This third book in the Hyperion Cantos saga takes place centuries after the other two, and it opens up with a ton of questions. How did the Pax come to rule everything? Where have the other old powers, the Ousters and the TechnoCore, gone? And what does the Church actually want? Watching Dan Simmons try to answer all these questions while making a captivating story out of it all is a delightful experience. He does it, as always, rather skilfully.
The main character of Endymion is Aenea, the daughter of Brawne Lamia and the cybrid known as John Keats. In another time she stepped through the portals in the Valley of the Time Tombs on Hyperion itself, and arrived in this distant future. Now the Church sees her as a threat that must be dealt with by any means possible, and while she journeys across the universe to find out what she is actually supposed to do, the agents of the Pax are hunting her.
While Aenea is the main character of the book, she is actually not a POV character. Of those there are two: Raul Endymion, the man who accompanies and protects Aenea, and Father Captain Federico de Soya, the man who has been given the task of hunting her down. All three characters are interesting in their way, and Simmons keeps much of their personalities and motivations hidden throughout most of the book. And the narration, switching back and forth between the hunter and the hunted, is particularly interesting.
Like the other books in the series, this one also throws in a new and fabulous concept that I've never seen anything even remotely similar to before. Namely the River Tethys (wonderfully portrayed further below), the river on which Aenea and Raul embark upon their journey. Perhaps a mere river does not seem so remarkably interesting, but then again there are few rivers stretching from world to world across the entire universe. The River Tethys takes our protagonists to jungle worlds and ocean worlds, to abandoned population centres and lost planets. And that is precisely what makes both the river and the journey on it so amazing.
Sadly there is almost always a downside. The problem with Endymion is that it falls into just the same trap as The Fall of Hyperion. One should think Simmons had learned from his mistakes in that one, but nope. Once again an interesting book with a really fascinating concept turns into a drearily boring tale in the mid-sections, only to improve immensely towards the end. Except for the fabulous first book in the series, I’m starting to think this a pattern for all the books, but then again it might also just be that both book two and three suffer from a lengthy case of second book syndrome.
That said, I don’t think Dan Simmons knows how to write a bad book either, and this was definitely both an enjoyable and a thought-provoking read. And it sets things up perfectly for the last book, from which I am now expecting quite a lot.
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 passed since the pilgrimage to the Valley of the Time Tombs, and the Hegemony of Man, the beating heart of humanity, has been completely destroyed. The Worldweb is gone, along with the farcaster network and everything that made the universe what it once was. Rising from the ashes is the Pax, an all-encompassing totalitarian regime founded by the remainder of the Catholic Church; ruling with the help of the strongest armada in existence and the power to provide its faithful followers with eternal life…
This third book in the Hyperion Cantos saga takes place centuries after the other two, and it opens up with a ton of questions. How did the Pax come to rule everything? Where have the other old powers, the Ousters and the TechnoCore, gone? And what does the Church actually want? Watching Dan Simmons try to answer all these questions while making a captivating story out of it all is a delightful experience. He does it, as always, rather skilfully.
The main character of Endymion is Aenea, the daughter of Brawne Lamia and the cybrid known as John Keats. In another time she stepped through the portals in the Valley of the Time Tombs on Hyperion itself, and arrived in this distant future. Now the Church sees her as a threat that must be dealt with by any means possible, and while she journeys across the universe to find out what she is actually supposed to do, the agents of the Pax are hunting her.
While Aenea is the main character of the book, she is actually not a POV character. Of those there are two: Raul Endymion, the man who accompanies and protects Aenea, and Father Captain Federico de Soya, the man who has been given the task of hunting her down. All three characters are interesting in their way, and Simmons keeps much of their personalities and motivations hidden throughout most of the book. And the narration, switching back and forth between the hunter and the hunted, is particularly interesting.
Like the other books in the series, this one also throws in a new and fabulous concept that I've never seen anything even remotely similar to before. Namely the River Tethys (wonderfully portrayed further below), the river on which Aenea and Raul embark upon their journey. Perhaps a mere river does not seem so remarkably interesting, but then again there are few rivers stretching from world to world across the entire universe. The River Tethys takes our protagonists to jungle worlds and ocean worlds, to abandoned population centres and lost planets. And that is precisely what makes both the river and the journey on it so amazing.
Sadly there is almost always a downside. The problem with Endymion is that it falls into just the same trap as The Fall of Hyperion. One should think Simmons had learned from his mistakes in that one, but nope. Once again an interesting book with a really fascinating concept turns into a drearily boring tale in the mid-sections, only to improve immensely towards the end. Except for the fabulous first book in the series, I’m starting to think this a pattern for all the books, but then again it might also just be that both book two and three suffer from a lengthy case of second book syndrome.
That said, I don’t think Dan Simmons knows how to write a bad book either, and this was definitely both an enjoyable and a thought-provoking read. And it sets things up perfectly for the last book, from which I am now expecting quite a lot.
March 26, 2013
After having re-read the superlative original Hyperion Cantos recently, I was saddled with the thought that nothing afterward could possibly match the quality and lyricism or the sheer gorgeousness of story, worldbuilding, or character.
Alas, this still remains true after reading book three, taking place over 250 years after the events that irrevocably transformed the known universe at the end of Fall of Hyperion.
HOWEVER, this is not a lament for Endymion. Indeed, comparing it to just about any modern SF adventure, most will come up very short against the standards shown here. No, there is not a Canterbury Tales stylization. There is, however, a fabulous quest given to a new hero by the mentor Martin Selenus (the poet of old who wrote the original Cantos) that tasks Raul Endymion with nothing less than truly impossible tasks, such as helping a girl that is truly out of time, finding and returning the old destroyed Earth to its rightful place, and toppling the religious empire that has taken over the old hegemony with its promise of cruciform immortality.
Small tasks, those. And there's no reason to think he could ever accomplish one of them. The stakes are too high and the enemies amazingly implacable. Federico de Soya is one of the most amazing antagonists I've ever read, right up there with Captain Ahab, only that captain never had to undergo quite this much jellification.
Truly, no review can do this novel justice. It is an adventure, plain and simple, and is so rich with location, location, location, that it is a pure treat for the imagination. It revisits and deepens the events from the previous books, but more than builds upon them, too, painting pictures I will never unsee. Of course, the interesting chase through all the old worlds is done in very cool ways, both varied and clever, and I'll never forget how a twelve-year-old girl stands up to an entire fleet and outsmarts them not just one time, but several. The escapes are brilliant.
No, this book is not on the same ladder of brilliance as the two that came before it, but I'm proud to say that I LOVE it, anyway. It's a true work of the imagination and so exciting that I wish that I had a full SF tv-series with a huge special effects budget to do it justice.
Truly. It would be mind-blowingly awesome.
Alas, this still remains true after reading book three, taking place over 250 years after the events that irrevocably transformed the known universe at the end of Fall of Hyperion.
HOWEVER, this is not a lament for Endymion. Indeed, comparing it to just about any modern SF adventure, most will come up very short against the standards shown here. No, there is not a Canterbury Tales stylization. There is, however, a fabulous quest given to a new hero by the mentor Martin Selenus (the poet of old who wrote the original Cantos) that tasks Raul Endymion with nothing less than truly impossible tasks, such as helping a girl that is truly out of time, finding and returning the old destroyed Earth to its rightful place, and toppling the religious empire that has taken over the old hegemony with its promise of cruciform immortality.
Small tasks, those. And there's no reason to think he could ever accomplish one of them. The stakes are too high and the enemies amazingly implacable. Federico de Soya is one of the most amazing antagonists I've ever read, right up there with Captain Ahab, only that captain never had to undergo quite this much jellification.
Truly, no review can do this novel justice. It is an adventure, plain and simple, and is so rich with location, location, location, that it is a pure treat for the imagination. It revisits and deepens the events from the previous books, but more than builds upon them, too, painting pictures I will never unsee. Of course, the interesting chase through all the old worlds is done in very cool ways, both varied and clever, and I'll never forget how a twelve-year-old girl stands up to an entire fleet and outsmarts them not just one time, but several. The escapes are brilliant.
No, this book is not on the same ladder of brilliance as the two that came before it, but I'm proud to say that I LOVE it, anyway. It's a true work of the imagination and so exciting that I wish that I had a full SF tv-series with a huge special effects budget to do it justice.
Truly. It would be mind-blowingly awesome.
January 19, 2026
Podobało mi się. Nie jest to absolutnie poziom Hyperiona, ale zaskoczyłem się pozytywnie.
July 21, 2014
Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion are two books fans of science fiction literature should not miss. They are exciting, mind blowing, beautiful, lyrical and thought provoking. The first volume Hyperion is often ranked as one of the top ten greatest sci-fi books ever. That said, I read The Fall of Hyperion in November 2012 and only got around to reading Endymion almost two years later. I am too easily influenced by reviews or readers’ comments, and while Endymion tend to be more positively reviewed than negative it is clearly much less popular than the first two books of the Hyperion Cantos. I remember someone said that Endymion is like a bad fanfic of Hyperion (it is not) and that was very off-putting. Still, I never did remove it from my TBR and eventually I am in the mood for it and here we are. (I know, “who cares?” right? But I have to start the review somehow, and rambling is usually my launch pad of choice).
Endymion is set more than 200 years after the event of The Fall of Hyperion. By then the Cantos, written by the foulmouthed poet Martin Silenus, has already become the stuff of legend, and an infamous banned book. The book begins with a frame story of the semi-eponymous Raul Endymion writing from some kind of high tech solitary satellite prison. While he is awaiting his imminent demise by cyanide poisoning he is spending his last days regaling us lucky readers with the story of his adventures with a girl called Aenea who will one day become a messiah of some kind. Aenea is the daughter of the wonderful Brawne Lamia, the female detective from the first two volumes of the series and the John Keats “cybrid” (artificial human). The book basically concerns Aenea’s journey with Endymion and an android named A.Bettik via a series of farcasters (teleportation portals). There is also a parallel plot strand of a group of military agents hunting them down. Much adventure ensues.
Unlike the first two volumes of the Cantos, this book is fairly straightforward in structure and narrative style. It is basically a chase from beginning to end. I can understand why some people find it disappointing after having read the previous two books (the classic Hyperion especially). The tone is very different, less poetic and lyrical, the profundity is not there. One of the most remarkable things about the first Hyperion book is that Dan Simmons did a kind of virtuoso performance by writing in several different styles of sci-fi subgenres and other genres, including space opera, hard sf, soft sf, military sf, cyberpunk, hard-boiled crime fiction, and even literary fiction. The different narrative styles also combine beautifully into an excellent and cohesive story. Endymion is not so ambitious, the prose style in this book is much more utilitarian, apart from the odd snippets of poetry here and there; it is of course very well written, one thing you can count on from Simmons. Personally, I am fine with Endymion’s less literary style, as it means the author is not repeating himself.
The world building and sci-fi tech of Endymion is as great as the previous books. My personal favorite is the “archangel ships” which have faster than light capability but at a slight drawback of violently killing all the occupants of the ship who are later automatically resurrected in crèches with the aid of the Cruciform parasite (from the first Hyperion novel) in tandem with some mysterious technology. Unfortunately, for the humans farcasters are all disabled by the TechnoCore (a sort of AI overlords) so if you want FTL travel you would have to accept being flattened and squished into a paste then resurrected later (and also have a horrid parasite permanently attached to your chest).
Characterization is quite strong, again an expectation I have of Simmons’ books; though the characters here are not as colorful as those the from the previous Hyperion volumes. All the central characters here are believable and sympathetic and the dialogue rings true, with the occasional bits of humour. My favorite character being “A. Bettik”, an android who is humble, loyal, brave, and unfailingly polite of course. Even though an android is not a robot A. Bettik reminds me of Asimov's R. Daneel Olivaw from The Naked Sun and several other of his classic robot novels.
The plot and pacing are very good on the whole, though the chapters from the military agent Captain de Soya’s point of view tend to drag a little. The thrilling climax toward the end of the book is monumentally kickass, though; edge of the seat stuff featuring The Shrike who is as “sharp” as ever and an adversary who is worthy of going toe to toe with him.
The final volume of the Cantos The Rise of Endymion is generally very highly rated. Can’t wait.
4.5 stars (half a star knocked off for a few dull chapters).
Endymion is set more than 200 years after the event of The Fall of Hyperion. By then the Cantos, written by the foulmouthed poet Martin Silenus, has already become the stuff of legend, and an infamous banned book. The book begins with a frame story of the semi-eponymous Raul Endymion writing from some kind of high tech solitary satellite prison. While he is awaiting his imminent demise by cyanide poisoning he is spending his last days regaling us lucky readers with the story of his adventures with a girl called Aenea who will one day become a messiah of some kind. Aenea is the daughter of the wonderful Brawne Lamia, the female detective from the first two volumes of the series and the John Keats “cybrid” (artificial human). The book basically concerns Aenea’s journey with Endymion and an android named A.Bettik via a series of farcasters (teleportation portals). There is also a parallel plot strand of a group of military agents hunting them down. Much adventure ensues.
Unlike the first two volumes of the Cantos, this book is fairly straightforward in structure and narrative style. It is basically a chase from beginning to end. I can understand why some people find it disappointing after having read the previous two books (the classic Hyperion especially). The tone is very different, less poetic and lyrical, the profundity is not there. One of the most remarkable things about the first Hyperion book is that Dan Simmons did a kind of virtuoso performance by writing in several different styles of sci-fi subgenres and other genres, including space opera, hard sf, soft sf, military sf, cyberpunk, hard-boiled crime fiction, and even literary fiction. The different narrative styles also combine beautifully into an excellent and cohesive story. Endymion is not so ambitious, the prose style in this book is much more utilitarian, apart from the odd snippets of poetry here and there; it is of course very well written, one thing you can count on from Simmons. Personally, I am fine with Endymion’s less literary style, as it means the author is not repeating himself.
The world building and sci-fi tech of Endymion is as great as the previous books. My personal favorite is the “archangel ships” which have faster than light capability but at a slight drawback of violently killing all the occupants of the ship who are later automatically resurrected in crèches with the aid of the Cruciform parasite (from the first Hyperion novel) in tandem with some mysterious technology. Unfortunately, for the humans farcasters are all disabled by the TechnoCore (a sort of AI overlords) so if you want FTL travel you would have to accept being flattened and squished into a paste then resurrected later (and also have a horrid parasite permanently attached to your chest).
Characterization is quite strong, again an expectation I have of Simmons’ books; though the characters here are not as colorful as those the from the previous Hyperion volumes. All the central characters here are believable and sympathetic and the dialogue rings true, with the occasional bits of humour. My favorite character being “A. Bettik”, an android who is humble, loyal, brave, and unfailingly polite of course. Even though an android is not a robot A. Bettik reminds me of Asimov's R. Daneel Olivaw from The Naked Sun and several other of his classic robot novels.
The plot and pacing are very good on the whole, though the chapters from the military agent Captain de Soya’s point of view tend to drag a little. The thrilling climax toward the end of the book is monumentally kickass, though; edge of the seat stuff featuring The Shrike who is as “sharp” as ever and an adversary who is worthy of going toe to toe with him.
The final volume of the Cantos The Rise of Endymion is generally very highly rated. Can’t wait.
4.5 stars (half a star knocked off for a few dull chapters).
November 6, 2014
Many fans of Dan Simmons's Hyperion series were not enamored of this more separate entity within the saga. It does not detract, however, from what a fun thrill-ride this book truly is. You need not have read the first two books to enjoy this one, and in fact, it might be better if you haven't. Simmons incorporated the more fun elements of the previous books, weaving them into this grand and tremendously entertaining adventure of science fiction. The Worldweb and the mysterious Shrike creature add excitement to an already great story.
Almost 300 years have passed since The Fall, and Earth apparently, but not conclusively, no longer exists. The Worldweb and the Shrike creature are around, yet the only thing standing between complete control of everything by the military arm of the Catholic Church, PAX, is an 11 year old girl named Aenea, and Raul Endymion. Aenea is the future leader of all, and Raul Endymion has been chosen to keep her from harm. Using Farcaster portals as gateways to other worlds, in order to elude their somewhat reluctant pursuer, Father DeSoya, they find an ally in A. Bettik, a blue android.
The chase is exciting, moving at breakneck speed. The mysterious and deadly Shrike creature adds an unknown element for the three. The questions pondered and ruminated on are thought-provoking, engaging the mind of the reader as 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 that outcome. Doom for all mankind looms like a dark storm over everything in this grand adventure tale. It is a book easy to get lost in, a breathtaking tale 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, therefor, probably without a conclusive ending. Whether a science fiction reader or not, if you enjoy getting lost in another world, this is a good book for you. Sort of a stand-alone book within the series, it is just flat fun to read, and highly recommended.
Almost 300 years have passed since The Fall, and Earth apparently, but not conclusively, no longer exists. The Worldweb and the Shrike creature are around, yet the only thing standing between complete control of everything by the military arm of the Catholic Church, PAX, is an 11 year old girl named Aenea, and Raul Endymion. Aenea is the future leader of all, and Raul Endymion has been chosen to keep her from harm. Using Farcaster portals as gateways to other worlds, in order to elude their somewhat reluctant pursuer, Father DeSoya, they find an ally in A. Bettik, a blue android.
The chase is exciting, moving at breakneck speed. The mysterious and deadly Shrike creature adds an unknown element for the three. The questions pondered and ruminated on are thought-provoking, engaging the mind of the reader as 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 that outcome. Doom for all mankind looms like a dark storm over everything in this grand adventure tale. It is a book easy to get lost in, a breathtaking tale 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, therefor, probably without a conclusive ending. Whether a science fiction reader or not, if you enjoy getting lost in another world, this is a good book for you. Sort of a stand-alone book within the series, it is just flat fun to read, and highly recommended.
October 19, 2010
This is a disappointing fall for Dan Simmons.
Endymion is a tedious and ultimately pointless sci-fi chase novel that recycles rather than expands the concepts from Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. Simmons starts by resetting the environment: it is 247 years later, and the reader no longer knows anything about anything. A bunch of travellers have to go on another journey of even more obscure purpose because one of them has "dreams", a completely unexplained plot contrivance. They are pursued by a new and one-dimensional galaxy-spanning organisation modelled on the Catholic church (how original). I would describe it as a story detached from Hyperion, but I can't say for sure because it ends before anything happens, but not before subjecting me to an extended dreary travelogue that gave me flashbacks to Tad William's idiotic Otherland series and the late Robert Jordan's excruciatingly described, neverending Wheel of Time treks.
I found the characters incredibly annoying: the narrator is not only ineffectual, he is prone to fits of hyperbole and enervating navel-gazing; the heroine is a badly sketched teenager who attracts dei ex machina like flies; and the pursuer is one of those annoyingly naive idealists, despite the fact he is supposed to be a hardened soldier and an implacable foe. The Shrike, once a figure of dread and horror, is trotted out whenever the protagonists get themselves into trouble as a kind of plot-crowbar, and in a dunderheaded reversal, the invincible killing-machine works to help them out of tight spots.
Hyperion worked as a partial story because of the interesting concepts and the steady revelation of the setting and situation. In Endymion, there are but a handful of new concepts and almost no movement in the derivative and contrived storyline. We've seen it all before, and better executed besides.
Simmons has a tendency to tell rather than demonstrate; it's a problem prevalent and harder to avoid in the genre, but when he says that the Pax is far more powerful than the Hegemony, I can't help but compare those few words with the scale and scope of the entity that had been sketched over two books, and shake my head. Another common sci-fi problem present here is the needless technicality of his metaphors; non-technical situations are described via science-heavy references that break the flow of prose.
The only reason to read Endymion would be to get to The Rise of Endymion; unfortunately this is like jumping into the frying pan in order to jump in the fire, as the final book is just as bad. Stop after the Fall of Hyperion and think of the Endymion books as juvenile non-canon fanfiction.
Endymion is a tedious and ultimately pointless sci-fi chase novel that recycles rather than expands the concepts from Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. Simmons starts by resetting the environment: it is 247 years later, and the reader no longer knows anything about anything. A bunch of travellers have to go on another journey of even more obscure purpose because one of them has "dreams", a completely unexplained plot contrivance. They are pursued by a new and one-dimensional galaxy-spanning organisation modelled on the Catholic church (how original). I would describe it as a story detached from Hyperion, but I can't say for sure because it ends before anything happens, but not before subjecting me to an extended dreary travelogue that gave me flashbacks to Tad William's idiotic Otherland series and the late Robert Jordan's excruciatingly described, neverending Wheel of Time treks.
I found the characters incredibly annoying: the narrator is not only ineffectual, he is prone to fits of hyperbole and enervating navel-gazing; the heroine is a badly sketched teenager who attracts dei ex machina like flies; and the pursuer is one of those annoyingly naive idealists, despite the fact he is supposed to be a hardened soldier and an implacable foe. The Shrike, once a figure of dread and horror, is trotted out whenever the protagonists get themselves into trouble as a kind of plot-crowbar, and in a dunderheaded reversal, the invincible killing-machine works to help them out of tight spots.
Hyperion worked as a partial story because of the interesting concepts and the steady revelation of the setting and situation. In Endymion, there are but a handful of new concepts and almost no movement in the derivative and contrived storyline. We've seen it all before, and better executed besides.
Simmons has a tendency to tell rather than demonstrate; it's a problem prevalent and harder to avoid in the genre, but when he says that the Pax is far more powerful than the Hegemony, I can't help but compare those few words with the scale and scope of the entity that had been sketched over two books, and shake my head. Another common sci-fi problem present here is the needless technicality of his metaphors; non-technical situations are described via science-heavy references that break the flow of prose.
The only reason to read Endymion would be to get to The Rise of Endymion; unfortunately this is like jumping into the frying pan in order to jump in the fire, as the final book is just as bad. Stop after the Fall of Hyperion and think of the Endymion books as juvenile non-canon fanfiction.
December 18, 2015
Pretty big letdown after the first 2 books in this series. This book had none of the tension, mystery or brilliant world-building of the first one and none of the complex military and political shenanigans of the second. The first half to 2/3 of this book was especially slow and although it picked up a bit towards the end still wasn't enough to redeem it. Hoping that the fourth book picks the series up again in a big way.
The start of this book was really frustrating and slow with lots of bad stuff being piled on the protagonist (in fact it reminded a bit of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ngYA... ) who I didn't really care about. His reactions to such terrible and unexpected events seemed underwhelming. Having read the Riyria prequels just before starting this I had been hoping for some Royce style fucking people up on a revenge mission but he pretty much completely forgot about the whole thing. This was a recurring them with the central characters of this book: They just didn't capture my interest or even sympathy. Aenea was a typical precocious 12 year old, Bettik boring as fuck and De Soya was equally dull and his complete devotion to the obviously shady Catholic Church was really frustrating.
The secondary characters were quite a bit better fortunately. This would have been a much better read if they had been more prominent. Silenus from the first books returned and was as foul-mouthed and ridiculous as ever. Cardinal Lourdusamy was a menacing presence when he appeared. Father Glaucus was a warm and sympathetic and the swole tunnel-dwelling midgets (you read that right) had a really intriguing and unique culture established.
Which brings me to world-building. I had really been looking forward to the world in this one. The world-building in the first 2 was among the most vivid and unique I've read and I was really looking forward to seeing how the events of the second book would effect the inter-planetary society that humanity had built. The only main addition was the Cruciforms from the first books becoming a key part of society. While I found this really creepy I was interested to see how the impact on a society of people being granted immortality would be shown. Surely birth-rates would sore to unmanageable levels? And there would be power struggles between people who had been in power for 200 years and the younger generations. But none of this was really shown.
Overall this was a pretty mediocre read, especially given the high bar established by the first 2 books. Hoping the standard will be picked up again for the series' conclusion.
The start of this book was really frustrating and slow with lots of bad stuff being piled on the protagonist (in fact it reminded a bit of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ngYA... ) who I didn't really care about. His reactions to such terrible and unexpected events seemed underwhelming. Having read the Riyria prequels just before starting this I had been hoping for some Royce style fucking people up on a revenge mission but he pretty much completely forgot about the whole thing. This was a recurring them with the central characters of this book: They just didn't capture my interest or even sympathy. Aenea was a typical precocious 12 year old, Bettik boring as fuck and De Soya was equally dull and his complete devotion to the obviously shady Catholic Church was really frustrating.
The secondary characters were quite a bit better fortunately. This would have been a much better read if they had been more prominent. Silenus from the first books returned and was as foul-mouthed and ridiculous as ever. Cardinal Lourdusamy was a menacing presence when he appeared. Father Glaucus was a warm and sympathetic and the swole tunnel-dwelling midgets (you read that right) had a really intriguing and unique culture established.
Which brings me to world-building. I had really been looking forward to the world in this one. The world-building in the first 2 was among the most vivid and unique I've read and I was really looking forward to seeing how the events of the second book would effect the inter-planetary society that humanity had built. The only main addition was the Cruciforms from the first books becoming a key part of society. While I found this really creepy I was interested to see how the impact on a society of people being granted immortality would be shown. Surely birth-rates would sore to unmanageable levels? And there would be power struggles between people who had been in power for 200 years and the younger generations. But none of this was really shown.
Overall this was a pretty mediocre read, especially given the high bar established by the first 2 books. Hoping the standard will be picked up again for the series' conclusion.
February 8, 2025
4.0 Stars
I enjoyed this one so much more than I expected after my lukewarm feelings on thenfirst two novels. I need to reread and rereview this series. Stay tuned.
I enjoyed this one so much more than I expected after my lukewarm feelings on thenfirst two novels. I need to reread and rereview this series. Stay tuned.
February 17, 2013
My reaction to this book after reading #1 and #2:
My god, for the sake of all that is good and holy in this imperfect world, DO NOT read this book.
Never, I mean literally never before in my life, have I been so in love with an author to be so let down.
I don't even know. This might sound a little melodramatic, but reading this book honestly put me off reading scifi for months, so crushing was the blow. I haven't recovered yet.
I don't even know how to critique this book. I don't want to dredge up the memories of bland-she-jesus and her bland companions on their bland journey through bland internal and yet more bland external adventures.
I only gave it 2 stars, and not just 1, because I suspect if Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion hadn't be so good, I wouldn't be so bitter and dejected about book 3. Really, it's more a testament to Simmon's talent that he could get this reaction out of me.
An accurate description of Simmons thought process while writing it:
"And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:41-42)
My god, for the sake of all that is good and holy in this imperfect world, DO NOT read this book.
Never, I mean literally never before in my life, have I been so in love with an author to be so let down.
I don't even know. This might sound a little melodramatic, but reading this book honestly put me off reading scifi for months, so crushing was the blow. I haven't recovered yet.
I don't even know how to critique this book. I don't want to dredge up the memories of bland-she-jesus and her bland companions on their bland journey through bland internal and yet more bland external adventures.
I only gave it 2 stars, and not just 1, because I suspect if Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion hadn't be so good, I wouldn't be so bitter and dejected about book 3. Really, it's more a testament to Simmon's talent that he could get this reaction out of me.
An accurate description of Simmons thought process while writing it:
"And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:41-42)
July 6, 2022
Fall from grace but still not a bad book
I loved, LOVED this books predecessors Hyperion and the Fall of Hyperion. In fact you can just stop reading this review and go read those two books. They are some of the best books in sci fi. Unfortunately Endymion did not meet the same standards but overall it is not a bad book. It starts out really well, several hundred years later with a great cast and with lots of call back to the prior two books. For the first 20% I was all in. But what began as stagnant pacing devolved into a cat and mouse story that fell flat. There is so much dead air in the book of characters hanging out in a space ship or just chilling on a raft and talking. The McGuffin wasn't enough to keep me engaged. There was also just cringe stuff with a 12 year old girl that I really disliked. For example, why would the narrator explicitly describe the nude body of a minor and state that he is not attracted? GROSS.
I don't think I'll be reading the last book, I'll just read a plot summary and call it a day. My take away here is Hyperion and the Fall of Hyperion are must read. Endymion you can take or leave it.
Here's my reviews for those two books:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I loved, LOVED this books predecessors Hyperion and the Fall of Hyperion. In fact you can just stop reading this review and go read those two books. They are some of the best books in sci fi. Unfortunately Endymion did not meet the same standards but overall it is not a bad book. It starts out really well, several hundred years later with a great cast and with lots of call back to the prior two books. For the first 20% I was all in. But what began as stagnant pacing devolved into a cat and mouse story that fell flat. There is so much dead air in the book of characters hanging out in a space ship or just chilling on a raft and talking. The McGuffin wasn't enough to keep me engaged. There was also just cringe stuff with a 12 year old girl that I really disliked. For example, why would the narrator explicitly describe the nude body of a minor and state that he is not attracted? GROSS.
I don't think I'll be reading the last book, I'll just read a plot summary and call it a day. My take away here is Hyperion and the Fall of Hyperion are must read. Endymion you can take or leave it.
Here's my reviews for those two books:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 24, 2018
"If there is a God, I thought, it’s a painkiller."
- Dan Simmons, Endymion
Enjoyed it, just not as much as Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. This is the equivalent of the Return of the Jedi for me. Still buzzing from the first two, but not as good as the first two either. There are certain parts I enjoyed and somethings that just seemed a bit overdone. I'll review more later.
- Dan Simmons, Endymion
Enjoyed it, just not as much as Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. This is the equivalent of the Return of the Jedi for me. Still buzzing from the first two, but not as good as the first two either. There are certain parts I enjoyed and somethings that just seemed a bit overdone. I'll review more later.
February 26, 2019
Leído en 2001.
Simmons es reconocido sobre todo por esta saga, Hyperion. Alabada, reconocida y elevada al rango de "culto" la reconozco virtudes (originalidad sobre todo en ese monstruo evolutivo) que sin embargo no me llegaron a emocionar. Leí los trews primeros y no pasé de ahí. El IV le tengo en pendientes pero me da mucha pereza tener que re-leer los anteriores para retomar la historia.
A ver si leo algún comentario que me anime a hacerlo.
P.D. Del autor me quedo con su bilogía de Olympo.
Simmons es reconocido sobre todo por esta saga, Hyperion. Alabada, reconocida y elevada al rango de "culto" la reconozco virtudes (originalidad sobre todo en ese monstruo evolutivo) que sin embargo no me llegaron a emocionar. Leí los trews primeros y no pasé de ahí. El IV le tengo en pendientes pero me da mucha pereza tener que re-leer los anteriores para retomar la historia.
A ver si leo algún comentario que me anime a hacerlo.
P.D. Del autor me quedo con su bilogía de Olympo.
January 21, 2021
I finally got to the second half of this amazing series!! I love me some Dan Simmons. Rich, epic world building, engaging storytelling, teaming with ideas, concepts and adventure. Loved reconnecting with the Hyperion universe. Not quite as engaging as Hyperion or as densely packed with ideas as Fall of Hyperion, but for me this is great continuation of a fantastic series. Can't wait to find out how this ends.
4.5 Stars
Listened to Audible. Victor Bevine did an excellent job.
4.5 Stars
Listened to Audible. Victor Bevine did an excellent job.
August 3, 2015
If I hadn't already read (and been blown away by) the first two books in this series earlier this year, I would have been very impressed with this book. But as it is, even though it is very good and exciting and has great characters and poignant themes and hints at even more to come, it pales when compared to the complexity and madcap storytelling of Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. Those two books were chock full of stories and characters and layers of meaning, and there were about five to six plots going on at once that all tied together into one big plot, and the whole thing comes together in this beautiful symphony of words. Here, there are two main story threads, and they go together like a normal book, and there is only one plot, which is still pretty great and complex and makes you think, but still . . . in comparison. It's just . . . not what I've been trained to expect from Simmons.
Also, you can't read this book without reading its sequel. You just can't. The story is not done when this book is done, even though it has an ending. But it's ending is just an ending to what was going on in this book, and not the end of the overarching story of this duology, and of the four books as a whole.
Endymion actually picks up 300 years after The Fall of Hyperion, so I guess technically you don't have to read the first two books in the series* if you're curious, but I really wouldn't recommend it. Due to time travel fuckery, the twelve year old daughter of Brawne Lamia (a pilgrim from the first two books) has arrived in the present day, and a galactic conflict has broken out over her presence. Due to mysterious REASONS, she is important. As in, the fate of the galaxy rests on her shoulders. This is why two men follow her fate.
The first is Raul Endymion, who gets a first person POV in his sections. Raul is contracted to protect Aenea (as she calls herself) and help her to achieve her goals. They are accompanied by A. Bettik, a 600 year old android, and occasionally, the terrifying Shrike, who has left the planet Hyperion for the first time in living memory. The second man is Father Captain Federico de Soya. He is a priest for the Catholic church, which is now a galaxy wide empire. The church gained its power back in the 300 years since the first two books, largely due to the cruciform parasite which provides literal eternal life to its bearers. Father de Soya has been charged with tracking down Aenea at any cost and turning her over to the church.
*Although, maybe it would work? This book is so much simpler than those it might hook your interest. The only problem is, you'd be totally spoiled for the first two books. Anyway, it's not ideal.
The dual POVs really worked here. Simmons juggled them nicely so as to maximize the tension in the story. I also thought he did a great job with de Soya, who could have been a disastrous villainous character. Instead, he's a complex but ultimately sympathetic guy who is simply caught up in events beyond his control. His story is also responsible for some bone-chilling body horror. What he sacrifices in the name of his belief is staggering. There were parts where I felt Simmons went on too much about certain events, lingered too long in POVs, and it felt like filler. As mentioned above, the previous books were so chock full of STUFF that filler wasn't necessary. Here, it felt like with only two POV characters to worry about, Simmons overcompensated.
Regardless, this is top notch science fiction, people. It just doesn't quite meet the standards set by its own predecessors. Can't wait to read the last book later this year. (I think I'm going to save it for Thanksgiving so I can have days of uninterrupted reading.)
Also, you can't read this book without reading its sequel. You just can't. The story is not done when this book is done, even though it has an ending. But it's ending is just an ending to what was going on in this book, and not the end of the overarching story of this duology, and of the four books as a whole.
Endymion actually picks up 300 years after The Fall of Hyperion, so I guess technically you don't have to read the first two books in the series* if you're curious, but I really wouldn't recommend it. Due to time travel fuckery, the twelve year old daughter of Brawne Lamia (a pilgrim from the first two books) has arrived in the present day, and a galactic conflict has broken out over her presence. Due to mysterious REASONS, she is important. As in, the fate of the galaxy rests on her shoulders. This is why two men follow her fate.
The first is Raul Endymion, who gets a first person POV in his sections. Raul is contracted to protect Aenea (as she calls herself) and help her to achieve her goals. They are accompanied by A. Bettik, a 600 year old android, and occasionally, the terrifying Shrike, who has left the planet Hyperion for the first time in living memory. The second man is Father Captain Federico de Soya. He is a priest for the Catholic church, which is now a galaxy wide empire. The church gained its power back in the 300 years since the first two books, largely due to the cruciform parasite which provides literal eternal life to its bearers. Father de Soya has been charged with tracking down Aenea at any cost and turning her over to the church.
*Although, maybe it would work? This book is so much simpler than those it might hook your interest. The only problem is, you'd be totally spoiled for the first two books. Anyway, it's not ideal.
The dual POVs really worked here. Simmons juggled them nicely so as to maximize the tension in the story. I also thought he did a great job with de Soya, who could have been a disastrous villainous character. Instead, he's a complex but ultimately sympathetic guy who is simply caught up in events beyond his control. His story is also responsible for some bone-chilling body horror. What he sacrifices in the name of his belief is staggering. There were parts where I felt Simmons went on too much about certain events, lingered too long in POVs, and it felt like filler. As mentioned above, the previous books were so chock full of STUFF that filler wasn't necessary. Here, it felt like with only two POV characters to worry about, Simmons overcompensated.
Regardless, this is top notch science fiction, people. It just doesn't quite meet the standards set by its own predecessors. Can't wait to read the last book later this year. (I think I'm going to save it for Thanksgiving so I can have days of uninterrupted reading.)
March 25, 2026
This book feels full of surprises. After the first two books it wasn’t really clear what narrative route Simmons was going to take with this one, and where it went is not where I expected. There are two character POVs or storylines that we follow, and each is a story about searching for something and running from something, too. The protagonists’ storyline, for lack of a better term, feels like a stereotypical action-adventure fantasy story in many ways. There is an anarchic quality to it, a sense of going on a journey or quest whose destination is still unclear. It is episodic in that way, and each little set-piece is compelling and fun. The other characters’ story, to call them antagonists would be incorrect but not entirely, feels more like a dystopian sci-fi story mixed with a military-procedural. It has sharp edges that leave deep wounds of uncertainty but is pervaded by a sense of stoicism and mission that make it feel constantly tense. This blending was fun, and the overall story reads really quickly and comfortably as you move across viewpoints, it definitely doesn’t feel like it carries the weight of its page count.
The characters feel genuine and engaging, even if not particularly interesting. Not the protagonists, at least. They feel like they are slowly being unpeeled, and as we work through their husks they are noble and funny and so on, their humanity and emotion feel real, but they aren’t particularly complicated, at least not yet. The “antagonist,” however, is much more intriguing. He feels like he is constantly at war with himself, and it is great. Simmons has done such intense world-building and philosophical musing in the previous books, that all serves as a backdrop for this story. It isn’t until the end that we really start to wrestle directly with some of the bigger ideas or themes that Simmons had been exploring previously. Up until that point there is, as I mention, an almost generic fantasy-adventure vibe. But since that is playing out against a backdrop of deep social, political, technological, and religious unrest it becomes inherently interesting. We get to explore all new parts of the lush world that Simmons has imagined, and the narrative ease really exploits the hard work done in previous books to create a distinct sense of space and to remind the reader that there are a number of heavy ideas about faith, power, free will, autonomy, and more that are just under the surface of this seemingly generic story. That all comes crashing to the forefront in the final quarter of the book, setting up what I imagine to be a much headier final book in the series.
My only real complaint, on a structural level, is that one main protagonist, this young girl we know to eventually become a messiah-like figure, feels too narratively convenient. She just happens to remember things or have visions when it is useful to move the plot forward, and she only intuits or remembers enough to point in a direction but not answer any actual nagging questions. There is an in-story justification for it, which is fine, it doesn’t feel antagonist to the story, but it does just feel a little too convenient. It is like a bunch of little mini deus ex machina-s, totally breaking the flow of the story to drop an unexpected vision or memory which deepens the lore and changes the characters’ trajectories. So much of the deep thinking of the story and the world is so meticulous that it feels a little sloppy, in comparison. Not enough to really bother me, but enough to be very noticeable as I was reading and always pull me a little bit out of the story. This is a minor gripe, though. Overall, the story is aiming at a much larger meta-story, something that needs the two books that preceded it and the near three centuries of in-world history between the second book and this one, in order to try and encompass it. It is very clearly setting up for the next book and leaves far more open-ended and unsolved than it answers and yet it also does feel like it has a proper narrative arc and is a satisfying read on its own.
The characters feel genuine and engaging, even if not particularly interesting. Not the protagonists, at least. They feel like they are slowly being unpeeled, and as we work through their husks they are noble and funny and so on, their humanity and emotion feel real, but they aren’t particularly complicated, at least not yet. The “antagonist,” however, is much more intriguing. He feels like he is constantly at war with himself, and it is great. Simmons has done such intense world-building and philosophical musing in the previous books, that all serves as a backdrop for this story. It isn’t until the end that we really start to wrestle directly with some of the bigger ideas or themes that Simmons had been exploring previously. Up until that point there is, as I mention, an almost generic fantasy-adventure vibe. But since that is playing out against a backdrop of deep social, political, technological, and religious unrest it becomes inherently interesting. We get to explore all new parts of the lush world that Simmons has imagined, and the narrative ease really exploits the hard work done in previous books to create a distinct sense of space and to remind the reader that there are a number of heavy ideas about faith, power, free will, autonomy, and more that are just under the surface of this seemingly generic story. That all comes crashing to the forefront in the final quarter of the book, setting up what I imagine to be a much headier final book in the series.
My only real complaint, on a structural level, is that one main protagonist, this young girl we know to eventually become a messiah-like figure, feels too narratively convenient. She just happens to remember things or have visions when it is useful to move the plot forward, and she only intuits or remembers enough to point in a direction but not answer any actual nagging questions. There is an in-story justification for it, which is fine, it doesn’t feel antagonist to the story, but it does just feel a little too convenient. It is like a bunch of little mini deus ex machina-s, totally breaking the flow of the story to drop an unexpected vision or memory which deepens the lore and changes the characters’ trajectories. So much of the deep thinking of the story and the world is so meticulous that it feels a little sloppy, in comparison. Not enough to really bother me, but enough to be very noticeable as I was reading and always pull me a little bit out of the story. This is a minor gripe, though. Overall, the story is aiming at a much larger meta-story, something that needs the two books that preceded it and the near three centuries of in-world history between the second book and this one, in order to try and encompass it. It is very clearly setting up for the next book and leaves far more open-ended and unsolved than it answers and yet it also does feel like it has a proper narrative arc and is a satisfying read on its own.
December 2, 2014
How do I know what I think until I see what I say? wrote some pre-Hegira writer. Precisely. I must see these things in order to know what to think of them.
Endymion begins with its POV character Raul Endymion, stuck in a prison that is to be where he dies, writing the events on this book in order to understand. His writings follow his rescue of the child Aenea, hunted by the church and accompanying her on a quest along with the android A. Bettik that has the trio following the river Tethys through farcaster portals and strange new worlds as they try to reach their destination.
I feel like this book had less action than the others focusing on the new worlds that the characters find themselves in, which was fine with me. There is such diversity in the worlds that Dan Simmons imagines and combined with his beautiful prose, it creates multiple stunning worlds I can visualize.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever;
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness
Endymion had two POV characters, Raul and de Soya, the man the church has sent to capture the child. I found myself liking both characters, even though de Soya is considered "the bad guy". While he made some morally questionable decisions, Simmons has created such an extensive background for his characters that you can see why they act the way they do.
However I think the best part is that as the book progresses, de Soya begins to change as a result of his new experiences. Simmons did a great job creating a believable character, and de Soya quickly become a favorite.
There are a number of ethical gray areas tackled in this book, but it is done in a way that isn't off putting. It forces you to think, rather than forcing you what to think.
Looking forward to the last book in this series.
Cross posted at Kaora's Corner.
Endymion begins with its POV character Raul Endymion, stuck in a prison that is to be where he dies, writing the events on this book in order to understand. His writings follow his rescue of the child Aenea, hunted by the church and accompanying her on a quest along with the android A. Bettik that has the trio following the river Tethys through farcaster portals and strange new worlds as they try to reach their destination.
I feel like this book had less action than the others focusing on the new worlds that the characters find themselves in, which was fine with me. There is such diversity in the worlds that Dan Simmons imagines and combined with his beautiful prose, it creates multiple stunning worlds I can visualize.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever;
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness
Endymion had two POV characters, Raul and de Soya, the man the church has sent to capture the child. I found myself liking both characters, even though de Soya is considered "the bad guy". While he made some morally questionable decisions, Simmons has created such an extensive background for his characters that you can see why they act the way they do.
However I think the best part is that as the book progresses, de Soya begins to change as a result of his new experiences. Simmons did a great job creating a believable character, and de Soya quickly become a favorite.
There are a number of ethical gray areas tackled in this book, but it is done in a way that isn't off putting. It forces you to think, rather than forcing you what to think.
Looking forward to the last book in this series.
Cross posted at Kaora's Corner.
December 29, 2008
6.0 stars. On my list of "All Time Favorite" novels (as is each novel in this incredible series). One of the few series IMHO that rivals Dune for scope, writing and imagination. Simmons is a master.
Nominee: British SF Award for best novel.
Nominee: British SF Award for best novel.
April 10, 2021
This was such a wild ride, I loved it! Compared to the first two books in the Hyperion Cantos, this was a much faster paced, easier to read, and thrilling story. I loved these characters, so full of heart and friendship, even the Pax crew were good, and I cannot wait to see what happens with them, and Aenea and A. Bettik. Hell, even the ship AI was a cool character and hope it's also in the next Rise of Endymion.
March 6, 2015
This third book in the Hyperion Cantos series takes places a few hundred years after the dramatic final events told in The Fall of Hyperion. With the large time lapse it is perhaps no surprise that only a few familiar faces from the first duology remain. This book focuses on the story of Aenea, the child of Brawne Lamia and the John Keats cybrid, and her traveling companions as she seeks to travel to an unknown destination and evade the capture of those who seek her end.
It was an entertaining enough story. Raul and Aenea both proved to be interesting and likable characters. I found Father De Soya to be a bit less likable a character, but his POV segments remained interesting. Simmons Hyperion Universe is a well crafted one and it was easy to slip right back into it and observe how things have changed and evolved over the course of the centuries between the second and third book. I was glad to see Simmons expand on some interesting aspects of the earlier books that I felt were underutilized.
This was an engaging read for the most part, but it did suffer from the odd dull spot. That said, I felt the first couple of books in the series suffered from similar dull spots. The plot was possible a little less layered and complex than the earlier novels, but there are plenty of hints that will change in the final book.
I've got to admit that some of the late happenings in this one only confirmed my suspicions that Dan Simmons is a massive fan of the Terminator movies!
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: Victor Bevine again did a good job narrating the audio.
It was an entertaining enough story. Raul and Aenea both proved to be interesting and likable characters. I found Father De Soya to be a bit less likable a character, but his POV segments remained interesting. Simmons Hyperion Universe is a well crafted one and it was easy to slip right back into it and observe how things have changed and evolved over the course of the centuries between the second and third book. I was glad to see Simmons expand on some interesting aspects of the earlier books that I felt were underutilized.
This was an engaging read for the most part, but it did suffer from the odd dull spot. That said, I felt the first couple of books in the series suffered from similar dull spots. The plot was possible a little less layered and complex than the earlier novels, but there are plenty of hints that will change in the final book.
I've got to admit that some of the late happenings in this one only confirmed my suspicions that Dan Simmons is a massive fan of the Terminator movies!
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: Victor Bevine again did a good job narrating the audio.
September 18, 2023
I'm so impressed with how different the first three books of the Hyperion Cantos are. This installment was really an action/adventure story, set around 250 years after the events of the second book. This was full of great characters, including a protagonist I really enjoyed, and a prescient young girl (one of my favorite tropes is the prescient child trope), in a cat-and-mouse chase with a three dimensional antagonist. Throw in a great deal of interesting science fiction concepts introduced in the previous book and you get a really enjoyable book. Plus the Shrike, who is still one of my favorite mysterious characters I've met in literature.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,895 reviews