Ben > Recent Status Updates

Only now am I starting to get invested in the plot

While Simmons writing ideas and atmosphere remain outstanding. This book is shaping up as more space-operaesque and politics heavy which I enjoy less

Simmon's writing and world-building continue to be exceptional in this book as well. Continuing from the "cliff-hanger" that ended the first book, most of what we discover about the pilgrims comes from Severn, Lamia's resurrected cybrid, with no recollection of his former self (Joseph). Severn is exposed to the pilgrims' journey through his dreams which earns him a spot close to Gladstone as the war unfolds.

A much weaker, less immersive start than the only other Gaiman I've read this far - Stardust. I remember being captivated very quickly and easily by the latter, but The Ocean at the End of the Lane thus far has failed to do that. I really hope to have my mind changed.

Read the weirdest little short story about the expedition from earth to Marth that ends up in the insane asylum of Morris due to the Martians being able to communicate via telepathy, and thinking of the others is using their telepathy to project their story if they’re insane trying to convince other of their hallucinations

I find the protagonist story of himself as a child touching in a weird way. The unintentional ambient neglect of busy parents is a parent as a subtext and I find it emotionally flooding when I think about the possibility of Eden or any of my other future children growing like this and me being the source of this, hopefully the empathy this and other such readings evoke will guide me towards better parenthood

Having a hard time getting into Lamia's story. Not necessarily because it is bad, I've only read a couple of pages and nothing really kicked off. I guess its just me not being able to read consistently for the last couple of days. I will eventually get into the story and I'm sure it'll be good. It better be, it appears to be the longest one in the book.

Perhaps the best scifi book I've read, one of the best books read in general. This 4th story of Sol Weinstraub is by far the best and the best short story I've ever read. Using the soft scifi elements lain out throughout the book, the story manages not only to be heart wrenching, but also deals with topics of religion and Judaism outside of the "Old Earth", religious ethics and ethics in general.

Finding the second story less engaging and more of a drag. I like the concept of the phantom woman coming to him in the war simulations, but the exessive focus on previous battles, while serving the general world building of the universe of Hyperion loses the immersion the first story managed to create.

One of the best Ive read in the genre

Different from the first book which is refreshing. I like the 3 versions of Vim which turns the story from a 1 POV story to a 3 POV, but of the same protagonist which is a first for me.

The Harry Potter trope is becoming harder to ignore as Vis enters the academy. An orphaned prodigy. Disliked by most as he gets himself into troubles. Sneaking in the nights for side quests.

I find Vis an unconvincing character thus far. Too cold and calculated, as if the only book he's read is 'the 48 laws of power'. I find that, and the lack of teen-like qualities (even in the inner narration) pretty unconvincing despite his predicament.

The writing is good, but I don't find intriguing ideas or relatable (believable) characters and I'll probably DNF if it continues.

The world and setting, to me, feel like an amalgamation of fantasy tropes. Child prodigy from a royal family goes undercover in a conquering nation (Dune). Is later "rescued", a mistreated orphan (Harry Potter). In a world where people's strength comes from others' (War Breaker) and I'm sure there are more along the way.