The Fall of Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "On the day the armada went off to war, on the last day of life as we knew it, I was invited to a party..." (more)
Key Phrases: hawking mat, farcaster portal, retrieval persona, Martin Silenus, Brawne Lamia, Meina Gladstone (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The stunning continuation of the epic adventure begun in Hyperion. On the world of Hyperion the mysterious Time Tombs are opening. And the secrets they contain mean that nothing--nothing anywhere in the universe--will ever be the same. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

From Publishers Weekly

This densely plotted book concludes the futuristic tale begun in Hyperion . Earth has long since been destroyed, and humans now occupy more than 150 worlds linked by the Web, an instantaneous travel system created and operated by artificial intelligences (AIs--self-aware, highly advanced computers). These worlds are about to war with the Ousters, a branch of humanity that has disdained dependency on the AIs. At risk are the planet Hyperion, its mysterious Tombs that travel backward in time, and the Shrike, its god/avatar of pain or retribution. The narrative focuses on the government of the Web and its leader, Meina Gladstone, as observed by Joseph Severn, a cybernetic re-creation of the poet John Keats, and seven Shrike pilgrims, who may affect the war's outcome. Simmons pits good against evil, with the religions of man and those of the machines battling for supremacy. Despite his grand scale, however, he fashions intensely human individuals whom the reader will take to heart.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; First. edition (February 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385267479
• ISBN-13: 978-0385267472
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (135 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #267,260 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 2 in The Hyperion Cantos Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The ending of the two-book series was excellent., October 6, 1998

By	dsrussell "greyhater" (Corona, CA. United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Fall of Hyperion (Mass Market Paperback)

Dan Simmon's `The Fall of Hyperion' is not a sequel, but rather the second half of the unfinished story, `Hyperion'. While `Hyperion' was unique in its six wonderful tales as told by six people on a pilgrimage, `The Fall of Hyperion' is more conventional, but is a real page-turner.

`The Fall of Hyperion' explains what happens to our travelers and delves into the purpose of the Shrike. It also expands greatly on the fairly thin plot exposed in `Hyperion'. Most readers should enjoy this well-conceived and engrossing end to the story. Together, `Hyperion' and `The Fall of Hyperion' rank up there with the best science fiction has to offer and I give it 9 out of 10, or a five star ranking. However, because the reader is required (unknowingly) to purchase both books, I give each book 8 out of 10 and a four star rating.

Those who have forsaken `The Fall of Hyperion' because it requires another purchase, are missing a rewarding experience. Those who have not yet read the Hyperion series are in for a treat. It is worth every penny of the two-book purchase price.

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A multilayered epic, June 20, 2000

By	Ilana Teitelbaum - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fall of Hyperion (Mass Market Paperback)

'Fall of Hyperion' follows the style of an epic which can be read on many levels. It is an analysis of John Keats's poetry, the relationship of God and Man, whether there is a God at all, and the purpose of human suffering all at once--and this to name just a few. I do not think it should be judged in comparison with the first book, as they are both extremely different in structure. 'Hyperion' is a tight novel centering on the past lives of the pilgrims, while 'Fall of Hyperion' is an intricately woven tapestry much akin to epics such as 'Dune'. Both are ingenious in their respective approaches to theme and character.

The new character viewpoints, Severn and Paul Dure, are well-developed, and Meina Gladstone is a tragic gem of characterization. The other characters undergo trials that stretch them to the limits, and lend a glimpse into the fragility of humankind. My only complaint is Kassad, who never feels real, though the author obviously admires him very much. His relationship with Moneta was a disappointment to me, as it never developed beyond sex, yet is referred to as 'love'. I didn't see it, and therefore didn't buy it.

'Fall' contains the same trauma and horror from 'Hyperion', on a deeper and larger scale, making some scenes intensely painful to read. But with the pain comes a massive wellspring of emotion which, though still painful, is ultimately a pain which shapes and refines. Simmons is unafraid to go where other authors dare not, and for that he is deserving of praise. The action is such that there is never a slow moment, and the surprises are endless. Without question, Simmons knows how to weave a story.

The multiple themes running through this book are difficult to follow. Somehow Simmons meant to tie the poetry of John Keats with questions relating to the nature of God and humanity, but this is done with such complicated strokes that the book probably needs to be re-read many times to be fully appreciated. I for one developed an interest in Keats as a result of reading this book--not to mention an affection for 'Mister John Keats, five feet high'.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The First Book Set 'Em Up, January 18, 2000

By	WolfDaddy (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fall of Hyperion (Mass Market Paperback)

And this book knocks 'em over. I love reading stories in which "everything you know is wrong". Simmons takes the characters and events recounted in "Hyperion" and swallows them whole in a tale that had me scraping my brains off the back wall. The introduction of M. Severn and Meina Gladstone makes for two of the more fascinating and deep characters I think I've ever read. The former is a cipher, reflecting the events taking place hundreds of light-years away (those of "Hyperion") and interpreting them through a dead poet's thoughts. The other is a master politician, leader of a Hegemony that encompasses more billions of souls than almost is comprehensible. The sacrifices they both make to save themselves save humanity itself, but at a terrible price.

Some sections of the book are slow (I found the myriad battles with the Shrike tedious) the majority of the tale is fast moving, incredibly rich and believable, and astounding in its plot and details. This book and its predecessor are simply two of the finest works of literature in any genre, and are utterly entertaining.

I've handed copies of the "Hyperion" books over to probably 20 friends over the last 8-9 years, and had never had any of them returned to me. I don't care ... these books are *that* good.