Another great vid. I have found that not only is Hyperion beloved by sci fi readers.. but a lot of folks have talked about how it shook them. That it was so intense, it weighed heavy in their mind after completing the series.
I just finished the fall of Hyperion last night and WOW!! One of the best stories I’ve ever read! I’m now obsessed and this world has grabbed me like few others have. Simmons’ world building and characters are so great and full of life. I felt like I was there in the story. I just need people to talk to who’ve read it now haha. Aaaaand I agree, that fight with Colonel Khasad and the Shrike, was sooo cool!! The images in my head of him slipping through time while decimating enemy forces was friggin awesome!
Just finished the series. I read it as a separate duology and I think that’s probably the best way to read it. They were all amazing and distinct from the other titles in the cantos making each feel like their own journey within the larger narrative. Hyperion cantos is now tied for my favorite series of all time alongside ‘The dark tower’. I cannot recommend the Hyperion Cantos enough!
I totally agree (well, except for how you ranked the books at the end). All four books in the Hyperion Cantos are terrific, yet very different from one another. Simmons is incredibly versatile as a writer and has written some of my favorite books in multiple genres (including SF, horror, and pulpy crime fiction).
@@WordsinTime I have a feeling you’re really going to like the Ilium duology. It’s fantastic, blending elements of imaginative science fiction, Homer’s epic poems, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Marcel Proust. It’s not quite as deep or as satisfying as Hyperion Cantos, but it comes closer than most, in my opinion. Enjoy!
@@thelibraryladder That sounds pretty awesome to me! I think it’s on my schedule for late 2022 or early 2023 but you’re making me want to read it sooner haha
One of my top 3 of all time! And that's saying a lot, because I average 100-150 books read per year. Everybody online seemed to hate books 2-4; however, Endymion was actually my favorite of the cantos. Great recap!
Great review! I didn’t realize this series was two sets of duologies. I have heard some negative reviews for The Fall of Hyperion, but I will give it a chance if I end up loving Hyperion. It helps knowing it does take on a different structure and character focus, and good to know that you loved it!
Thanks Johanna! Yes, I’ve seen mixed reactions to The Fall of Hyperion as it might not be what some people were expecting after Hyperion but personally I loved it! I hope you do too!
I'm not qualified to comment on the whole Cantos, I dropped out half way through the second book after loving the first. A reread is in the planning stages, all 4 books back to back, if books 3 and 4 are half as good as Hyperion I will be very happy.
this is by far my favorite book series characters are so wel flashed out with well defined personalitys the world building is amazing and the fact that so many genre's are incorperated makes it a must read for everyone!
@@WordsinTime loved the treatment of Kassad's character most of all, but the way that novel put the pedal to ALL the metals was mind-blowingly awesome.
I just read Hyperion, loved it, but was shocked at the lack of conclusion of the plot. I guess I was assuming it was a more contained story. For me I just wanted more! Glad to hear you hype Fall, as I am going to read that soon. As far as pilgrim story rankings…Sol>Hoyt>Kassad>Silenus>Brawne>Consul
Dan Simmons wrote Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion as one book initially, but his publisher thought it was too long and had it split. Should really be read and evaluated as one
@@sebastienvincenthenry2805 I really enjoy the Consul and Siri as characters as well as the theme and setting of that story, but I could not relate to Merin’s perspective personally. My initial take on him was that he was an a-hole with hardly any life experience and hardly gave Siri the respect she deserved, which makes sense from how their lives were lived separately due to the time dilation, but it didn’t make me feel less annoyed at his immaturity. Just my personal opinion. It was a very good story otherwise but I liked the others much more
Recommend you read only the first book, the others pale in comparison. The lack of a traditional storyline conclusion is not a problem, use your imagination, and enjoy the enduring memories of perhaps the greatest science fiction novel.
Grabbed the four book bundle and looking forward to getting started with these probably in the new year. Do you recommend reading them straight through or placing some palette cleansers betwixt books (or maybe just between duologies)?
Awesome! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! I would recommend reading the Hyperion duology together then maybe some palette cleansers before reading the Endymion duology together. But feel free to read them however you like!
I got the name mixed up, but it still works: "Orphans of the Helix" is a 46-page short story by Dan Simmons set in his Hyperion Cantos fictional universe (one of three, the others being "Remembering Siri", a story which is also a chapter of Hyperion, and "The Death of a Centaur", which deals with an early and allegorical version of either The Fall of Hyperion or Endymion). It was first published in the anthology Far Horizons in 1999 (Goodreads)
I want to read hyperion so bad, but I hear the sequels get bad. Where do u recommend I stop? At hyperion or fall of hyperion.. I only recently started reading novels and hyperion sounds amazing
Personally, I loved The Fall of Hyperion. I suggest reading both Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. If you like The Fall of Hyperion then keep going with Endymion. If you don’t like The Fall of Hyperion then stop there.
Hi Jonathan! I just started the Hyperion Cantos and was wondering if there was a definitive way to pronounce "Hyperion"? I've heard it pronounced at least 4 different way 🙂 Is it PEER, PUR or PAIR? ION or IAN? Thanks. dave
Having read 'Hyperion' ( which had 'Hyperon' on the spine ) while in hospital, I found it intriguing and bought the next three books. Overall, it's like other SF series. A good read, interesting in how ancient tales still have resonance, but the next three added nothing but ( IMHO ) the author's snipes at historical characters and architects he doesn't like. Bit of a shame. First book: YES. Others only if you really want to.
I liked this series, but holy moly the main character in the Endymion duology was infuriatingly dense at times. 😄 Still a great story, but the character isn’t going on any of my lists of favourite characters…
Short answer: Yes Long answer: YYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Can anyone tell me about each of these books? Hyperion Lord of the rings DUNE Foundation. I know most of you here are a fan of these and have read the series about several times. So what are the differences? Why would you recommend it?
Hyperion - Epic space opera with a mix of subgenres Lord of the Rings - Classic genre defining fantasy Dune - Sci-Fantasy defined by world building and themes Foundation - Classic Sci-Fi that focuses on the ideas
In terms of whether it is easy or difficult to read I would say it is about a 7 out of 10 in terms of difficulty. I wouldn't say it's the easiest to read, but I think if you have read other sci-fi before then I think you will be able to read Hyperion. I also remember that you are a teenager, and I should mention that there are some adult themes in Hyperion. If you are looking for books written for a younger audience you might want to come back to this one in a year or two.
So what you’re saying is Rise of Endymion is trash 😝. I just finished Fall of Hyperion today and I really enjoyed. Probably going to pick the Endymion duology next year
Haha no it’s still good, it’s just not what I was expecting. Instead of ramping up it slowed down, but it’s still a very thoughtful book. I think if you liked The Fall of Hyperion you will also enjoy Endymion.
Ok here's the dealio. I just listened to Hyperion and I a tempted to just stop here. Let me explain: I very much am a person who likes my stories to end on a good note. I am not a fan of when stories drag on and on and on. For instance I only like Alien, I don't like any of the other movies. I only have read Dune and none of the other books. I believe wonder and mystery is what makes things special, and for me Hyperion ends on a good note. In Hyperion we get a lot of information about the universe and the Shrike and we as the reader can make speculations as to what's going on and I am tempted to say, "let's just stop here". I know for a lot of people that sounds crazy, but if I read the other books and am disappointed it will taint the whole thing for me. Do I REALLY need to know what happens next? Idk... It depends. Maybe I read these other books and LOVE them, maybe I read these books and the whole thing becomes soured. I could just stop here and have a positive experience with Hyperion.
@@hhjhj393 I understand that perspective. Personally, I loved The Fall of Hyperion but it’s different from Hyperion so you have to be willing for it to try something new. If not, it might now be for you.
I don't like scifi. hell, i don't like to read. I only came across this book because a friend mentioned it to me and the next day i found it in a little give one take one library. shit had me on the edge of my seat, the way things were described really had my imagination hooked!! i've since put it down but you've inspired me to pick it up again.
Thanks for sharing! I’m glad to hear that it appealed to you even though you haven’t read much sci-fi. I agree that the descriptions painted a wonderful world. Let me know your thoughts after picking it back up!
Just me.... but.... human languages do not have the capacity to express how much I loathed Hyperion. Pointless, pretentious drivel of the most utter. For 20 years I read and loved scifi, have not touched one since the scarring this garbage caused. (Just one opinion)
This is a wild comment! Thank goodness people have distinct opinions on literature! I personally like the first book so far but seeing true honesty in the comment section makes me grin. Now read berzerk by kentaru miura!!
For Hyperion I accidentally said 4 instead of 7 pilgrims. That would be a shorter, less epic book!
Another great vid. I have found that not only is Hyperion beloved by sci fi readers.. but a lot of folks have talked about how it shook them. That it was so intense, it weighed heavy in their mind after completing the series.
Thanks Joshy! I agree that this series can stick with you. I think about it often, especially the concept of The Void Which Binds.
I just finished the fall of Hyperion last night and WOW!! One of the best stories I’ve ever read! I’m now obsessed and this world has grabbed me like few others have. Simmons’ world building and characters are so great and full of life. I felt like I was there in the story. I just need people to talk to who’ve read it now haha. Aaaaand I agree, that fight with Colonel Khasad and the Shrike, was sooo cool!! The images in my head of him slipping through time while decimating enemy forces was friggin awesome!
I’m glad you also loved The Fall of Hyperion! I hope you enjoy the Endymion duology!
Just finished the series. I read it as a separate duology and I think that’s probably the best way to read it. They were all amazing and distinct from the other titles in the cantos making each feel like their own journey within the larger narrative. Hyperion cantos is now tied for my favorite series of all time alongside ‘The dark tower’. I cannot recommend the Hyperion Cantos enough!
@@monstercreations7775 That’s awesome! And I actually just finished The Dark Tower and it’s a new favorite!
I totally agree (well, except for how you ranked the books at the end). All four books in the Hyperion Cantos are terrific, yet very different from one another. Simmons is incredibly versatile as a writer and has written some of my favorite books in multiple genres (including SF, horror, and pulpy crime fiction).
I believe you when you say Simmons is a versatile writer. I’m looking forward to reading Ilium and Olympos next!
@@WordsinTime I have a feeling you’re really going to like the Ilium duology. It’s fantastic, blending elements of imaginative science fiction, Homer’s epic poems, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Marcel Proust. It’s not quite as deep or as satisfying as Hyperion Cantos, but it comes closer than most, in my opinion. Enjoy!
@@thelibraryladder That sounds pretty awesome to me! I think it’s on my schedule for late 2022 or early 2023 but you’re making me want to read it sooner haha
I find myself rereading this series every few yrs. Classic. ❤️
That’s amazing! I look forward to re-reading it myself!
Same.
Looking forward to finally meeting The Shrike and his pals next Spring and Summer. Thanks for the overview.
Haha Shrike and pals is one way to put it! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
The first duology is my second favorite sci-fi of all time. I’m excited to see what Endymion brings to the table.
That’s awesome Chas! It’s different but I think you will enjoy it as well!
One of my top 3 of all time! And that's saying a lot, because I average 100-150 books read per year. Everybody online seemed to hate books 2-4; however, Endymion was actually my favorite of the cantos. Great recap!
Awesome! That’s an impressive amount of reading. I’m glad you enjoyed the series as much as I did. I agree that Endymion is a bit underrated!
Yo i think the algorithm picked your video because i never watch content like this but i got ur vid in my feed, liked and subbed
Haha well thank you to the algorithm and thank you to you for watching and subscribing. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Some of the greatest modern sci-fi, all 4 books are a must, the series is a masterpiece.
Agreed! Some people only love the first book, but I love all 4!
Great review, and like you I love these books too. I fondly recall reading them and deliberately taking my time because I didn't want the fun to end.
That’s awesome Jack! I’m glad you enjoyed them as much as I did! I look forward to re-reading them one day!
Great review! I didn’t realize this series was two sets of duologies. I have heard some negative reviews for The Fall of Hyperion, but I will give it a chance if I end up loving Hyperion. It helps knowing it does take on a different structure and character focus, and good to know that you loved it!
Thanks Johanna! Yes, I’ve seen mixed reactions to The Fall of Hyperion as it might not be what some people were expecting after Hyperion but personally I loved it! I hope you do too!
I'm not qualified to comment on the whole Cantos, I dropped out half way through the second book after loving the first.
A reread is in the planning stages, all 4 books back to back, if books 3 and 4 are half as good as Hyperion I will be very happy.
The Fall of Hyperion is quite different but once I got used to the new structure I ended up loving it. I hope you enjoy the series on your re-read!
I have way too many books on my TBR right now to be watching this video… but here I am.
Haha this is a very relatable comment
This has been on my TBR for awhile. Thanks for the video!
I’m glad it was helpful! Let me know your thoughts when you get to it on your TBR!
@@WordsinTime will do! I read The Terror awhile back and was extremely impressed with Simmons as an author.
@@RedFuryBooks I’ve heard good things about The Terror. I’m also looking forward to reading Ilium and Olympus!
@@WordsinTime both of those are on the TBR as well!
I am reading the first book next month for a “Trying 3 Popular Sci-Fi Authors” vlog! I can’t wait!
Awesome, I hope you enjoy it! If you are like me you will be compelled to read the second!
A resounding yes. The entire Cantos was one of the best things I read last year.
Love it! I completely agree Patrick!
this is by far my favorite book series characters are so wel flashed out with well defined personalitys the world building is amazing and the fact that so many genre's are incorperated makes it a must read for everyone!
I’m so glad you connected with it!
Wow, your ranking of the cantos is the same as mine. Enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this four part masterpiece.
Welcome to Team Fall haha. I’m glad you enjoyed it Jason!
@@WordsinTime loved the treatment of Kassad's character most of all, but the way that novel put the pedal to ALL the metals was mind-blowingly awesome.
Excellent! thank you for the recommendation, I am reading Hyperion at the moment but I wanted to know what to expect from the other three books
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy!
I just read Hyperion, loved it, but was shocked at the lack of conclusion of the plot. I guess I was assuming it was a more contained story. For me I just wanted more! Glad to hear you hype Fall, as I am going to read that soon. As far as pilgrim story rankings…Sol>Hoyt>Kassad>Silenus>Brawne>Consul
@@pyramidsong Yes, I wanted more of a conclusion as well. Hope you enjoy Fall as much as I did!
Dan Simmons wrote Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion as one book initially, but his publisher thought it was too long and had it split. Should really be read and evaluated as one
lol wut, the Consul's story is epic
@@sebastienvincenthenry2805 I really enjoy the Consul and Siri as characters as well as the theme and setting of that story, but I could not relate to Merin’s perspective personally. My initial take on him was that he was an a-hole with hardly any life experience and hardly gave Siri the respect she deserved, which makes sense from how their lives were lived separately due to the time dilation, but it didn’t make me feel less annoyed at his immaturity. Just my personal opinion. It was a very good story otherwise but I liked the others much more
@@pyramidsong I get what you're saying, but the Consul's story has far more impact on the duology than the others' stories
Recommend you read only the first book, the others pale in comparison. The lack of a traditional storyline conclusion is not a problem, use your imagination, and enjoy the enduring memories of perhaps the greatest science fiction novel.
I liked the sequels but they are different so I can understand why not everyone likes them.
Looking at it as two duology’s is a great suggestion.
Thanks Billy, I think the Endymion duology is great, it just might not be what some people might be expecting after Hyperion.
Yes.
I'm obviously a huge fan. I don't even consider the books separately. Too me it's one story.
Short and sweet (and correct!)
Grabbed the four book bundle and looking forward to getting started with these probably in the new year. Do you recommend reading them straight through or placing some palette cleansers betwixt books (or maybe just between duologies)?
Awesome! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! I would recommend reading the Hyperion duology together then maybe some palette cleansers before reading the Endymion duology together. But feel free to read them however you like!
Don't forget the short story called Children of the Helix, which is a continuation of sorts
Thanks for the recommendation, I just ordered it!
I got the name mixed up, but it still works: "Orphans of the Helix" is a 46-page short story by Dan Simmons set in his Hyperion Cantos fictional universe (one of three, the others being "Remembering Siri", a story which is also a chapter of Hyperion, and "The Death of a Centaur", which deals with an early and allegorical version of either The Fall of Hyperion or Endymion). It was first published in the anthology Far Horizons in 1999 (Goodreads)
Really hoping he gets to continue writing for that universe
@@akaidatenshi I just bought Worlds Enough & Time, which has 5 stories written by Dan Simmons. I’m looking forward to reading Orphans of the Helix!
@@WordsinTime I'll look for it, as well
I want to read hyperion so bad, but I hear the sequels get bad. Where do u recommend I stop? At hyperion or fall of hyperion..
I only recently started reading novels and hyperion sounds amazing
Personally, I loved The Fall of Hyperion. I suggest reading both Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. If you like The Fall of Hyperion then keep going with Endymion. If you don’t like The Fall of Hyperion then stop there.
Yes, yes you should
Haha agreed!
Hi Jonathan! I just started the Hyperion Cantos and was wondering if there was a definitive way to pronounce "Hyperion"?
I've heard it pronounced at least 4 different way 🙂
Is it PEER, PUR or PAIR?
ION or IAN?
Thanks. dave
Good question! I’ve only ever heard it as high peer ion. But my Australian accent might be throwing you off haha
@@WordsinTime RUclips has a couple of pronunciation audios and both are Hy-pair-ian……. I guess it depends on what country you live in!
Having read 'Hyperion' ( which had 'Hyperon' on the spine ) while in hospital, I found it intriguing and bought the next three books.
Overall, it's like other SF series.
A good read, interesting in how ancient tales still have resonance, but the next three added nothing but ( IMHO ) the author's snipes at historical characters and architects he doesn't like.
Bit of a shame.
First book: YES.
Others only if you really want to.
I found the rest worthwhile but they are different. I’m glad you enjoyed Hyperion while in hospital. Hope you’re better now!
How could anyone reccomend missing out on the Ousters?!?
Yes, I loved any chapter with the Ousters!
I liked this series, but holy moly the main character in the Endymion duology was infuriatingly dense at times. 😄 Still a great story, but the character isn’t going on any of my lists of favourite characters…
Haha I agree. He’s a bit of an “Everyman” character, which is why I liked the group dynamic more than him as an individual.
I can't find any hardbacks or special editions on this series. Sad.
Yes, apparently they are incredibly rare/valuable!
Short answer:
Yes
Long answer:
YYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Haha this is correct
Can anyone tell me about each of these books?
Hyperion
Lord of the rings
DUNE
Foundation.
I know most of you here are a fan of these and have read the series about several times. So what are the differences? Why would you recommend it?
Hyperion - Epic space opera with a mix of subgenres
Lord of the Rings - Classic genre defining fantasy
Dune - Sci-Fantasy defined by world building and themes
Foundation - Classic Sci-Fi that focuses on the ideas
Yes it is the best series ever.
@@arthurhoover3709 🫡
Hii
Is this series easy to read?
Is it in simple english?
In terms of whether it is easy or difficult to read I would say it is about a 7 out of 10 in terms of difficulty. I wouldn't say it's the easiest to read, but I think if you have read other sci-fi before then I think you will be able to read Hyperion. I also remember that you are a teenager, and I should mention that there are some adult themes in Hyperion. If you are looking for books written for a younger audience you might want to come back to this one in a year or two.
@@WordsinTime oh thanks
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Hells to the yeeeesss
@@Yoctopory 💯
So what you’re saying is Rise of Endymion is trash 😝. I just finished Fall of Hyperion today and I really enjoyed. Probably going to pick the Endymion duology next year
Haha no it’s still good, it’s just not what I was expecting. Instead of ramping up it slowed down, but it’s still a very thoughtful book. I think if you liked The Fall of Hyperion you will also enjoy Endymion.
@@WordsinTime haha only pulling your leg. Thanks Jonathan! Yeah I loved the ending it really came together and surpassed my expectations.
Ok here's the dealio. I just listened to Hyperion and I a tempted to just stop here.
Let me explain: I very much am a person who likes my stories to end on a good note. I am not a fan of when stories drag on and on and on.
For instance I only like Alien, I don't like any of the other movies.
I only have read Dune and none of the other books.
I believe wonder and mystery is what makes things special, and for me Hyperion ends on a good note. In Hyperion we get a lot of information about the universe and the Shrike and we as the reader can make speculations as to what's going on and I am tempted to say, "let's just stop here".
I know for a lot of people that sounds crazy, but if I read the other books and am disappointed it will taint the whole thing for me.
Do I REALLY need to know what happens next? Idk... It depends.
Maybe I read these other books and LOVE them, maybe I read these books and the whole thing becomes soured. I could just stop here and have a positive experience with Hyperion.
@@hhjhj393 I understand that perspective. Personally, I loved The Fall of Hyperion but it’s different from Hyperion so you have to be willing for it to try something new. If not, it might now be for you.
I don't like scifi. hell, i don't like to read. I only came across this book because a friend mentioned it to me and the next day i found it in a little give one take one library. shit had me on the edge of my seat, the way things were described really had my imagination hooked!! i've since put it down but you've inspired me to pick it up again.
Thanks for sharing! I’m glad to hear that it appealed to you even though you haven’t read much sci-fi. I agree that the descriptions painted a wonderful world. Let me know your thoughts after picking it back up!
Yes this series does not get nearly enough credit! People act like Hyperion is a stand-alone.
I agree! Hyperion gets the praise it deserves but I recommend the rest of the series too!
If the first book was a stand-alone, I think it would be MUCH better regarded.
The later books prevent any chance, IMHO.
Just me.... but.... human languages do not have the capacity to express how much I loathed Hyperion. Pointless, pretentious drivel of the most utter. For 20 years I read and loved scifi, have not touched one since the scarring this garbage caused. (Just one opinion)
That’s okay, not every book works for everyone. I hope you find others that you enjoy!
This is a wild comment! Thank goodness people have distinct opinions on literature! I personally like the first book so far but seeing true honesty in the comment section makes me grin. Now read berzerk by kentaru miura!!
You might have single-handedly convinced me to read Fall of Hyperion
Awesome! It took me about 100 pages to get into it but then I loved it! Hope you do too!
why are these four books not already
famously good films....
miles more action than the drawn out
dune books....
Apparently Bradley Cooper’s production company owns the rights but who knows if they’ll ever actually get made.