Why I Decided To Read: The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons (Spoiler-Free)

Mike talks about finally taking Hyperion by Dan Simmons off of his reading bucket list and why he decided to read it.
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0:00 Introduction & Reading Excerpt
2:46 Background Info
5:37 What Is It About?
6:24 Why I Decided To Read It
15:48 Final Thoughts
#MikesBookReviews #Hyperion #DanSimmons

[@GideonCyn]

This is the only channel that actually goes into the books; the lines, the actual writing. It seems like a lot of booktubers just read summaries for their 'reviews'.

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@SamIAm-kz4hg]

deity 93 "This is the only channel that actually goes into the books; the lines, the actual writing." Really? Because some random guy telling us why he read a book is about as lame and self absorbed as it gets.

[@stuart1346]

you should try and get your brother on to talk about it with you or maybe when you read tad Williams

[@JLchevz]

second this

[@micheledion2000]

Third that

[@thecaffeinatedbookwyrm3051]

I vote twice for this

[@CanalPanendithas]

Yes I'd love to see a video with him

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s been a while since I read Hyperion, but I remember being absolutely impressed. I look forward to your future thoughts on it!

[@philipmarsh2172]

Literally was given Hyperion a couple of days ago as a birthday present.

[@JasonFalter]

I just finished Hyperion yesterday. Took me a week. I would put it up there with Dune as far as character depth, story, and world building. I loved the dialogue too. I think I made more highlights in this book than any other. It is screwing up my book rotation because I started The Fall of Hyperion last night instead of rotating to what was intended. I NEED to know what happens next!!! Epic, Classic, and a MUST READ. I also wanted to read this since the mid 90's when I first saw the cover. I'm so happy to have read it now.

[@t_nordlicht1937]

I love Hyperion, it evokes so many amazing pictures in your head... and being a father, it is sometimes quite heartbraking (don't want to spoiler more...)

[@Wildcarde1]

The Cantos/Chapter The Priests Tale:"the man who cried god". The ending of that just made my jaw drop and stuck with me Id love to hear you comment on each Cantos and know your opinion on this chapter please.

[@tappajavittu]

I love the existential body horror of the cruciform.

[@M3rett0]

It's my favorite books and I love all of them. Endymion is very different but it's like a travelogue of different planets, very rich in imagination.

[@laststorm7726]

I got them on audiobook, can't wait to get in to this space faring journey.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Like you, the cover caught my eye back when I was in college. I ended up reading the first two novels in the series (the next two weren't written yet). Back then, I thought it was terrible...yet engaging: after all, I did read both novels. I thought of it off and on, but didn't reread it until last summer. Wow, there was so much there that I didn't recognize then I was younger! And I loved it!

[@SgtSgnarf]

Just finished the first book today, I'm in love. Can't wait to start the Fall of Hyperion

[@ROBNOB9X]

I hope The Three-Body Problem is also up there on your Sci-Fi list :-)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Reading it this Fall.

[@ROBNOB9X]

@@mikesbookreviews also just a quick note, Hyperion (and also Seveneves which I loved) got me into Sci-Fi after pretty much only reading fantasy for several years so I'm looking forward to hearing your review, especially for the Endymion books. Endymion opens the story up hugely into a real space opera. Just one quick question also Mike, I havent heard you mention The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever by Stephen Donaldson before on your channel. They're what got me into fantasy in the first place, have you read them or are they on your list at all? It's written so differently than any other series I've read and have stuck with me more than any books. I've never fallen in love with a world more than that. Anyway sorry, long message over :-)

[@ReginasHauntedLibrary]

I enjoyed the first Hyperion book. The Shrike is just one of the best monsters ever created. Awesome video. I love your graphics!

[@kenbax7375]

I'm so glad youre reading them all. What a journey. This series makes you think in ways you havent before. If that's your jam then I think youre in safe hands.

[@djsuth7727]

I read them all back in the mid 90's. Loved them all, still do. Hope you get as much pleasure reading them as I did.

[@vermadheeraj29]

I have started the Lord of the Rings Trilogy yesterday and Dune is next, so no chance of Hyperion till June. But definitely on my TBR for this year.

[@curioussoundwave2275]

Great quality video. I read Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion. I need to read the other two. Loved what I've read so far.

[@virgilflowers9846]

The first book was a masterpiece. A few of us from the HAIL FB group are reading THE FALL OF HYPERION on April 20th, I am incredibly excited

[@jellevanbreugel325]

Awesome, hope you'll enjoy the ride!! Excellent series!

[@shawnlinnehan7349]

I freaking love Hyperion. It blew my mind first time I read it. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days and couldn’t read anything else until I processed it. The Terror by Simmons is also one of my most favorite books ever.

[@jctmanu]

Agreed on The Terror. Mind blowing book.

[@jasonwells3772]

The Terror and Carrion Comfort by Simmons are 2 of the finest horror stories ever written.

[@tappajavittu]

I'm right there with you, I've been obsessed with the world of Hyperion for 24 years, recommending it to everyone, I really hope the upcoming film adaptation will be on the level of Villeneuve's Dune and hopefully split in two parts, every characters story needs proper screen time, hopefully it'll spark a newfound interest in the Hyperion Cantos.

[@odiums_taint]

Looking forward to talking along on the Hyperion read with you!

[@thatsci-firogue]

I'm reading it cuz my Uncle is a huge fan, he first recommended it to me when I was a teenager, and I trust his recommendations when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy.

[@thecaffeinatedbookwyrm3051]

Gracious. Between the end of spring term for school, work work, my kids, and Malazan, I have so much going on but now I feel like I need to start reading Hyperion TODAY. Sounds fascinating, and I have a hard time looking forward to sci-fi.

[@believer773]

Hi friend, I found your channel for the Malazan, now you'll discover Hyperion! I'm deeply impressed by your taste and imagination, these are my 2 personal favorite series of all time, the apex of fantasy and the apex of scifi. Look forward to this journey

[@nobodybutzach]

I have book one on my reading list this year. Definitely excited to read it and to hear your thoughts.

[@alynam82]

First and foremost-- friggen AWESOME intro

[@Creaturefeatures]

Hyperion is incredible. Dan Simmons’s grocery list is more interesting than most people’s novels. I am new to the channel and am enjoying your content!!

[@SolarLabyrinth]

I've only read Hyperion/Fall of Hyperion but they may be my favorite sci-fi books. I need to reread and see how they stand up now that I've read more sci-fi. They're very divisive though because even the first two books are very different and many seem to love one and hate the other given the different styles. The first one is Canterbury Tales-esque while the second reads more like traditional sci-fi. I enjoyed them both though and plan to eventually get to Endymion.

[@Raichulula]

I read the first Hyperion book ~two years ago, and I finished Illium/Olympos before Hyperion. I want someone to convince me to continue reading the series.

[@flowerincityM]

I loved all of them!!! Amazing books, I hope they won't dissapoint you)

[@matthewclarke-venters1303]

I have no idea what these books are about, but you've convinced me to purchase a copy.

[@clarkkentnaruto4322]

Hi Mike. No, I have never read or listened to any of the books in that series, but you are doing a great job of making me curious about them. Also, I am now on the last 6 chapters of A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan. I will be ready to start book 8 by Friday.

[@Mr.books17]

I picked up hyperion because of your recommendation! Starting it today! Thx

[@kevins4254]

I highly recommend reading all four books in the Cantos. Much is explained as you progress. Terrific series.

[@loudoesreviews]

Since you love Dune, pretty sure you will really like this series. Love the coffee mug!

[@noiceman]

Just finished Dune for the first time. Hyperion is a much better series. I feel Dune is way over-hyped.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Your best intro yet. Can't wait for you to join the Hyperion alumni club!

[@loudoesreviews]

Next bucket list item - Silence of the Lambs. ;D Have you read Simmons other horror novel - Carrion Comfort? A great read.

[@katieamarsh]

No spoilers- There are two plot lines in that first book that stick with me so much, even years later. I can’t wait to hear you talk about the book! I just may join you in rereading Hyperion this month.

[@Alex-km7so]

Let me guess, the father and daughter one?

[@miketomasini]

That and the priest for me - I also liked the one about the author trying to finish/recreate his masterwork but the priest and daughter stories are haunting to this day

[@jeffhaubrich6121]

There are some strong themes in both books that ring true today, they are superb. The last 2 are on my TBR for this year.

[@evanbode4660]

After I finish House of Chains I’m gonna have to try to get these books from the library. They sound awesome, I’m definitely going to try to read along!

[@robpaul7544]

All I've read of Simmons is the Ilium/Olympos duology, and I loved that one. Hyperion sounds very interesting as well - time to revisit Simmons 😅

[@jasonwells3772]

Do yourself a favor friend and just pick anything else from his collection, He doesn't miss.

[@alynam82]

I totally respect your decision to feel the waters on Hyperion and Fall of... however, I'm almost done reading Endymion, and I'm just so absolutely impressed. I'm a huge Dan Simmons fan, so take that for what it's worth. But Endymion is a completely different story, told in a different style. You can get enough just from the cover to know what to expect. A group, or fellowship, wandering and exploring between worlds, centuries after events of Fall of Hyperion

[@Someguy385]

Would love to hear you do a review of The Terror, I read it a couple of months ago and thought it was amazing.

[@sweety90]

I will also re-read this book this month. I am looking forward to your thoughts on this series. :)

[@littlevahn]

Just LOVE the intros

[@cipriansirbu3699]

Love the intro.

[@jasonlockwood7992]

I second OldDarth's recommendation of Carrion Comfort. It was the first Dan Simmons book I read because I was a big horror fan at the time, but not so much into sci-fi. I liked it enough and it got me to read Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion, which captivated me. So, basically, I have Dan Simmons to thank for getting me into sci-fi.

[@matthewbrown1151]

Dude that intro was epic haha.

[@alvinmarcus5780]

I read the first one back in the day but sure don't remember it. But Dan's horror novel " Summer of Night " is one of my favorite books from back then. Reminds me of my youth so much.. Well worth your time. Thanks Mike. I may just have to read it again.

[@turtleanton6539]

Sounds pretty awesome

[@curtjarrell9710]

I haven't read The Hyperion Cantos yet but I want to read the first novel this year. His story collection Prayers to Broken Stones is excellent.

[@fantasticphilosophy181]

This is on my list as well, so i'm curious what you think of it. Happy reading!

[@kirstenholmes6]

I loved The Terror! I have been putting off The Hyperion Cantos too. I think I bought these about 5 years ago. I think I'm going to have to dust these off and read these.

[@ZamWeazle]

It's dark SF horror with quasi mystical and supernatural elements. The Cantos (both books) is my joint favourite SF book of all time along with Ian M Bank's The Player Of Games. The sequel: Endymion is also great in my opinion, Perhaps not quite as epic but still emotive and exciting. Can't wait to find out what you make of it! 🤩😊

[@rhyslegge]

I heard you mention Alastair Reynolds there, I am a HUGE Reynolds fan and can't recommend his Revelation Space series enough. Also, I'm one of the latter, loved all the Hyperion Cantos but most enjoyed the Endymion books.

[@alexisdumas84]

I'm also a huge Reynolds fan. I second that recommendation!

[@jasonwells3772]

Hey Mike. Great video about a great story. Have you ever read "Carrion Comfort" by Simmons? In my opinion, superb vampiresque/history story in the vein of "Interview with a Vampire". These "vampires" are terrifying. Maybe one of the creepiest and even cringy books I've ever read. I really wondered if Simmons might be deranged during the humans-are-just-chattel chess scene. Stephen King called it one of the three scariest stories of the 20th century. Thanks again man. Loving your channel.

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

now i am interested in this

[@MightyPee]

That's the book that lead me into SF. Man, what a blast ! Dan Simmons became my favorite author instantly. Don't dismiss Illium - Olympos and Carrion Comfort either ! Have fun, mister :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was a fantastic read.

[@ContentLitwithSimonFay]

What an all-time classic. I'd love to dig into all the Keats references someday.

[@GenjiBG]

About to start The rise of Endymion, amazing boocks. One of the greatest science fiction series of all time ! But its Dan Simmons, what else can you expect :)

[@kartelUSM]

I would give quite a lot to be able to once more dive blind in the Hyperion Cantos. As far as Endymion, it is a very different read than the first two books, but it is still amazing. I quite enjoyed the difference in pacing. Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion can stand alone, but once Endymion books are added to the mix, the whole story becomes so much more.

[@bridleybateson5622]

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Are you still haunted by father Dures story?

[@raireads]

Little bit of story time: Having listened to you talking about Hyperion I recommended it to my Dad, who was doing a re-read of Dune with me last month and it's one of his favourite sci-fi's ever. Since that he's then gone and bought the first two and wants to do a buddy read of it with me for this month! I was only reading Dune because of you convinced me so you've inadvertently prompted my retired Dad to read 4 Dune books in a row and soon another 2 with Hyperion (and he's usually a person who reads a book every 6 months!).

[@godmathias]

how did you and your dad like it? Thinking of doing the same.

[@raireads]

@@godmathias My Dad thought it was a solid book but not quite as amazing as it's made out to be. I did not finish it as I was bored to tears and a little irritated by some of the language used.

[@yaarghmaargh]

Would be curious to see if this opens the door for more sci fi on the channel. Maybe sci fi with a fantasy feel?

[@thesovereignpsiocrat5955]

I know I am a bit late, but I read this series for the exact same reason. I was in a bookstore when I saw the beautiful cover, and knowing nothing about the book I purchased it. Still one of my favorite series to date.

[@mjdaniel8710]

It has been a while since I read this but I remember liking it

[@kreiyu]

Read them all. Endymion is good too and the final conclusion of the whole thing. I love all the books. Also want to recommend the two book; Illium and Olympos by Dan Simmons. And if you like this multi-perspective style of writing, then anything by C.S. Friedman.

[@GuideauxPelagos]

All 4 are wonderful!

[@CrapSandviche]

Good Morning Mike.

[@mikesbookreviews]

🍺

[@CSLWoodward]

Hyperion will always be a weird one for me. I really liked book one but I didn’t realise it was part 1 of 2 (yes, the books should absolutely be read together) so that ruined the ending a bit for me. Book 2 I really liked the world building but it became too convoluted for me as I was listening to the audiobook in the car so it was tough if I missed something. Think Malazan world except space. I’d love to revisit it again one day because I know it’s got so much potential to be one of my favourites but I find sci-fi books just aren’t my jam at this point in my life. I really hope you love them Mike!

[@crazy4cairns]

I loved Hyperion, really enjoyed Fall of Hyperion and dnf'd Endymion. I think I probably should have taken a break before trying Endymion and I might have liked it enough to finish it. Might have to re-read the series. The first book is amazing though; I think you'll like it.

[@jvillacis90]

one of those images, around the 2:10 mark, looked like an evangelion mech (from the anime)... Haven't read the hyperion cantos, but they do pre-date Neon Genesis Evangelion. With no spoilers, is there possibly some inspiration that the anime may have taken?

[@durkadurka4557]

I reread this a few months ago. The first time was about 25 years ago. One of the best series I've ever read, and I've read quite a few. In 2023 I came to realize Simmons was decades ahead in his prophecy of the absolute dangers of AI and how it will ultimately try to use humans to control virtually EVERYTHING! I can definitely see the beginnings of this now, especially when one political party is using it to there advantage extremely well

[@ajindie9989]

I am also interested in The Terror, because I enjoyed the TV show, but even more in his Elm Haven Duology that is a coming-of-age horror story and that is also praised by Stephen King

[@matthewhargett9317]

I enjoyed them all ranked them: Hyperion Endymion Rise of Hyperion Fall of Endymion Just finished up Fall of Endymion, it slowed down a bit at the end but still a great read. Enjoy!

[@drawyrral]

I liked the 4 books. I read them 30 years ago so my memory is fuzzy on the details, but I know you will have to read all of them to get to the final truth of it.

[@Geschichtenwelten]

Your reading exerpts always sound so casual, it's so silly 😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

If you like these, I would recommend Ilium and Olympos. Two other big SF books by Simmons.

[@natedaug1]

I loved Hyperion. Great book.

[@meatsack3938]

This was my first only DNF last year. I went in blind and I was expecting something totally different which probably affected my enjoyment of the book. Hopefully you like it though and maybe after you review it I may give it another go after having readjusted my expectations

[@FIT2BREAD]

Id wager if you went back and read the whole thing you would change your mind on it. You will, after you finish it, even like the part that made u DNF...just my opinion. I can totally understand people who DNF it early...but you just have to work through it to have the rewarding experience of KNOWING this book.

[@meatsack3938]

@@FIT2BREAD Think I got up to the end of the poet's story about 40% of the way through. I went in expecting a gritty realistic scifi for some reason which threw me off. I enjoyed the priest's story but the military simulation one didn't do it for me and I couldn't get into the Shrike. Maybe I'll try again towards the end of the year but after the priests story I really struggled to enjoy it

[@FIT2BREAD]

@@meatsack3938 i get that. The more space opera part happens in Fall of Hyperion. The two books really need each other. Oddly enough, I always felt even without the shrike, the story stands tall. Of you have read 40% though and DNF, my expectations might be wrong, it may not be for you. Tho...not giving up, ill throw this out there, I still think if you read the first book and then got to the second book space opera part you'd probably like the 2nd book, especially because how much book one sacrifices in excitement to instead develop the characters and backstories

[@bobgdn]

Awesome intro and great video! I read Hyperion and Fall last year but I’m enjoying following your read along discussion on Discord. I haven’t read the 3rd and 4th books yet but I’m considering it even though I’ve read a lot of bad opinions on them.

[@StevenBeverage]

I've been eyeing these books..trying to figure out where I'm gonna go after the First Law standalones and Age of Madness..or possibly something to read at the same time...

[@tappajavittu]

I read Hyperion for the first time 24 years ago when I was 10, it was the first truly adult book I ever read and it sparked my life long love for thoughtful and intelligent scifi, I finished reading the whole cantos in a few years and I still return to the first two books every few years, I really should read the Endymion books again but I remember being a bit disappointed with them, Hyperion and the fall of Hyperion are still my all time favorite books.

[@tappajavittu]

Talking about the cover, we have a different cover for Hyperion in my country but it's amazing and mysterious in it's own right and was also what sparked my interested in the book when I first saw it, it never left my mind and still lives there rent free for the rest of my life.

[@MrAdewaleEko]

I wasn't the biggest fan of em when I read them over 10 years ago, maybe I wasn't ready yet. I think it was my first Sci-Fi, followed by Foundation trilogy and Peter F Hamilton...but ranking would be Endymion 1 Hyperion Fall of Hyperion Endymion 2 Hope you enjoy them, might make me re-read them and give em another shot

[@EhsJaySaunders]

Been seeing some scattered Hyperion hype, and with this, I guess it's going on the list...

[@ISOrider72]

On top I highly recommend the "Homercyclus" by Simmons.

[@TheRealAlexSpitzer]

Trying to kill my tbr again? I will probably have some time this month but I think I am going to finish Lightbringer and wrap another series before starting this. It is happening this year though

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha I’m a plague on TBRs.

[@Jinsei_Realm]

I recommend Children of Time (Sci-Fi) for your next book haul if it interests you.

[@TimOnBooks]

Hey Mike have you read Ben Bova? I have a degree in Literature, but Bova was my "gateway" to everything SciFi and Fantasy. His Grand Tour series is pretty amazing (but I'm only 3 books in to the 25 book series).

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have not.

[@TimOnBooks]

@@mikesbookreviews I know you have a lot on your TBR, but he's worth the read!! He won the Hugo award at least 6x. I know this sounds weird for a series (especially one as immense as 25 books + a bunch of spin-offs) but it's one where you can jump in anywhere and still piece together the "puzzle." I started with Farside (book 19) not even knowing that it was a series.

[@CrispedKrusten]

Imho I think the Cantos gets better and better. The end of The Rise of Endymion almost had me in tears.

[@yaarghmaargh]

I mean opinions differ. I thought the two Endymion books, apart from father captain de soya, were irredeemable. But I'm glad you enjoyed them.

[@SannasBookshelf]

Agreed! All four books are great, but yes, that last one... Wow.

[@k.enterante]

If you end up liking Dan Simmons, then you’ve got to check out Summer of Night. Especially if you’re a big fan of Stephen King’s It!

[@jctmanu]

Yes! Summer of Night is so good!

[@k.enterante]

@@jctmanu Maybe a masterpiece. I found the first half sort of slow, but then couldn’t put the damn thing down!

[@livriomer]

Yess, Hyperion!!! I hope you like it. But remember... the whole series!! So you understand the whole plot.

[@EveryoneWhoReadsitMustConverse]

This series is amazing and the end is so satisfying. I will be watching to hear your thoughts. Much content on my channel about this series if you are interested 🥰🥰

[@EveryoneWhoReadsitMustConverse]

Good God, you are in for it. I went into this series not knowing what was ahead. The Shrike is amazing and terrifying but, there is much worse ahead 😳

[@DavidWilliams-rv8vj]

I'm currently reading Brawne Lamia's story. I had forgotten how fucking good this book was. It was my favorite Sci-Fi book until I read Dune. Now I'm questioning which one I like more. Hopefully I actually like Fall of Hyperion this time. [Possible mild spoilers but not really] You have your adventure story, you have your military story, you have your unbecoming of age story, you have your Altered Carbon, you have your... love story, maybe?

[@mvprindle]

Hyperion is awesome, but Fall of Hyperion is one of the best books I've ever read.

[@littlevahn]

1. Fall of Hyperion; 2. Hyperion; 3. Rise of Endymion; 4. Endymion.

[@Trygvar13]

Actually the name Hyperion was not based on the name of Saturn's moon but rather from the Titan Hyperion. That is why the closest city is called Chronos who was Hyperion's brother. Sad King Billy never completed his story.

[@CallmeJochem]

I read Hyperion & Fall of Hyperion about 2 years ago. I don't particularly enjoy sci-fi, since I'm not a fan of all the technological mumbo-jumbo, but Hyperion blew me away! Really interesting premisse and the way the characters told their personal stories was amazing. Such great characterwork and set-up for the plot. Then Fall of Hyperion happened and threw most of that away.. Introduces a new main character and focuses on him for most of the time. Plus a lot the typical technical mumbo-jumbo and Scifi plot. The main characters from Hyperion barely had anything to do. All that amazing potential wasted, imo. Fall of Hyperion wasn't awful, but I was so disappointed I will probably never reread or read any of the sequels. Still adore the original Hyperion with all my heart and often think about what could have been.

[@jellevanbreugel325]

yup, later books have little to do with the cast of book 1. The imagination of the world is amazing though, imho.

[@KalleVilenius]

There is a lot of good in these books. Some of the concepts are absolutely delightful, like how people living on worlds with different levels of gravity ended up growing differently. Brawne Lamia's great. There's a few interesting worlds too, like the one from one of the Endymion books that's completely frozen over. I do like these books. But Dan Simmons always finds a way to ruin perfection. With The Terror he ruined it with the supernatural monster, and in Hyperion he ruins it by wanking John Keats and the Catholic church. At any rate Hyperion is good stuff. Really good sci-fi. Not Dune, not Book of the New Sun, but still good.

[@littlevahn]

Hyperion is very unique, and Fall of Hyperion is more straight sci-fi that finishes the Tale. Endymion and Rise of Endy are a set of very different tales. They are in the same universe and involve some of the same characters but its a very different story. I enjoyed both personally, but they are both very different.