52 pages • 1 hour read
Dan SimmonsHyperion
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Hyperion by Dan Simmons, set in a distant future where humanity has colonized space, seven pilgrims share their personal stories on a journey to meet the Shrike, a mysterious and deadly creature on the enigmatic planet Hyperion, just as an imminent invasion by the Ousters threatens. The novel, structured in a frame-story inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tales," explores each pilgrim's unique and profound connection to Hyperion. Contains graphic descriptions of violence and references to suicidal ideation and death by suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Dan Simmons' Hyperion garners acclaim for its rich, multi-layered narrative structure and profound character development, drawing comparisons to literary classics. Enthralling world-building and philosophical depth captivate readers, though some find its complexity overwhelming and its slow pacing challenging. Despite minor criticisms, it's celebrated as a landmark in science fiction.
Who Should Read Hyperion?
A reader who enjoys epic sci-fi with rich world-building and intricate storytelling, akin to Frank Herbert’s Dune or Isaac Asimov’s Foundation, would appreciate Dan Simmons’ Hyperion. Fans of literary narratives with deep character studies and interwoven plots, similar to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, will find it compelling.