Endymion

bookafnd reviewed Endymion by Dan Simmons

catholics in space

5 stars

I read Hyperion and the Fall of Hyperion a few years ago, and was a bit worried that I'd need to have them fresh in my mind going into this one. The events of the previous books are referenced quite a bit, but this book also takes place around 200 years later, so it sort of makes sense for me to only remember the original story in broad strokes.

It has the quality of, appropriately, epic poetry, due to its complicated setting, and very deliberate story beats (which also make it feel a bit like a fairy tale). If I have a criticism of the writing technically it's that sometimes the description felt overly detailed (I do prefer this to books which don't explain what's happening enough).

There's some stuff which felt Questionable. I think I want to read the next (and final) book before making up my mind …

I read Hyperion and the Fall of Hyperion a few years ago, and was a bit worried that I'd need to have them fresh in my mind going into this one. The events of the previous books are referenced quite a bit, but this book also takes place around 200 years later, so it sort of makes sense for me to only remember the original story in broad strokes.

It has the quality of, appropriately, epic poetry, due to its complicated setting, and very deliberate story beats (which also make it feel a bit like a fairy tale). If I have a criticism of the writing technically it's that sometimes the description felt overly detailed (I do prefer this to books which don't explain what's happening enough).

There's some stuff which felt Questionable. I think I want to read the next (and final) book before making up my mind on how I feel about that, though. Overall I had a good time reading it.

Orlion reviewed Endymion by Dan Simmons

Review of 'Endymion' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

So, the sequel to The Fall of Hyperion opens up with the words: "You are reading this for the wrong reason." And you know what? Chances are, this is completely true. You reading this to gain insights into the mysteries the first two books left open? Well, aside from some "that was artistic license" and "he lied", there is not much in the way of clarification. Aenea, if that is her real name, is apparently important for some reason. And the androids? remember how they left in the first book to accomplish something important to them? Forget it, it seems as if Simmons has.

Overall, starting out, this is a straight chase-action adventure. Our heroes, pursued by the Catholics, are almost caught sooo many times, but escape through a combination of luck and "wit", leaving the pursuing forces to shake their fists in the air, yelling "Next time, Aenea! Next …

So, the sequel to The Fall of Hyperion opens up with the words: "You are reading this for the wrong reason." And you know what? Chances are, this is completely true. You reading this to gain insights into the mysteries the first two books left open? Well, aside from some "that was artistic license" and "he lied", there is not much in the way of clarification. Aenea, if that is her real name, is apparently important for some reason. And the androids? remember how they left in the first book to accomplish something important to them? Forget it, it seems as if Simmons has.

Overall, starting out, this is a straight chase-action adventure. Our heroes, pursued by the Catholics, are almost caught sooo many times, but escape through a combination of luck and "wit", leaving the pursuing forces to shake their fists in the air, yelling "Next time, Aenea! Next time!"

Towards the end, at around page 350, Simmons does start to bring it back to the series and does start to bring back some of the plot elements that made Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion science fiction classics. Ultimately, I will read the next and final book, hoping this trend continues.

Guess I'm still reading it for the wrong reasons.