The Fall of Hyperion

The Fall of Hyperion, the sequel to Hyperion, picks up the story where the first book left off. The writing style is similar to Hyperion but the method of storytelling is different. Whereas in Hyperion the story is told as a serious of tales in a manner reminiscent of Canterbury Tales, in The Fall of Hyperion the plot is advanced largely through the clairvoyant dreams of the main character. The result is a jumbled, interwoven mess of stories. In fairness, it's not a complicated novel to follow, but compared to the simplistic beauty of the storytelling in Hyperion it is a bit disappointing.

You absolutely must read Hyperion before reading this book--it will not make sense otherwise. I'd say that while Hyperion is an excellent book, Fall of Hyperion is merely a good book. Here's how I view it: if you liked Hyperion a lot, read this book. If not, skip it and read something else.

The Fall of Hyperion clears up a lot of the mystery, and ties up a lot of loose ends in the story. As is often the case, the solution to the riddle is disappointing--it was more fun when it was mysterious.

OK, here's a plot synopsis: the Ousters attack Hyperion just as the pilgrims are reaching the Time Tombs. CEO Gladstone and her generals make a series of tactical mistakes and underestimate the strength of the Ouster Swarm, and FORCE:space fails to hold off the invasion. So now they have a choice: send more ships to Hyperion and leave the rest of the Web worlds vulnerable, or retreat and give Hyperion to the Ousters. Either way, you can be sure they're screwed. And meanwhile our pilgrims are one by one meeting the Shrike. And being killed. And the Time Tombs are opening...

There are some really cool surprises, which I won't spoil for you. Just know that there is a big battle for Hyperion, and you won't be disappointed by how that works out in the end.

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