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Cover of Hyperion

Hyperion

Dan Simmons (1989)

Subgenre
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages481 (Chunky (400-600))
SettingSpace
CSM age18+
Goodreads4.28/5 (305332)

Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageModerate

Protagonist archetypes

Multiple POVsFellowship

Synopsis

In the 29th century, the Hegemony of Man comprises hundreds of planets connected by farcaster portals. The Hegemony maintains an uneasy alliance with the TechnoCore, a civilisation of AIs. Modified humans known as Ousters live in space stations between stars and are engaged in conflict with the Hegemony. Numerous "Outback" planets have no farcasters and cannot be accessed without incurring significant time dilation. One of these planets is Hyperion, home to structures known as the Time Tombs, which are moving backwards in time and guarded by a legendary creature known as the Shrike. On the eve of an Ouster invasion of Hyperion, a final pilgrimage to the Time Tombs has been organized. The pilgrims decide that they will each tell their tale of how they were chosen for the pilgrimage.

Hyperion: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This complex literary sci-fi novel contains graphic violence including torture and body horror, mature sexual content, and disturbing imagery. The fragmented narrative structure and philosophical themes are best suited for mature readers.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, moderate sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include child harm, torture, graphic violence, gore, and murder (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers will be gripped by the mystery of seven strangers' tales as they journey to meet a legendary monster.

Tags

Space OperaLiterary Science FictionFrame NarrativeCanterbury Tales StructurePhilosophical SF