Hyperion

[Thurlow]

I'm just about the finish the first book. So far, so... so-so. I'm enjoying each of the individual tales, and now I've finished Lamia's tale things are starting to make more sense - but there's something about the wider story that's not entirely grabbing me.

Is it worth carrying on with the other 3 books?

FWIW, I do read quite a bit of fantasy and watch a LOT of sci-fi, but this is the first hardcore sci-fi book I've read. I don't know whether that's the problem.

I've read the first but it didn't inspire me to carry on (no help whatsoever emoticon). Enjoyed it mildly and found the Jewish guy's story really upsetting and was very keen to know how that panned out but really it was all rather too confusing.

Definitely read the second one - I think enjoyed Fall of Hyperion as much as the first book (the story is paced in a different way, but it's still very exciting). I did also read the third and fourth (with quite large breaks between, as I had other things I wanted to read), and I don't think Endymion / Rise of Endymion are quite as gripping. I was a bit relieved to finally finish the last one, if I'm completely honest!

Just something else I want to add to that - if book 1 sets the scene and goes into a lot of depth about the individual characters, then book 2 'completes' the story and brings everything together. For me, the most rewarding stage of reading the series was at the end of the second book. However, if you're not really getting into it by the end of Fall of Hyperion, you could drop the series after the 2nd book - 3 and 4 belong together in a pair as well, but their story sits slightly apart from the first two. Sorry, I don't know if that makes any sense - I'm trying not to say too much in case I spoil it for you!

As others said, 1st book sets the scene and 2nd one competes the story.

If you are not interested in the story by the end of the 1st book, maybe sci-fi is just not your cup of tea.

Which sci-fi films have you watched and liked?

My favourite of the series was 3 actually - there's some fabulous stuff in there and it's incredibly fast paced. I think it would be a shame not to give book 2 a try.

I've just finished book 1. I will give Fall of Hyperion a go, but I think my problem with Hyperion is the lack of plot, if that makes sense. It's just backstory. And it reminds me a bit too much of being forced to do Chaucer for A-level

I've watched quite a lot of sci-fi type stuff (DP is a massive sci-fi and fantasy buff). There's something about the world of the books that reminds me of the new BSG. Now I know BSG came later, but I watched it first so it's hard not to be reminded of it.

Hyperion's style is often compared to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

Fall Of Hyperion has a conventional plot/storyline. Don't worry.