Hyperion (book) facts for kids

Hyperion is an exciting science fiction book written by Dan Simmons. It was first published in 1989. This book is the very first part of a longer story called the Hyperion Cantos series. Hyperion is very popular and even won the famous Hugo Award for best novel in 1989.

What is Hyperion About?

Hyperion tells a thrilling story set far in the future. It mixes adventure, mystery, and deep ideas. The book follows seven travelers on a dangerous journey. They are going to a mysterious planet called Hyperion.

The Pilgrimage to the Shrike

The main part of the story is about a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a special journey, often for religious reasons. These seven travelers are going to see a scary creature known as the Shrike. The Shrike is a very powerful and mysterious being. It lives on Hyperion and is often linked to strange time-traveling tombs.

Each traveler has a secret reason for going. They each tell their own story during the journey. These stories help readers understand the world and the characters better. The stories also hint at the big dangers waiting for them.

The World of Hyperion

The universe in Hyperion is huge and complex. Humanity has spread across many planets. They use special "farcaster" portals to travel instantly between worlds. This technology makes the galaxy feel connected. However, there are also powerful groups and ancient mysteries.

The planet Hyperion itself is full of strange things. It has the Time Tombs, which move backward through time. It also has the terrifying Shrike. These elements make Hyperion a very dangerous and fascinating place.

Meet the Travelers

The book introduces seven main characters. They are all very different people. Each one has a unique background and a personal connection to the Shrike or the planet Hyperion.

• A priest who has lost his faith.
• A soldier with a dark past.
• A poet who loves a lost world.
• A scholar searching for answers.
• A detective looking for a missing person.
• A starship captain with a secret mission.
• A consul, a government official, with a hidden agenda.

Their individual stories weave together to form a bigger picture. They must face their fears and decide their fate together.

Why is Hyperion So Popular?

Hyperion is loved by many readers for several reasons. It has a very creative and detailed universe. The characters are deep and interesting. The way the story is told, with each character sharing their tale, is also unique.

The book explores big ideas like time, religion, and what it means to be human. It combines exciting space adventures with thoughtful questions. This makes it more than just a simple action story. It's a book that makes you think.

Awards and Recognition

As mentioned, Hyperion won the Hugo Award in 1989. The Hugo Award is one of the most important awards in science fiction. Winning this award shows that the book was highly praised by readers and critics. It also won the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 1990. These awards prove its lasting impact on the science fiction genre.

The Hyperion Cantos Series

Hyperion is the first book in a four-book series called the Hyperion Cantos. The story continues in the next books. The series explores the mysteries introduced in Hyperion even further.

• Hyperion (1989)
• The Fall of Hyperion (1990)
• Endymion (1996)
• The Rise of Endymion (1997)

The series is known for its complex plot and rich world-building. It is a great example of modern space opera. Space opera is a type of science fiction that focuses on grand adventures in space. It often involves large-scale conflicts and epic journeys.