Ilium (book) facts for kids

Ilium is an exciting science fiction book written by Dan Simmons. It's the first part of a two-book series called the Ilium/Olympos cycle. The story is a new version of the famous ancient Greek tale, the Iliad, but it takes place on the planet Mars.

What is Ilium About?

This book takes readers on an amazing adventure far into the future. It mixes classic stories with advanced technology. The main idea is that the events of the Iliad, which was a long poem about the Trojan War, are happening again on Mars. This time, powerful beings called gods are involved, along with humans and other strange creatures.

Awards and Recognition

Ilium has received some important awards and nominations.

• In July 2004, the book won the Locus Award for the best science fiction novel released in 2003. The Locus Award is a big deal in the science fiction world, chosen by readers of Locus magazine.
• Later that year, Ilium was also nominated for the Hugo Award for best novel. The Hugo Awards are one of the oldest and most respected awards for science fiction and fantasy writing. Being nominated means the book was considered one of the best of the year!