– (2 months)
Dan Simmons is great because he combines a "left brain" attention to detail with a "right brain" appreciation of the arts. He obviously did a lot of research into Franklin's lost expedition and worked to make the details realistic. At the same time, the religion and literature he drew from feel like the most essential parts of this book and the two Hyperion novels.
The setting is amazing, the actual writing and plot are good, the characters are great, and it's a cracking good monster story to boot. Plenty to think about as well regarding the basic human concerns of suffering, evil, heroism, and survival. And a modern look back at British and Inuit societies, without idealizing or excusing either one.
My ranking so far:
- Hyperion
- The Terror
- Fall of Hyperion
The setting is amazing, the actual writing and plot are good, the characters are great, and it's a cracking good monster story to boot. Plenty to think about as well regarding the basic human concerns of suffering, evil, heroism, and survival. And a modern look back at British and Inuit societies, without idealizing or excusing either one.
My ranking so far:
- Hyperion
- The Terror
- Fall of Hyperion