Hyperion, an epic tale from Dan Simmons reads like an intergalactic Canterbury Tales. It’s a massive tome that once it got rolling, completely engaged me.

A pilgrimage of seven are summoned together to journey to the world of Hyperion. A planet that has a strange mystery at its heart, the time tombs, and a strange being, the Shrike, known locally as the Lord of Pain.

With a number of systems on the cusp of war, this group may be the last that can venture to the Time Tombs. The tombs themselves are empty, but will be full in the future; they appear to be moving backwards in time. So what will come out of them in the future? A threat? an ally?

As the group travels together, they decide to share their personal stories, their tales that led them to being summoned to join the pilgrimage. This allows Simmons to tell a variety of tales with his characters. These tales play across genres, all within sci-fi trappings, of course. And while each story is unique, they also expand and illustrate the universe that Hyperion, the Shrike and the rest live in.

There is discussion of AI, religions, politics and some horrifying encounters with the being known as the Shrike.

Simmons takes his time with his tales, letting each character breathe. And as the tale progresses, and they grow closer to their target, the rumor of a mole within their group may prove to be true.

It’s an engaging tale, and as soon as it was done, I was ready for the next adventure in the series (I put it on hold immediately at my local library).

It’s a fascinating read, and Simmons’ Hyperion universe is completely realized from the first page. It’s expansive, layered, and there is so much going on within it.

I found each of the characters fascinating, their stories swept me up, and I love how they transitioned from characters who barely knew each other, to laying out their lives for examination for their fellow travelers and the reader. Each one is layered with discoveries and revelations, and it changes how you see each of them, and how they interact with one another as the book progresses.

But don’t expect it all to be wrapped up in one book, there are four of them altogether. So we’ll have to see where the next installment takes us. But I definitely want to know where the story goes, what was/will be in the Time Tombs, and what is the true nature of the Shrike. Not to mention all the other story threads that have been laid out in this massive tapestry.

The story continues in The Fall of Hyperion.