Truly Important Fiction | Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons BOOK TALK

How do you talk about one of the most important pieces of fiction you have ever read? You simply must try...

The Rise of Endymion is the fourth and final book in Dan Simmons’ grand space opera about humanity spreading out across the stars and finding out what it truly means to be human. That’s not a cliche, that’s the central thesis of this space-epic-with-brains that wraps in a love story so emotionally resonant that it rivals the great romances of literary history.

Start at the beginning! It’s only a four-book commitment. Shorter than Harry Potter or Game of Thrones. Only one more than Lord of the Rings! The first book in the series won a Hugo, so it’s got street cred.

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[codylakin]

Love seeing others who give these books the recognition they deserve. It took me a couple years to complete the entire Cantos, as I always take my time with a Simmons book, partly out of necessity and partly out of the sheer joy of immersing myself in them. These are, I can say definitively, the best books I have ever read. I finished the last couple hundred pages through an abundance of tears and a feeling of continually dawning awe.
And oh, how I will truly miss Raul and Aenea. Reading their stories was such a joy, such a wonder, such a heartbreak. Theirs is also the most beautiful love story I’ve ever read.

[Bryan-grkn]

Such an amazing story. The end was incredible.

[adampoll]

The Endymion books are a wonderful combination of road-trip, space opera, high concept sci-fi, and truly wonderful love story. I think I re-read these more than any other books in my collection, even knowing the outcomes it's still a great journey to share. Simmons does that unusual thing for a sci-fi writer, creating a believable and very human relationship against such a grand backdrop of world changing events.

[LexUniverse]

I love how when I read these two books (Endymion and Rise of Endymion), I go through 200 pages of meh, waiting for some conclusion and then bang... my head gets blown up... the ideas especially in the final volume are extraordinary and I spent several days thinking about it... one of my favorite book series :)

[rossnantz]

Thanks fellas. I know you did this review a while back, but I'm so glad to finally find other Hyperion enthusiasts! I first read the first two books several times before I discovered the last two. This is the only series I continually revisit annually. The love story wrenches me every time.

[serpent]

What Dan Simmons is so good at is his ability to capture humanity. From Aenea and Raul Endymion, the humanity of moravecs, the submerged humanity of Damien, of Francis Crozier, of Papa Saho, the Poet, and so many others. Each of his books is a travel, an adventure, and deeply sobering. He has gifted us with a treasure. Not to mention that he is a superb writer.

[freshrr]

Couldn't agree more. What baffles me is how little known Simmons is. Deserves to just as famous as King, Koonz etc.

[redfishbum]

Dan Simmons is amazing. I was very upset at the end of these four books. I was very sad but overall fell that this is up there with Dune and LOTR. I will read these again and have a continuing spot on my bookshelf.

[TheWorldRenownedHistorian]

RoE had been my least favorite of the Cantos, but this conversation made me realize I was probably a little too hard on it. Great job gentlemen!

[tzilpoctil]

Great review! I agree, that sacrifice of Aenea was heart wrenching, but the shared moment was truly moving. Can’t wait to listen to it again!

[jimsterrett]

You should search for the Dan Simmons short story collection 'Worlds enough and Time' which has a story in the Hyperion universe. Highly recommended.

[serpent]

I sense you guys loved this book. So did I. This series is riveting! I hope more people read this extraordinary series. As Anea said: "Think Again". Think again.

[kpdrrn]

It's awesome to see this video. This book and a lot of the philosophy in it will probably stay with me for the rest of my life. I love the whole Cantos, but this book in particular is really special. Yet strangely and sadly it seems, very under appreciated.

[스텔-co]

very insightful, i don't know why there aren't many reviews of the cantos

i did learn that syfy is making a show based on hyperion rn

[serpent]

i am very interested to hear your take on "Ilium" and "Hyperion".

[Tonydjjokerit]

It has a lot of potential for films or TV

[FITBREAD]

I hate that I can’t watch this full review yet as I haven’t started Endymion yet... I just can’t get enough of Hyperion. Father Dures story still sits in the back of my head, a yr and a half after reading it...

[AngelofNever]

I find it interesting that the last two books are so divisive...having reread the Cantos a few times the latter books serve as a cool way to tour all the places and cultures that the first two books hint at within the Hegemony and beyond. Glad you guys liked it too.

[godofchaoskhorne]

I thought hyperion was ok but overrated. I thought fall of hyperion was straightup bad. And the end so bad... that I can't be bothered to read endymion