Endymion

"Hyperion" cycle is a quartet divided in two halves that shares the same universe. "Endymion" starts the second part. Three hundred years had elapsed since the end of "The Fall of Hyperion" and new forces are playing the game. Some characters of the first half, as A. Bettik, Martin Silenus and The Shrike reappear here. The Catholic Church with her new resurrection "sacrament" is expanding everywhere. The "farcasters" are not working and space travel takes a toll in the form of time debt.Simmons gives a new turn of the screw to his story: the new main character is an anti-hero. He is not very brave or smart; he is loyal and devoted to Aenea. Usually M. Endymion just goes ahead pressed by the events that pop up and strives to stay alive and protect Aenea. He is just an ordinary man subjected to extraordinary events. The Pax forces leaded by Father Captain de Soya launch an all-out persecution thru the universe and this is its chronicle.Simmons uses a subtle humor and winks the reader to enter the game. At the same time, in another level of the story, more complex issues are touched as predestination versus free will; religion and faith; ethical and unethical choices.Before reading this book is advisable to read "Hyperion" and "The Fall of Hyperion", to fully understand what's going on. But you will not regret doing so, you'll get in touch with one of the best sci-fi sagas written in the `90s.Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Grand storytelling. Not as great as the first two books unfortunately

Mind blowing, stunning, astonishing, heart in throat suspense, radical plot action. I read the first two volumes and reluctantly started the third, doubting that anything could be as good. It’s as good! I couldn’t put it down but the suspense and excitement were hard to take.

Simmons is literarily ambitious and delivers on it! He paints the picture of multiple worlds in a journey that is as much about the transcendent nature of humanity.

The Hyperion Cantos creates an enticing and complete science fiction world and Endymion represents a wonderful addition. I enjoyed it thoroughly.