Best Sci-Fi I have Read in a Decade

Dan Simmons is an interesting author. Originally a writer of science fiction, he has recently jumped around from genre to genre and has also written Stephen King-style horror, historical fiction and more.

But his best book by far, in my estimation, is Hyperion. Hyperion is loosely based on the structure of the Canterbury Tales, set in a technologically advanced future. Six pilgrims have received permission to make a trek to a mysterious archaeological dig on a a planet named Hyperion. As in Chaucer's work, each pilgrim is going for a different reason, and each one has a tale to tell. The tales individually are compelling, mysterious and somewhat disturbing. Each sucks you in and makes you really care about the character sharing their story and their fate.

This book, which is continued in The Fall of Hyperion, combines elements of myth, religion, poetry and philosophy and ties it all together into a compelling read. Two additional books, continuing the story 300 years later but using the first two as background, complete the "Hyperion Cantos."

Thank to my brother-in-law, Colin Philips, who bought me this series for Christmas in response to "so, have you read anything good lately?" This series is a must read for anyone who enjoys science fiction. JSH