The Hyperion Saga

[Michael Rabattino]

There.

Which story did you think was the best, and why?

I thought Lenar Hoyt's (Dure's, really) was the best because it was harrowing to the point of not being able to read. And there was some very poignant stuff in there about God and Faith.

My runner-up is Weintraub's story. HEARTBREAKING was an understatement, Blofeld. When I try to think of what that must be like....it's hard.

[Eyeball Kid]

As much as I love these books, I haven't read them in some time. Having said that, I think the Consul's tale tore my heart out the most. "I will remember Siri." Cue the waterworks.

But yeah, Hoyt's tale is what keeps my wife from finishing the book. It was too much for her.

Really, it's hard for me to choose because Simmons is my favorite writer and I love the entire series, warts and all, like some folks love Star Wars.

Did you finish the whole saga, or just the first book?

[imported_Adam Warren]

Remembering Siri packs the most emotion. It provides an enduringly human backstory to the Consul's fatalistic helplessness. Pathos. My favorite is the Poet's Tale(methinks Silenus is the character which Simmons favours).

[Blofeld]

One thing I find so wonderful about Hyperion is that each tale is different. Simmons tackles a different sub-genre within the sci-fi realm, and tells stories that differ from one another in tone.

Hoyt's and Weintraub's tales are the most chilling, the Consul's moving, the poet's quite ribald, Brawne's an interesting take on cyberpunk, etc.

[Blofeld]

Simmons himself has said that Silenus owes a lot to Harlan Ellison, the man.

[Michael Rabattino]

I just finished the first book, and i'm reading Fall now.

I don't know why I forgot about the Consul's tale; it was indeed one of the best. And the revelation that the Consul was Merin's grandson was kinda neat.

[Eyeball Kid]

Blofeld:
Simmons himself has said that Silenus owes a lot to Harlan Ellison, the man.Christ on a fucking Segway, it's so obvious now that you've said it! <smacks head>

Harlan's my second favorite writer, and it just tickles me to know that such a cantekerous, talented, hilarious old bastard like him is out there. Knowing that Harlan sort of discovered Dan, the Silenus character should have been plain as day to me.

[Blofeld]

See: Ellison's introduction to Simmons' Prayers to Broken Stones