The resulting conflict is so vast that it threatens to destroy modern society as people know it. Their evolutionary path transformed them into a hostile species that eventually wage war on Mankind’s web of planets. The Ousters are a section of Mankind who broke away, grew isolated, and took extreme measures to adapt to the harsh realities of space. The Shrike is first introduced to readers at a time when humanity has gone to war with itself. The Shrike remains an enigma throughout the Cantos books, feared, hated, and worshiped in equal measure. It is within the region of the Time Tombs that the 4-armed partially mechanical being known as the Shrike is found. By the time the Hyperion Cantos series kicks off, humanity is still confounded by these artifacts which are surrounded by special fields that compel everything to move backward in time. Though, even these labyrinths pale in comparison to the Time Tombs when it comes to intrigue. An alien world with only 1/5th of Earth’s gravity and a distinct landscape of animals and plants, Hyperion is a labyrinth, constituting a layout of subterranean tunnels and pathways of unknown purpose. The planet Hyperion is a critical aspect of the Hyperion Cantos Universe. The governance of these planets was only made possible by a special network that availed faster than light communication and travel. Over time, those colonies united to form a singular society of planets ruled by a powerful government. Humankind took to space and conquered new worlds, creating colonies and allowing their species to thrive.

The books tell stories that revolve around two particular elements, namely: Hyperion and The Shrike.Ī long time ago, the earth was accidentally destroyed by an artificially created black hole. During those days, all Simmons had on his hands was a simple tale that he told to his young students in intervals.īut as he proceeded to narrate this tale, it grew in scope until the author decided to put it on paper and publish it.

In the beginning, the term ‘Hyperion Cantos’ was primarily used to refer to ‘Hyperion’ and ‘The Fall of Hyperion’, the first two books in the series.ĭan Simmons created the idea of the Hyperion Universe during his days as a teacher at an elementary school. The Hyperion Cantos series began publication in 1989. Hyperion Cantos is also the name of an epic poem in the first book. Hyperion Cantos is the name given to a series of science fiction novels written by Dan Simmons.

Hyperion cantos books