Mass Market Paperback, 512 pages

English language

Published Feb. 1, 1990 by Spectra.

ISBN:
9780553283686

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4 stars (2 reviews)

8 editions

Review of 'Hyperion' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

TL;DR removing one star because it falls into some classic uncritical usage of colonialist + imperialist narrative, misogynist plot devices + characters, and ableist language + lenses. without downplaying these core issues, i still have to say this book (and its sequel) are some of the most impressive, ambitious, & compelling hard sci-fi i've ever read. more specifics:


in particular "the soldier's tale" and "the consul's tale" were both totally uncritical of their feminine muse characters-as-plot-devices, and the sex scenes felt shoehorned and pointless because of it. "the detective's tale" starts by centering a dope & hyper-competent woman character but she too is eventually shrunk into a confused & lovesick wench. the book in general also has a poorly-hidden enjoyment of militarism & military aesthetics without much of a critical eye, although I think the sequel does more in this regard. "the priest's tale" could have done without its offensive …

Subjects

  • Science Fiction
  • Science Fiction - Space Opera
  • Fiction - Science Fiction
  • Fiction / Science Fiction / General

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