I really liked the first book. I thought it was extremely original, literate, and well-written, with good atmosphere and a great aura of mystery. The second book, "The Fall of Hyperion", just seems so *ordinary* in contrast. I've read a hundred other books just like it, all equally forgettable. By the time I reached the last third of the book, I was already completely disinterested. Threw it in the trash when I was done. I won't be reading the next one, cause I just don't care. I'm not saying it's a terrible book... just terribly average.

Hyperion was an inventive, deep and delightful read. I was blown away by the scope, depth and detail of this universe, and by the subtle but powerful literary allusions strewn throughout the book (Hyperion's structure is lifted from the Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and the poetry of Keats infuses the book with soul).The Fall of Hyperion lacks all of these qualities, going instead for a pay-by-the-word space opera. Simmons did maintain the integrity of some of his characters, but it's apparent that he decided against doing the heavy lifting of evolving, transforming and revealing the hidden depths of those characters, something we know he can do by reading the original novel. Instead, he provides a perfectly readable, interestingly plotted but ultimately unfulfilling sequel to one of the best novels of the decade.Read Hyperion. Skip the Fall.

This book concentrates more on action that in the psycological and philosofical explorations that are essential to Hyperion. Kind of a let-down.

I'm somewhat hesitant to give this book 4 stars, I found it excruciatingly painful with the addition of a new character symbiotically related to whom this book is dedicated. Well, I know more about John Keats than I'd ever planned on knowing now. Although I found this book well-written, there were a few flaws that would make me reconsider my editor if I found them in this book. I saw a few other reviews mention that this book is long in the middle, and I agree. I also detected a slice or two of American cheese in the ending. Other than that, you won't be too disappointed if you read the first novel with its ultimate cliffhanger -- each of the questions in Hyperion are answered here.

Hi, I was only 15 when i read this book last year, and it was the best book i ever read! It was great, and even though it was a bit difficult at first (since i haven't read the first book) after a few pages, i began to understand what was happening in the book. I totally enjoyed it, and it's about my favourite book ever. I totally recommend it to anyone. The book just keeps going and going.........like when you feel a book is about to end, and then it takes another turn, throwing you in further(kind of like this review)............ It did that about a zillion times to me, and i began to wonder if the book was ever going to end........ in short i could have said this in 10 words:I am God, i command you to buy the book.

Basically, it didn't flow very well. Elements worked and others felt contrived to fill space. In fact I felt like skipping over paragraphs in places which is something I rarely do.