Great right up until the non-existant ending

I'm conflicted on this one. I really enjoyed each of the characters stories (up until the last one which jumped backwards and forwards in time for no apparent reason so much that it was hard to follow), and I was expecting the stories to be linked together in some clever way by the end of the book. However the stories as far as I can tell are not linked at all (other than by the fact that the characters have all been to Hyperion before).

Then the book just ends.

Now I get that its the first of a series, but look at any of the great epic sci-fi series such as Foundation or Dune, and yes there is an ongoing story arc, but each book stands alone as a satisfying whole. This book reads like an introduction, there is no kind of conclusion, many questions are raised but none are answered, even partially. The Priests story in particular raised many questions, what are the cruciform lifeforms, how did they get there, how did they evolve, are they connected to the Shriek? I was hoping for at least some hints and answers by the end of the book, but there where none.

I am now conflicted about whether to continue with the series. On the one hand I want answers to the questions raised by the first book and as I say I did enjoy the book up until the end, however on the other hand I am so annoyed that the author made no attempt at a satisfying ending to this book I am reluctant to spend more time and money on the series in case I'm left with a similar unsatisfied feeling at the end of every other book.

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6 people found this helpful

Outstanding.

Having owned the book for years but not read it I downloaded the audio to listen to as I drive.
I should have read it when I bought it.
An engrossing story with a steadily evolving and involving cast set in a well constructed universe over a traditional story arc.
The narration is exceptional and allows you to sink into the story and characters like a read book, no jarring over performance or theatrics just clear, beautifully read storytelling.
Enjoy.

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2 people found this helpful

Pure Sci-fi - requires commitment

For me, this book is what I would call pure sci-fi. It's definitely worth a listen, and you will be rewarded. But not in an immediate sense.

This book takes commitment to get through - reading or listening. There are just a few, long chapters. 3 hours a piece. it means you don't get that little immediate kick of satisfaction for getting through a chapter very often.

But stick with it. It's one of those books that you should read, as you'll be glad you did when you are done. I'm definitely going to get the follow up (but only when I am allowed to drive to work again!)

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1 person found this helpful

Great Imagination

Fantastic novel if a little religious in its' premise. Wonderful imagination of worlds and concepts and all well woven into a compelling storyline

I have just downloaded book 3 so still captivated by the concepts and writing.

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1 person found this helpful

great classic sci-fi

the blurb donesn’t do the story justice,
rich characters and universe, with good non-predictable twists

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting story, might need to listen again

I love audio books as they allow me to multitask just about anything whilst listening. This story was a bit hard for me to get into but I did enjoy it... just not as much as other stories. I'm not sure if there's other companion stories as the ending left me wanting. More? Maybe. Better closure? Perhaps.

The performance was superb and this is my first exposure to both the author and the performers. That's what I really love about audio books, you can go back and listen again and take more away the 2nd time around, kind of like a movie; whereas reading can sometimes make it difficult to stay with certain plot lines, length, etc.

I've read a bit in the sci-fi genre, so it's not like it was completely foreign to me, just lost its way a bit in my opinion. If/when I do revisit the book, I'll be sure to append my review or add another.

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Slow start but week worth it

This thing me a couple of chapters to get into it but I am so glad that I did looking forward to the next one

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A masterpiece told so well!

A stunning work told brilliantly. A must for all sci-fi fans, a must for all open-minded lovers of literature of all kinds! A mythos and world which you easily fall into without getting lost, stories that grip you and pull you in despite the future setting and details. This is a compelling mythos that stands happily next to The Lord of the Rings and yet speaks more closely to the worries of our modern age by casting it's eyes to a believable future describing the place of humanity in the cosmos. Brilliant characterisation and dialogue, you will be as hooked into the mystery of the time tombs and the shrike as our pilgrim heroes.

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What happened to the ending?!

Started very well but became more contrived with a unsatisfying ending. Bit disappointed really
Hmmm

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Its good but;

It kind of builds up to nothing, there is no conclusion offered at the end.

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