The Rise of Endymion

By: Dan Simmons

Narrated by: Victor Bevine

Length: 29 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

In the stunning continuation of the epic adventure begun in Hyperion, Simmons returns us to a far future resplendent with drama and invention. On the world of Hyperion, the mysterious Time Tombs are opening. And the secrets they contain mean that nothing - nothing anywhere in the universe - will ever be the same.

©1997 Dan Simmons (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Amazing story. MUST READ

Compelling plot. There’s a little too much description at times but otherwise it’s a 10/10

The Hyperion 4 Book Cantos

“The Rise of Endymion” is the last book of this series and it didn’t fail to keep me on the edge of my seat craving more. Each book is special and this provided many answers to questions I’ve had since reading book 1 “Hyperion”. This series is a must read for any and all Sci-fi readers and fans … plus it’s flavored with religion and literary references galore. I strongly endorse and recommend this series and will for more from Dan Simmons!

A nice ending to these 4 books story

In this final book, DS successfully ties up all the narrative threads that have been woven since the first Hyperion.
While this concluding chapter may be the weakest of the series and contains some questionable elements (kidney stones, really?), it remains an enjoyable read.
It features the right twists and skillfully connects storylines that span 300 years.

Sci-fi messiah

Dan Simmons' The Rise of Endymion is the fourth and final installment in his Hyperion Cantos and takes up where book 3 ended with Raul and Aenea on Earth. Meanwhile, the collusion between the Church and the Technocore becomes more obvious, while the Technocore's end game is revealed. The Church is becoming more ruthless with pogroms against other religions and anyone else who will not accept the cruciform. Eventually, Raul and Aenea leave Earth separately and follow convoluted paths that eventually has them converge and travel to Pachem where Aenea confronts the Pope. Both are captured and the basis for Raul's detention in the Schrodinger box is revealed. Aenea is tortured to get her to farcast so the Core can study the process (which has been their goal). Raul eventually escapes and puts the band back together to return to Martin Silenus and check off all the old poet's bucket list laid down in book 1.

Simmons utilizes most of the technology previously outlined in books 1 - 3. In addition, he provides a rationale for the ability of the Church to utilize the cruciform for resurrection that relies on the Technocore; basically, the storage capacity necessary for a fully functional human being is beyond any single cruciform and so the Technocore provides that storage capacity. There is also discussion of an energy source that is tapped by farcasting and fat lining that derives from the "void that binds" which is wrecking havoc with the broader universe (the lions, and tigers, and bears) and appears to be a representation of zero point fields. Lastly all the extended travelogues that Raul and Aenea experience actually have a purpose.

Much of the tale draws parallels with Aenea and Jesus Christ: Aenea learns architecture(like carpentry), and gradually accumulate an entourage of apostles and disciples who receive her gift which is a genetic resistance to the cruciform by drinking her blood (viral transmission). Finally, her closest associates are tortured for their allegiance and she sacrifices herself in order to ignite the spark that overthrows the Church.

The narration is simply outstanding with excellent character distinction in spite of the large cast. Pacing is deliberate and the mood is tailored to the constantly shifting action versus tender moments as well as frequent introspective scenes.

An Ending that I enjoyed

I enjoyed these series of books even more than the original Hyperion saga. Knowing that it was going to end - always brings an element of finality to each page that you read. This is so unusual in this genre it seems (to have an end in mind) in multivolume series. There are a few slow parts were philosophy of religion and such is debated among the priests . . . also the whole episode on Earth could have been fast forwarded . . .but I made it through those sections to the more interesting pieces.

One of the Best Books I Have Ever Read.

Would you listen to The Rise of Endymion again? Why?

Absolutely - this series is an incredible journey through humanity, love, transformation, and what wonders the universe may hold.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Raul - What a well written narrator and character

Which scene was your favorite?

The reunion of Raul and Anea - I was in tears for two hours

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a love story at heart structured as a Messiah story and ultimately wrapped in a Sci-Fi aesthetic. In truth however, it is a beautiful insight on the inter-connectivity of the universe, on the truth and power of love, and on the wonders and beauty to be discovered in this universe.

Dan Simmons' Cantos is a masterpiece!

This series is top 5 out of over 1000 titles read or listened to in any genre. I have rarely been so moved and deeply satisfied by a book or series as I was by this finale to an incredible epic .
If you read only the first book, Hyperion, you have only the first taste and introduction of this magnificent mystery that Dan Simmons have woven for us with such breathtaking depth and poignancy.

Superb narration. Victor Bevine rocks!

Fantastic story begun with hyperion. Victor Bevine is a fantastic narrator in most cases, but I did not like his narrative of Aneyas voice. Other than that, everything was awesome.

Narrator reads too slowly for my tastes.

I found I enjoyed the series best at 1.25x speed, that way the pauses that the narrator uses aren't too long, and he doesn't read so fast as to sound annoying.

I felt the boom was long enough as it is, and I really like long books as they keep me awake on my really long drives for work.

This boom and series has a great story overall and is definitely worth a read and or listen!

An Epic Tale

One of the most incredible, well thought out epic tales. Ranks with Asimov, Tolkien and others for an epic tale for our age. Set in the distant future, combines the best of sci fi and fiction. Incredibly well written and adapted for audio.