Science fiction
Hyperion
Seven pilgrims travel across a remote planet to a mysterious creature called the Shrike, in the shadow of a looming interstellar war. On the way each tells the story of how they came to be there.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1989
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 482
- Format
- Book 1 of 4 in Hyperion Cantos
Read this if you like layered, ambitious space opera told as separate stories, each with its own genre and mood.
Skip this if you want the whole plot resolved, since this book ends partway and needs its sequel.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Hyperion
- What is Hyperion about?
- Seven pilgrims travel across a remote planet to a mysterious creature called the Shrike, in the shadow of a looming interstellar war. On the way each tells the story of how they came to be there.
- Who should read Hyperion?
- Read it if you like layered, ambitious space opera told as separate stories, each with its own genre and mood. Skip it if you want the whole plot resolved, since this book ends partway and needs its sequel.
- How long and how fast is Hyperion?
- It is a slow-paced, long read of about 482 pages, first published in 1989.
- Does Hyperion have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Gore, War.
- Can I borrow Hyperion for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Hyperion; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Hyperion?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Dune, Cloud Atlas, The Fifth Season.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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