This post is a part of a series called The Roboticist’s Library, where I talk about books that have made me a better roboticist.

Hyperion and its follow ups are a series by Dan Simmons, and a science fiction masterpiece that has captivated readers since the first book was published in 1989. The series consists of four books, Hyperion, The Fall of Hyperion, Endymion, and The Rise of Endymion, each one building on the last to create a vast and intricate universe that is full of wonder and intrigue. I discovered these books in 2021, and I was deeply effected by them. My coworker recommended the book as an escape from pandemic-driven quarantine, and I’m glad I took him up on his recommendation.

At the heart of the series is the planet Hyperion, a world that is both beautiful and deadly, where time and space are distorted, and the very fabric of reality is under threat. The books follow the journey of a group of pilgrims who have been summoned to Hyperion to meet the mysterious and powerful creature known as the Shrike. A friend described the book as, “The Canterbury Tales in space,” and he was correct! He also loves to say, “The Templar’s tale is his favorite” of the book, and I agree.

What sets the Hyperion series apart from other science fiction works is its rich world-building, complex characters, and intricate plotlines. Simmons weaves together multiple storylines and perspectives to create a multilayered narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

Throughout the series, Simmons tackles a wide range of themes, from the nature of consciousness and free will to the meaning of life and the role of religion in society. He challenges readers to question their assumptions and explore the depths of their own beliefs.

As a lover of science fiction and a fan of Simmons' work, I was immediately drawn to the world of Hyperion. The series has had a profound impact on me, not just as a reader, but also as a person. It has inspired me to think deeply about the world around me, to question my own beliefs, and to explore the mysteries of the universe. I started the first book while deep in the pandemic, and by the time I finished the series I was traveling back-and-forth between Pittsburgh and Munich for work. The perspective shift these books provide a reader are unlike any books I’ve encountered.

If you're looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging science fiction series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then the Hyperion series is a must-read. Join me on a journey through the vast and intricate world of Hyperion, and discover for yourself why Dan Simmons is one of the greatest science fiction writers of our time.