If I had to describe this series in one word, the word would be epic. Not only does the world of the novel have its own unique culture, but the religion is a detailed and interesting element to this tale. Book one starts with the stories of seven pilgrims, carefully selected to follow the historical path to confront the terrifying and mysterious Shrike. The Shrike church deems this creature as The Lord of Pain, and to go after it is considered both suicide and socially accepted martyrdom. Each person on the pilgrimage has their own motivation to accept such a deadly quest, and their pasts are ultimately connected through confrontations with the Shrike. But what is the Shrike? Why does it appear throughout time and space? Why does it kill some, but leave others alive? All these answers are scattered in the Hyperion Cantos series. As each pilgrim struggles with forces both mystical and logical, their fates are connected in the ultimate journey. For even though seven are chosen, only one will succeed and survive.
I devoured this series, and could not put it down. Each book is action packed, intense and engaging. The story itself contains a world detailed enough to be compared to Frank Herbert's Dune saga. Each chapter reveals a new secret and each secret brings more questions. The reader begins to question what they believe to be true with the actual truth hidden in lies. The characters are well written, and each character has a different perspective on the Shrike church, the way of the cruciform and the mysterious connection of space and time. I recommend this series to the readers who loved Dune and Lord of the Rings. I also recommend it to fans of the Final Fantasy series and anyone who enjoys an epic saga, with not only the fate of the world on their shoulders, but the protection of the human soul.
Five out of five time gates!
