It was such a bold and strong start to the book, I wasn't sure if the stories of the other characters could keep up when the bar was set so high from the get go, but they delivered one after the other.
@@OleKristianElns Each other one was completely different but they all managed to impress me in different ways. The one that impacted me the most was Sol Weintraub's story (unfortunately somewhat cheapened by the later books imo), probably due to fatherhood and Job related themes in it.
@@OleKristianElns it was the opposite for me. I loved each one of the stories. It was like reading a different genre everytime! What a remarkable book Hyperion is.
The Bakura had a very lovecraftian energy to them. They've achieved immortality, but at the cost of becoming stunted, misshapen, little more than beasts. They may live eternally, but the degenerated pitiful creatures they've become are most certainly not capable of appreciating this fact. Very excellent and unsettling bit of writing.
It’s not bigoted to point out the reality that Down syndrome patients are below-average intelligent. (because statistics is real, math is real, biology is real, pathology is real, no matter what some people’s feelings are) They are people and deserve respect and dignity. But ‘dignity’ does not entail people lying about objective standard-based measurements of traits, nor a need to keep quiet about those traits all the time or pretend they do not exist. This fiction was perhaps like bigotry only in that it gave them Down-typical facial features without proper explanation of why those particular tissues had to get destroyed or malformed. There are plenty of other genetic, including chromosomal defects leading to other characteristic features of face or body. (eg Tanner shield chest, low hair line, wide nape skin, widely spaced nipples-though tanner typical intelligence is not particularly low-or Klinefelter gynecomastia … or Edwards rocker bottom feet or Patau 6th finger). Mental decay including decreasing intelligence, like super-dementia, make sense since a brain would be hard to regenerate due to complexity. It’s not like Down syndrome is the only disease of reduced intelligence. Why would you think of Down, instead of so many others, or just no decay of peripheral tissues, or decay of whatever needs to regenerate cellularly quickly? The author tried to communicate something artistically, show-not-tell, that would add to the atmosphere and foreshadow future discoveries by the character. That can be exciting. But it probably backfired for some of us, since we are trying to enjoy a story here, and that move could come off like an unnecessary low blow.
Almost? I cried probably three times, and got choked up many more, I loved that story. My two favorites also though, I wish the Bikura had their own novel.
@Joe Mama Yup, her. I did a refresher on Hyperion wiki because it's been years since I last read the books. The cruciform is a more straight forward horror, But the psychological aspect of loosing your own identity and current life because you are going back in time, definitely hit me harder.
My son and I just started this book series not but 2 days ago. Now you come out with these. Quinn I can not thank you enough for how you have helped my son learn to love reading. Plus my son and I get Amazing and exciting times together.
How old is your son? Mine is 12. He's read Ready Player One 5 times, kinda read Enders Game, and reads some manga, other than that i can't get him to expand past it...
@@FIT2BREAD Introduce "The Hobbit" to him and thank me later....My dad got me that book for Christmas back in the day, and I have read it at least 8 times over. Keep going with that and enjoy every moment of it;-)
@@FIT2BREAD Mine is about to turn 14. But Quinn's videos on Dune 4 years ago got my son interested in Sci Fi. We started out with me reading a chapter then my son reading one. We read to eachother. One chapter each at night before bed. Now my son and I have read ALL the Dune. The Hyperion and MOST of Lovecraft. Quinns videos really help with getting my son interested. Sit down with your son and watch a few of Quinn's videos. That might be just what does it. It did for my son.
The Cruciform was the most disturbing element of the Hyperion series until I discovered The Pax method for traveling faster than the speed of light. You have to give Dan Simmons credit for creating the most brutal form of space travel that's ever been imagined😂
@@tsoliot5913 Yes, the person dies every time the ship takes off and they count on their body being resurrected by the parasite. It's like that one guy in The Expanse that gets jellied, only they have it happen every time.
@@aenea22980 yes plus if you used such a method in warhammer 40k your soul would definitly be lost upon death meaning the cruciform "resurections" are purely surface level purely siperficial more like uploading yourself without the benifits of a mechnical body or the sense of safety of self that organic immortality would give.
he definitely has that ability. I found him because of dune and was introduced to foundation through him. But yea if you haven't read the Hyperion cantos you must it is truly remarkable. If you are into audiobooks audible has a really good full cast unabridged reading of the series.
holy crap Dune was pretentious drivel. waffling on by someone who obviously loved their own words. the second book was even worse if that were possible and i just dropped it.
I finally finished the final book in this series over the summer. What started with this story as the most gripping introduction, and concluded with the most heart wrenching and otherworldly ending... I can only say it was one of the most impactful set of stories I've ever come across. Truly amazing books, I recommend them to everyone I know. edit: also just want to add, I really love your videos.. I'm a pretty firm believer in science fiction being the ultimate genre, the genre that contains all others. Thanks for your work
Man, the Shrike had me thinking of 40k, but this parasite is right in there too. I think I need to go find the books to go read this, cuz it's sounds creepy as hell
In the grimdark future, Dan Simmons unknowingly devised the tale of the 19th Primarch's immortal exaltation. Father of the Raven Guard says "Nobody outgrimdarks Corvus Corax"
This is one of the best SF stories ever I read. 25 years passed from the last time I read Hyperion series, but I still think of them. I hope I would not see masacare of the idea in some movie, couse none would be good enough to recreate this feelings, ideas, and universe.
it's not until now that i see how Hyperion definitely inspired the plot of Dark Souls. in Dark Souls immortality is also both a blessing and a curse; some people are branded by the so-called "darksign" and will live forever, however, after dying over and over they eventually lose their sanity, and turn into hollow, mindless husks. these people are sent to a land cut-off from the rest of the world, forever trapped - sounds a lot like the bikura, no? :P the darksign also manifests itself on the body, just like the cruciform, in the shape of roots on the left side of the chest, where the heart is. this part of Hyperion really drew me in and i found it to be the best part of the book. it's been a couple of years since i read it, but now i really feel like reading the rest of the books as well, even though i found Hyperion to be quite a hard read. thanks for the inspiration! :P
I'll Admit it - that final part of the last novel in the series made me weep like the horrified catholic schoolboy I once was! There WAS an adaptation of the Cantos in the works by Bradley Cooper (who is as obsessed with the series as anyone else with a SOUL must surely be! 😉), but... MAYBE if the upcoming release of Foundation and Dune adaptations are successful we'll get to see this series adapted. 🤞🤞🤞
Lovecraft is one of my favorite writers and I instantly fell in love with Hyperion during the priest's tale, each story has it's own energy and that one was pure Lovecraft in all the best ways.
I cannot express in words nor action how glad I am that I stopped in the first few moments to go and listen to the audiobook, at least "The Priest's Tale" the blind experience was divine.
I first read the Cantos in Russian, now I'm in the process of re-reading it in English. Easily my favorite book series, and the father Duré story is probably the best part of it.
The cruciform is one of those more cruel versions of immortality. One that robs one of mind and selfdom the more one uses it. And even when the uer wants it to end it will not
Well I recently started reading Hyperion and at the moment I have just reached the third chapter. I found the Priest`s Tale absolutely facinating. I could be wrong as I know nothing about the author, but to me this is a hard hitting exploration of the parasitic nature of religion. I will probably read this part again, maybe many times, once I have finished the book(s)
I read Hyperion when it came out, and Fall of Hyperion. I haven't read them since. I somehow completely forgot about Father Dure, though snatches of it came back as I watched this video. How I forgot this is beyond me, as the Sol and Rachel story are fresh in my memory. I need to go back and re-read this.
The thing I really love about Hyperion is that it has elements of so many different genres from cyberpunk to fantasy to sci fi and horror and mystery. It really is one of the best universes and world building ever created. I know it would be super hard to make this into a live action series but I would love to see it done as an anime series. How sick would it be if Simmons could get some amazing illustrators and animators to really do this series justice.
Hey Quinn, so the other day I was telling a friend about all the great sci-fi I have read over the last few years: Three Body Problem series, Children of Time (and Ruin) and I just recently started Hyperion which I’ve barely been able to put down. She asked me where I got recommendations for these series and I didn’t really think about it until she asked but it’s all you. Getting a little taste of each of these amazing stories from you as an introduction has profoundly shaped my reading habits over the last few years and I didn’t even realize it. I figure it’s about time I thank you for what you do here on your channel. Really appreciate you.
I read Hyperion a few years ago and this is the story that hooked me. Thank you for this :) Also, I'm currently reading Mary Doria Russell's 'The Sparrow' which often reminds of this story, loving it.
Recently read the first two Hyperion books for the first time--great worldbuilding and plan to get the last two soon--anyway, you've got yourself a new sub, great content!
Just finished Endymion and got "Rise" today, as well as Dune! I had a copy years ago but leant it out and it got lost...can't wait to re-acquaint myself with that masterpiece
I love that you're doing more Hyperion videos. I picked it up because of your channel and it's become possibly my favorite science fiction series ever. PROFOUNDLY underrated imo.
I just started reading Hyperion because of your videos. I'm only like almost halfway through and I absolutely LOVE it! Thank you for bringing this fantastic book to my attention :)
Oh goodness, thank you. I had this series as an audiobook when I was 12. I thought I'd imagine the entire story. It was quite a trip for my young developing mind. I shall have to buy this and read it again thank you
Yeah, I was working in a tag and debating my favorite book based on the first 80 pages..I've def got Hyperion in the mix (along with Greg Egans Dichronauts)
The whole book is a great read but Father Dure’s was the best part and a fabulous way to get you into this universe. If the book would have started with Brawnie’s story I might not have gone through it all.
The priest's tale was so perfected placed at the first part of this series...and makes it the one memory that is implanted in your subconscious whenever you hear the word 'Hyperion'.
God. I love this channel. I read a lot of these series a while ago and really appreciate these very specific vids as reminders w/o having to reread everything. I'd been on pretty heavy pain meds when I read this one so it's really appreaciated.
Gotta say, I loved these as audiobooks, these are oddly well thought out and feel utterly incomplete. It's all very mysterious and strangely fulfilling while still leaving you asking.. "wait, is that it"?
Quickly becoming one of my favourite channels. Great idea to expand into dune, the foundation and Hyperion cantos. You've gotten me into dune and it's great so far. Thanks for coming online and sharing what you love. Next video: Connection between the cruciform and shrike please.
I’ve got some Hyperion content coming too! Just finished Fall of Hyperion last month and was totally blown away by it! So cool to open my phone this morning to your page to see this!
I bought and started reading The Hyperion Cantos after watching some of your other videos. I just finished the chapter that this video references: it definitely got me hooked! And your explanation of its contents and the production quality of this video were great (I especially appreciate some of the renderings you share of things described in the book, as some are difficult to visualize).
I just started to get back into this book for a second time weeks ago, I’m glad and surprised to see that you made videos about it ! I only knew your channel for you GOT videos. I read this book in high school 15 years ago, forgot almost all of it but still remember that I loved it.
Im just finishing Fall of Hyperion. I remember starting the book on Heathrow Airport waiting for my plane and i just couldnt stop reading Dure's story even thought is so horrible as it goes (with the final twist at the end too). Theres also a very mórbid scene in Fall when the Father enters the Cave Toombs Hyperion and Fall is probably the greatest thing ive read along with Count of Montecristo
Awesome video as always, the Hyperion Cantos is my favorite sci-fi series, and the Priest's Tale is the perfect opening story. Also I am honoured that you used some of my character designs in your video. 😀👍
I definitely don't have a chance to start this series due to time limitations but I love you videos! There are some brutal entities/characters in this series!
Love your channel. It's amazing how you create great content from such a small topic domain. You are a great example of how RU-vid is bottomless in opportunity.
"We cannot die, we are of the cruciform" the way Simmons plays on this line juxtaposing it with Christianity's brief of resurrection was done really REALLY well.
I just finished the priests tale for the first time and emmidiatly watched this video because I didnt know what to do... or to feel. This is so terrifying and yet so brilliant... and in the end it all comes together. I cant wait for the rest of the book. This was a great hook
I absolutely love the Hyperion Cantos, it basically got me into Scfi and space opera as a teenager. I've been in love with the genre ever since, reading everything I could get my hands on. The Cantos is just so enthralling, the world and its characters are amazing imo.
Man i know in your place you got stack after stack of books. I was homeless for a minute and one thing thats like gold for some of them guys out there are novels..I got introduced to Brian Lumley by another homeless guy and there was almost fist fights over who was going to get a copy of Dean Koontz Frankenstein book's..you talk just like some of the other guys who were hardcore with their novels..quite guys with bigger brains than most i would say.
Quinn, sorry to dominate the comments section here but this video is amazing and I love this book, I love talking about it, and the way you did this video makes the story of Dure and the cruciforms so much more visual. Amazing man
Thank you for these videos. They brought me to Hyperion. It's now my favorite sci fi series. The Shrike pulled me in sand made me read all four books. I just kept waiting for him to show back up.
Maybe it says more about me than anything, but the Hyperion Cantos blew my imagination more than literally any other book I've read. I love them deeply. Thank you for making these videos.
I keep imagining Hyperion's author conceiving those stories with his typewriter after eating rabbit for dinner and under the warmth of a fireplace in his cabin in the woods. Truly macabre.
The cruciform parasite is a very interesting thing. When i think about it, it almost feels like either a failed attempt at immortality, or a misplaced one. I'll explain. Based on how the cruciform parasite is described to work and the horrific effects on the host over prolonged used, i can guess two possible origins for it. 1: it is a failed attempt at immortality by some alien race. Of course we know what that failure is, improper regeneration of the host. However its mechanics when it comes to keeping the host in the same area interest me, along with how its seemingly hidden away. The cruciform parasite is hidden away on a mostly unpopulated world, and has a mechanism in-built to keep infected hosts from ever leaving. This reeks of safeguards put in place for something that cannot be destroyed and should never be found. 2: it is a lost artifact from an alien race, but humans were never meant to use it. Focusing on the physical and mental effects the cruciform parasite has on its host, it almost feels as though instead of simply failing to replicate the host correctly upon resurrection, its trying to use the template of a different species altogether. The most supportive feature of this idea is how eventually hosts lose genitalia altogether. The downs syndrome-like features and mentality are simply a result of genetic errors introduced into the genome, but complete erasure of sex and genitals feels as though the cruciform is removing parts that do not exist in its template. Perhaps the race that made the cruciform did not have genitals, or perhaps much much further down the line current hosts could begin to develop all new forms of biology to replace the parts removed by the cruciform. Truly a interesting idea for a parasite.
Just so you know, the part in this video focuses only on the "first introduction" of the parasite to the reader. The cruciform is explained further in the books. It is a major spoiler though, so I'll keep it for myself.
I remember just starting the book and this was basically the opening chapter. It completely blew my mind and I will never forget it. What happened to Dure was beyond cruel, terrifying and fucked up. Having electric current run through your body and destroy it, being in so much pain, only to be kept alive by that fucking cruciform...
When they find him on the Tesla tree and he describes cutting down his constantly reforming body and the cruciform falls away.. I froze while reading. That man sacrificed everything. Absolutely. He died the true death.
