Aim of this blog: To celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by providing a list of novels that are cautionary tales about the future, from some of the world's most famous science fiction authors, past and present. In this blog I will specifically cover novels that deal with information-based societies, and the unintended consequences that could result in an increasingly connected world.

Friday 27 April 2012

Hyperion - Internet addiction in the 28th century..


HYPERION
Author: Dan Simmons
Publisher: Doubleday; New York
Date: 1989
Humanity has spread across the galaxy by the 28th century, aided by portals which allow near instantaneous travel almost anywhere in the universe. Part of this portal technology exists the datasphere, a network much like the internet (impressive for 1989) but considerably more sophisticated and that becomes an addiction for many. A framed story written from the perspectives of six different characters, Hyperion tells the story of a group of pilgrims who journey across the universe to visit the Shrike. The Shrike has the power to grant one pilgrim’s wish but will kill the rest, at least according to the cult that worships it. A slower paced science fiction story told from each character's own perspectives, Hyperion takes time to explain each character’s story and their motivations.

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