A space opera way on the idealism side of the spectrum. Or perhaps it's a planetary romance? Fitting, as Keats' romanticism is a great influence on the novel as a whole. Either way, it's got big ideas and Dan Simmons gives it his best when dealing with the human condition. All of the stories are written in a different format and in different genres, yet link up beautifully to form a coherent whole, with a relatable and colourful cast of characters. All in all, Hyperion reads like an elegy to a lost age.