Staudey Exactly! You know, my experience with Hyperion was the same. I was a sci-fi newbie when I read it. I was a bookworm newbie as well. : )
Simmons also wrote books based on the Illiad by the way and those are not bad either.
Right now I'm going through a fantasy phase, reading all Brandon Sanderson books but next year I plan to reread all Dan Simmons. I'm so anxious to see: Will I like Hyperion more or less? Will I understand the story better maybe? Will I see things that I missed during my first newbie read? Oh yes, I'm so very excited! : )
I liked Endymion too, especially The Rise of, especially the ending. I know this might be cliche but I like the idea that even a simple person can have a significant impact (on the story or on another's person life) even if doing something small once, like holding another person's hand or whispering the right words of encouragement when they need it the most. : )
