Dan Simmons creates a new cast of characters and a new era of the human race in order to continue his Hyperion Saga. Once again his work is colorful, active, and filled with complex meanings.Because of the frequent references to events, places, and people from the previous books, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone not familiar with the Hyperion books, even though they are not really a trilogy.Just as in Hyperion, he has ended the first book right where it gets interesting, guarenteeing that his next book (Rise of Endymion) will sell.