Hyperion

A grand intelligent space opera tale that also tells a series of very personal tales. This juxtaposition between epic and the personal gives real life to the story. The whole thing is also told with an interesting narrative device -- a science fiction version of Canterbury Tales. And yes, it’s pretty damn exciting to read too. Who doesn’t like the whole theme of humans fighting for their existence against an implacable alien enemy? Throw in super smart AI’s, an immortal, incomprehensible godlike creature made from metal spikes, different worlds, time travel and a bunch of bitter heroes who are trying to die and you have something special.