The "Hyperion Cantos" is a science fiction series written by Dan Simmons. It consists of four main novels: Hyperion, The Fall of Hyperion, Endymion, and The Rise of Endymion. The story is set in a distant future where humanity has spread across the galaxy, exploring themes of religion, politics, and the nature of time. The narrative structure of the series is inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," featuring multiple characters who share their stories during a pilgrimage to the distant world of Hyperion. Central to the plot is the enigmatic creature known as the Shrike, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding events.