Endymion (Hyperion Series #3)

It is 274 years after the Fall and the universe is in chaos. Raul Endymion, onetime shepherd and convicted murderer, is chosen as a pawn in a cosmic game whose outcome will determine the fate of humanity. Selected as a bodyguard to the next messiah, Endymion will cross time, space, and the very fabric of reality as her protector, lover and finally disciple. At the same time, the enigmatic Shrike--part monster, part killing machine, part avenging angel--has also followed the girl into the 32nd century. Yet it is Endymion who has been chosen to rescue Aenea, against all odds. How will her message change the universe--if she is willing to speak it--and if she does, is humankind prepared to hear it?

Rocky Mountain News

Best science fiction novel of 1995.

Dan Simmons first novel, Song of Kali, won the World Fantasy Award; his first science fiction novel, Hyperion, won the Hugo Award. His other novels and short fiction have been honored with numerous awards, including nine Locus Awards, and four Bram Stoker Awards. He lives in Colorado along the Front Range of the Rockies.