Title: The Cantos of Hyperion - Volume 1 - Hyperion I - Dan Simmons - book
Summary :
When the seven pilgrims land on Hyperion, the spaceport offers an end-of-the-world spectacle. Millions of people crowd behind the gates: the planet's inhabitants are sure that the Shrike will come for them and they want to flee. But the Hegemony wants nothing to do with it: a war is coming and the skyways must be cleared. And all the government has found is to send the seven pilgrims. The president told them straight away: "It is essential that the secrets of the Time Tombs be uncovered. This is our last chance." But the pilgrims don't understand anything: it's quite simple, they don't even know each other! Fortunately, the journey will allow them to get closer. Each tells their story, and it quickly becomes clear that no one was chosen at random. The person who made the selection, as the confidences unfold, seems to have demonstrated... diabolical lucidity. And of refined cruelty!
