Hyperion

At first I didn't like the story. It was boring for the first few chapters. Lots of exposition. But by the middle of the first tale told I was hooked. There are a group of people brought together for a Shrike pilgrimage and to pass the time they tell a tale of why they are going to Hyperion. I think my favorite tale was the Scholar's and my least favorite was probably the Consul's which is the last one. It does end on a small cliffhanger though so now I just have to get the next one.