It is the 29th century & the universe of the Human Hegemony is under threat. Invasion by the warlike Ousters looms & the mysterious schemes of the secessionist AI Techno Core bring chaos ever closer. On the eve of disaster with the entire galaxy at war seven pilgrims set fourth on a final voyage to the legendary Time Tombs on Hyperion home to the Shrike a lethal creature part god & part killing machine whose powers transcend the limits of time & space. The pilgrims have resolved to die before discovering anything less than the secrets of the universe itself.