Rating: 
Summary: Sci-Fi That Reads Like Fantasy
Review: I'll be the first person to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of science fiction, but Dune is a classic. After watching the original Dune movie, I felt that reading the book might be able to fill in some parts that I thought would be clearer and better explained in the book, and it did. Dune may be science fiction, but I felt that it was easier to read than other sci-fi books I've read. It didn't have the long sections of confusing (to me anyway) explanations of scientific principles and electronic equipment. Also, with the abilities of the Bene Gesserit, the book takes on some of the feel of a fantasy novel. Dune is based on a desert planet called Arrakis, where a substance simply referred to as spice is mined. The book starts with Paul Atreides growing into his role as the Muad'dib. After his family is betrayed by a friend of the family, through the plots of the House Harkonnen. Although the political intrigue was, at time, beyond me, the adventure of the story pulled me in. The first in an ongoing series, Dune is a classic in the science-fictions genre.
Rating: 
Summary: A Powerful Beginning To One of the Best Sci-fi Series
Review: Dune is Frank Herbert's masterpiece about Paul Maud'Dib Atreides, descendants of the House Atreus of Homeric fame, and his battles with his arch-enemies, the Harkonnens and, eventually, with the combined forces of the galaxy. The first of six books in an unfinished series--Herbert died before he brought his series to a conclusion--this book is the best of the series.Set far in the future, after humanity has not only left Earth, but humanity's origin is probably forgotten, the setting for this book is a neo-medieval world of strict castes, nobility and civilized warfare. The basic plot is rather standard: the young hero, Paul must come of age quickly when his father is treacherously killed by agents of the hated rivals. Since Paul loses his rightful throne, he must come of age among the violent indigenous population known as the Fremen. Although Herbert does write the action scenes well, the plot is not the strong suit of the book--later books in the series have better plots. The strongest part of the book is the theme of religion and politics that runs through the book. Herbert combines many different religions in this future galaxy including Christianity, Islam and various eastern religions. Herbert sets his hero, Paul, up as a messiah to the planetary population, the Fremen and possibly to the entire galaxy. This path may ultimately lead to a bloody jihad. However, Paul realizes that being a messiah is a dangerous path to take, ultimately ruinous to humanity as later books show. However, Paul's desire for power and the evilness of the alternate leaders, the corrupted by power emperor, the overly secretive female priesthood named the Bene Geserit, the no longer human Guild, and the entirely evil Harkonnens force Paul at every fork in the road to choose the path that leads to his anointing as messiah. Herbert thus creates a hero who is not as virtuous as he seems at first glance. A final note: as with any good first book in a sci-fi/fantasy series, there is much that remains unexplained in this book. Anyone who says that they understand the entire book is either lying or missed something. Some of the mysteries in this book become explained in later books, and one--the reference to Richese--in the prequel recently co-written by Herbert's son. There is also a great deal of mysticism and musing on the general state of humanity, some of which was, frankly, over my head. Therefore, if mysticism and unexplained mystery are not your cup of tea, then you should skip this book.
Rating:
Summary: Rich and complex
Review: This is one of those books you read over and over again, because each time you get a little bit more out of it. Highly recommended. I wouldn't bother with the rest of the series, though, as Herbert went off on rambling tangents that lost the basic sci-fi basis of the story.
Rating:
Summary: Somewhat tedious but ultimately fascinating classic.
Review: I give Frank Herbert's DUNE five stars not because I belong to any small group of overzealous supporters, but because it is honestly one of the finest science-fiction novels I have ever read. DUNE combines the best of "golden-age" science fiction. (space opera, emperors, genetic supermen) with the technological believability of the 60's New Wave . Although Herbert's writing is plodding and stilted, the reader is ultimately kept reading to learn more about the byzantine politics of the Imperium and the wonderfully portrayed environment of the desert planet Arrakis. Another reason the book deserves notice is because it is appealing to all ages, much like the works of Mark Twain. I read DUNE for the first time as a 10-year old and again ten years later, seeing the plot from a different angle but no less impressed with Herbert's world building. Granted, a lot of people are going to be put off by the prose, but the plot machinations and futuristic-but-feudal society make the book fantastic. And the setting is extremely original. As the reviewer below pointed out, the planet is really the main character.
Rating:
Summary: Flawless Classic of Science Fiction
Review: Duke Leto Atreides takes control of the desert planet Arrakis when given to him by the Galactic Emperor as a fief. The planet is the galaxy's source of the narcotic spice melange, and the planet's importance is therefore critical. The previous rulers of Arrakis, the Harkonnens, however, refuse to surrender the planet peacefully. The Duke's 15-year old son, Paul Atreides, has been prepared all his life for the burden of command. Unknown to him, though, he represents the culmination of generations of genetic and religious manipulation. When the Harkonnens attempt to reclaim the planet from his father, he must join the native population and fulfill his destiny as their messianic leader to free them from the Harkonnen's brutal regime. Though written over 35 years ago, Dune is still considered one of the two or three best science fiction novels ever written, and is de rigeur for all science fiction readers. The characters are both vivid and epic, and the descriptions are lush and rich without being baroque. Though some have difficulty with the jargon (sprinkled throughout the book), most feel that it gives an air of authenticity to the text. There is also an extensive glossary in the appendices. Though later novels in this series are not as strong as Dune, Herbert's world nonetheless leaves the reader hungry for subsequent installments in the plotline. No reader's library should be without a copy of Dune.
Rating:
Summary: third times the charm
Review: i must admit that i started to read Dune on three seperate occassions before i was able to finish it completely. its very hard to get through and for most "star wars" type sci-fi fans it will be a chore. but once you've gotten through some of the more drawn out sections you'll be surprised at what you've just read. Dune is one of the most elaborate and realistically written books ever produced in science fiction. if you were to take out all of the science fiction portions you would still be left with a very real political intrigue story. its easy to relate the spice struggle to our present war concerns over oil, but sadly i find this aspect the hardest part to get through. the politics of it may begin to bore you and Herbert at times is rather long winded when explaining certain points. this is one of many hurdles to jump but once you get over them you'll be much better off for having read it.
Rating:
Summary: Masterful start to the saga
Review: Frank Herbert knocks it out of the park in this masterpiece, the first and best novel in his Dune Saga. Throughout the 1000+ pages, Herbert develops multiple stories and themes, seeding the ensuing series. On the top of the plot, there is the drama of a galatic struggle fighting over Sprice, a precious commodity only found on Dune. Intertwined in this are themes on politics, love, religeon, addiction and family values. Similar to Tolkein, you are still left feeling that there is much unsaid. Perhaps this depth is what marks Dune as a masterpiece instead of escapist fiction. If you've seen the movie, you will get much more than what could be displayed in a few hours. The Hollywood vision will contain plot spoilers, but really misses much of what is going on underneath. When I purchased the book, I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. I was doing a lot of flying, and preferred thick books - 1000+ pages or more were best. I was most pleasantly surprised at the experience these pages provided. Much more than just filler for a plane trip.
Rating:
Summary: Well crafted
Review: Dune took Herbert a long time to write and it shows in the craftsmanship. I love the vastness of the universe he's created. Dune even though it is a desert planet is still complex in its descriptions and native peoples. My favorite character continues to be Duncan Idaho even though he's not one of the main characters.
Rating: 
Summary: A classic perhaps, but certainly not a masterpiece
Review: This sci-fi classic tells the story of the planet Arrakis (otherwise known as Dune). It is a barren place, mainly desert, and water is scarce. But in the sand is a precious spice that controls inter-planetary travel, and everyone wants control. The plot concerns two nobel families, the Atreides and Harkonnens, who fight it out for rulership of the planet. But there is a third, unpredictable force in the form of the native Fremen, who have a plan for Dune all of their own. The story starts quickly, with relationships and loyalties tested as the main characters take sides. There is intrigue, fighting and double-crossing. But after the initial momentum, the plot slows to a crawl. After a narrow escape from death, the main character is exiled, hiding from those out to kill him. He shelters in the desert with the natives, transforming himself into a mystical demi-god to get them on side for the ultimate battle of revenge. There is more talk than action, and the characters spend a lot of time explaining and analysing the planet Dune, and how it determines their own culture and religion. It goes on like this for the next 350 pages. When the final battle comes, Frank Herbert dodges the responsiblity of actually describing it. The preparation is outlined, but then the action cuts off the very moment the forces rush into enemy headquarters. The very next scene is the surrender, the terms and conditions of which are described in exhaustive detail. At this point, "Dune" abruptly ends in a massive anti-climax. Dune is a classic, and as such, should probably be read by any sci-fi fan. However, the book never reaches it's full potential. The themes and plot laid out at the beginning are promising, but they quickly drift into nothingness. By the time you reach the end, you may find that you hardly care about what happens to Dune.
Rating:
Summary: A remarkable and intriguing work
Review: Herbert, in a way that so few else have, has crafted a new world full of life and detail. mMore than just a work of science fistion, Dune articulates several resonating stories of humanity intertwined in a single (though complex) plot. The writting is superb and provides a beautiful portrait of Dune and it's characters. Everyone should at least try to read this book, though I understand it may not be for everyone given it's themes and subject matter.
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