Dune

Rating:
Summary: The spice of life
Review: First of all, I am not one who typically writes reviews. However, I was compelled to write because this stunning novel is one of the best in modern fiction. There are many reasons why this novel has been loved by so many. Most of all, Herbert's is a creation of supreme depth, describing the economic, military, political, and social interactions of a vast universe. To my knowledge, only Tolkien has created such a detailed and believable reality. So, if for no other reason, read this novel to become engrossed in the rich tapestry of humanity that is "Dune".

Rating:
Summary: Must Read Science Fiction
Review: I saw the movie 'Dune' as a kid. About the only things I remembered from the movie was the worms, the blue eyes, and Sting. Being a science fiction fan and wanting to form my own opinion of Herbert's story, I decided to read the book not too long ago. 'Dune' is a story, set in the distant future, about the battle for a planet and it's precious spice. It is full of adventure and fantasy.

'Dune' holds your attention throughout, and leaves you wanting more at the end {Herbert satisfies this craving with more Dune books). My only criticism is a slight one - there seems to be too many characters, plotlines, etc. going on at once in a couple of places - hard to keep track of it all occasionally.

I would greatly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction novels.

Rating:
Summary: Great reading
Review: A friend had recommended this book once. I am glad I read it. The characters are excellent, especially the young boy Paul Atreides. The development of this kid to a powerful creature will make hooked from the first page. I don't think you have to be a sci-fi reader to enjoy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Dune
Review: In sixth grade, a friend and I read this book and fell in love with it. We attempted to use the Bene Gesserit to force kids away from drinking fountains, turn our eyes the deep blue of the spice addiction, and were constantly discussing what it would be like to be on a planet where it never rains(partially since we live in Oregon, where it seems like it's ALWAYS raining).
Dune is complex, a skillfully created tapestry, each thread a different character or situation to follow to the end, not just chopped off abruptly at some point like in poorly written books or ideas. Warning: may cause health hazards to people who are looking for a "simple book".

Rating:
Summary: "The Base of the Pillar"
Review: WARNING: There may be spoilers in this review if you actually haven't read this book yet. Go read it. Now.

Strangely enough, it took me a few attempts to read the entire text of Dune, and I am usually not one to leave books unfinished. My first attempts failed because some of my false impressions about the book were fueled by the first third of the story. Though Herbert launches into the story without giving much thought to the nuances of the universe he has created, the story in the beginning is very concrete and easy to absorb. However, when Paul casts his lot with the Fremen, the plot becomes increaslingly abstract and the writing gradually loses control. I was one who had difficulty understanding the limits of Paul's prescient awareness, the changing goals of the tribe, and the marvelously confusing effects of the Water of Life. But the "real" part of the book is a mere prelude, the Fremen, led by Usul (Maud'Dib), hold the real meaning of this book. How Herbert creates such an intricate world I cannot begin to guess. Arrakis is an incredible creation, rife with fascinating characters and political intrigue, but secretly controlled by a complex and beautiful religious movement seeking to remake the planet. The setting in itself is reason to read this book, but Herbert's real strength lies in his characters. Maud'Dib's transformation from naive youth to messiah is the caliber of character development that we are not likely to find in modern science fiction. And the conclusion, though abrupt, is a massive redirection of the story, in tune with the epic scale of the book. If you haven't read it yet, it isn't quite too late. With the prequels coming out, now would be a good time to start.

Rating:
Summary: A classic.
Review: "Dune" begins with a spiritual awakening of Paul Atreides, heir to the Atreides noble House and son of a defiant Bene Gesserit, Jessica. Just as the House is forced by circumstance to move to the planet Arrakis (Dune) and take it over from the Harkonnens, Paul enters adulthood. He is different; mature for his age through his noble upbringing and aware beyond the norm thanks to his mother's 'special' training.

Through his father's intelligence network, Paul comes to realise that moving to Arrakis is not as straightforward as it seems. There are sublte undertones of byplays and "tricks within tricks within tricks". The Emperor, the House Harkonnen, and the Fremen who cultivate the precious but deadly addictive spice on Arrakis all have a hand in the game.

No sooner have the Atreides arrived, in fact, and an attempt is made on Paul's life; and a little later, his father is murdered by a traitor. Circumstance would have it that Paul and his mother make a lucky escape from the hands of the Harkonnens who are behind his father's murder. Or is it the Harkonnens?

Paul and Jessica are thrown into the desert, an environment so harsh and unforgiving that survival appears impossible. It is Paul's determination, training, but mostly, his unquestioned willingness to accept the new environment for what it is, that eventually help them to hook up with the Fremen who have been a thorn in the Harkonnen's side. From there, Paul and his mother can build a base that will allow them to challenge the Harkonnens and seek revenge for the Duke's death and regain control of Arrakis. But, unbeknownst to his mother, Paul aims higher ...

The entire novel is stunning. It is rich and intriguing without being overly complex. The writing flows for easy reading without over-analysis. There are plans within plans, and interesting tangents. Herbert built complete people, communities, religions, and even an entire planet. Arrakis is a real, dry, dusty, harsh world, easily padded out in the reader's imagination (you'll get thirsty reading this book!). The book encompasses political motivation, economic dependency, spiritual awakening, ecological limitation, love, revenge, war and the human ability to persist, overcome and achieve.

But first and foremost, "Dune" is an amazing story and a pleasure to read. In writing "Dune", Frank Herbert was far ahead of his time - it was first published in 1965, but still relevant today. That's what makes it a true classic.

Rating:
Summary: a well-told story
Review: Considered one of the best science fiction novels ever written, Dune includes all of the elements which earned it that title. A world shaped through all facets of life - politics, religion, interpersonal relationships, environment - Dune reveals itself not with long descriptive passages explaining the culture, but by depositing you within that culture and leaving you, as the reader, to make sense of it through scattered hints and immersion.

For this, I commend the novel. Most science fiction authors get caught up explaining to the reader the world in which the story takes place - to the detriment of the story itself. Herbert does not fall into this trap, and the story is strong because of it.

Dune is not an easy read, mainly due to the above mentioned immersion approach to introducing the reader to the landscape of the novel. It requires concentration to sort out the different elements of the story. Several story lines radiate from the central arc, and it can be disconcerting trying to piece them together into one cohesive timeline. I can see where slower readers might become frustrated with the novel to the point of putting it down. However the patient will be rewarded with a thoughtful story, which although reaches no concrete conclusion (I can only assume that the sequels provide the "end" of the story) weaves a compelling adventure well worth the time and effort.

Rating:
Summary: By far, the best of the series
Review: Complex, political story with an environmental theme...just enough action and heroics to make you want to wade through the in-fighting and vague mystical references. The first, and by far, best of the Dune series.

Rating:
Summary: Best Sci-Fi Drama
Review: If you are looking for a Star-Wars-like action drama, then this is not the book. However, this one is a more intelligent book which focuses on human mental capabilities. You will amaze what a human mind can achieve through practice and belief. The very best Sci-Fi drama master-piece.

Rating:
Summary: Indispensable Science Fiction
Review: One of the greatest science fiction epics ever written. This book has it all: mind-expanding drugs, human computers, political intrigue, interstellar economics, and big-... worms. The reader should take from this book a sense of grandness of scale. The messianic fervor of the Fremen, the calculated patience of the Bene Gesserit eugenics program, the ecological ambition of Liet Kynes, and the universal-historical vision of the Quisatz Haderach, all ought to awaken us to the necessity and danger of human activity on the universal-historical timescale. That is the scale on which we all operate, whether we know it or not. Some of the themes in this book, which was written in the mid-1960's, foreshadow the adolescent field of chaos theory. In particular, the notion that seemingly insignificant local events can have calamitous effects on future history is analogous to the butterfly effect. Also, Herbert's conception of prophecy as a probability tree branching infinitely through time enjoys some endorsement from quantum physics.