Rating: 
Summary: Simply the best
Review: A book which unreservedly deserves 5 stars if there were 10 available I would give it 10. Simply one of the greatest science fiction masterpieces ever written, there are some others which rate a close second such as the Foundation Trilogy by Asimov, The Galactic Millieu by Julian May or Enders Game by Orson Scott Card but they try to live up to this epitome of the classic. Not only a classic but one you must read rather than the usual attuitude to classics which everyone knows about but doesn't read. The superb story concerning Paul Atreides and his parents as well as the various remarkable characters which inhabit this Galactic Empire such as the Bene Gesserit or the Sardaukar which stand out in the same way as the Fremen as incredibly tough, proud warriors which would make a marine look to them in awe. The whole world created as well as the politics, psychological intrigue and so on are incomparable, the excitement involved with the warrior ethic imbued in young Paul, it just doesn't get any better, intelligent, exciting story telling.
Rating: 
Summary: Classic Sci-Fi
Review: Dune is a great work of fiction. Its Sci-Fi aspect is more evident in its presentation of an alien ecology and the use of advanced powers of the mind that is present in the story. However, most of the trappings of Sci-Fi (starships, ray guns, high-tech gadgets etc.) is very much in the background. This is a character-driven story, and is much more like "Fiction" than "Science Fiction".The strengths of the book is the great character development, an involving plot, a mix of philosophy, action/adventure themes, court intrigues, and the "sense of wonder" that abounds in Sci-Fi. There are two big shortcommings in this book, however, that prevent a five-star review. The various confrontation sequences in the book are multi-dimensional, in that the reader is made aware of what each character is saying, thinking, and noticing about the situation. This is partly what makes the book so good, but it is also a flaw because it tends to slow down the pacing of the action in areas where the writing should be more concise to reflect the intense drama or action taking place. I also felt that the story's sociological premise was a bit unbelievable; it's set in a feudal society where people still fight with daggers and poisons. (He gives good reasons why daggers are back in vogue, but it is still a bit unbelievable for me, as is the premise that feudalism will return 10,000 years in the future.) The book does a good job at presenting the world of Arrakis ("Dune"), though because of the slow pacing, the Dune world loses the immediacy of other classic sci-fi worlds such as Majipoor as presented in "Lord Valentine's Castle". What I really enjoy about the book is the great spiritual lessons in the book, which are demonstrated without being preachy. For example, the two feuding houses in the book are contrasted: the Atreides, who maintain power by mutual trust and respect, and love, and the Harkonen who maintain power by manipulation, treachery, and back-stabbing. Just placing both systems side-by-side as Herbert does is a very effective teaching. The zen-like training of Paul Atreides and the extrordinary powers of mind that he has is very believable and a great teaching in itself. For example, the teaching about fear in the book, "Fear is the mind killer... I will permit it to pass through me... When the fear has gone, only I will remain." is right on, and is the essense of Buddhist philosophy. The book also contains an ecological message that is perhaps even more relevant to us today as it was when this book was written.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Strangeness
Review: Thankfully I read the prequel, House Atreides, before Dune so I had some background on the characters. Even so, this is an awkward, difficult book to get into. It doesn't have enough action and is filled with unending detail on the powers and backgrounds of the different races of people. The intrigues are endless and many of the connections are difficult to deceipher. But there is brillance. Herbert's Imperium is a fantastic world, strange and familiar at the same time. Being in it made me view our own planet differently. I think that's the sign of a good book, that it stays with you and has some effect on your perspective....and this book can definitely do that.
Rating:
Summary: Welcome to the addictive world of Dune
Review: This is one of, if not the best sci-fi books I've ever read. The first time I read it (years ago) it sucked me into it's rich universe so completely, that I read it cover to cover in ONE day! I had other things to do, I just couldn't put it down. This is not a short book! The worlds, politics, emotions, characters, and violence will live in your mind for some time to come after reading this extraordinary story. Some of it's most tantalizing points: Great houses feuding, viciously skilled armies, hidden ruthless allies - as well as secluded and powerful deadly ememies, huge violent sandworms, magical/spirtual powers, children fighters as fierce as wild dogs, deep - meaningful - and sometimes painful relationships, disparate cultures at odds, and a knife that cannot be re-sheathed until it has drawn it's victim's blood! I'm not even a fan of the fantasy style of fiction, but this one pulled me in whole! It is not however, a short story. Be prepared to be immersed in detail, and to wish that you were a part of the vast fantasy that is Dune. If you liked the movie, this book will show you the other 75% of it's story, and universe you never saw. If you've never seen the movie; don't bother. Read the book instead! Highly recommended. Just make sure you have some spare time to read. You probably won't want to take long breaks from Dune. :) Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Not perfect, but good.
Review: If I had read this two or three years ago when I had not been exposed to as many writers that I am now, this would probably be my favorite book. But being exposed to a variety of authors it does not seem spectacular. Still it is an enjoyable and intelligent adventure, set on an interesting world with interesting characters. It is also a very well-written (prose-wise) book.
Rating:
Summary: dune
Review: I'm trying to read what is said to be the best novels in all genres of fiction. This was one of my ventures into the "best of science fiction novels". This truely lives up to its billing because of its muti layered story line and complex character development. I was very impressed by the novels layout. Its easy to see that a lot of planning went in to writting this book. To be honest i was much more impressed with the style of the writting and the thought that went into every aspect of the way the story unfolded than the actual story itself. Don't get me wrong the story was fanatsic, but done by a man with lesser talent and imagery and one might say it comes off a bit.....dare i say.....cliche? I'm talking about the main storyline here when i say cliche, its the surrounding elements and subplots combined with Herbert's genius that separates this novel from all others. Anyway if you enjoy a great adventure with extreme detail to both atmosphere (and that's no outerspace pun) and character, this should be your next read. Forget whether you enjoy science fiction or not, this is a classic that everyone can enjoy. Next up.... the movie! By the way if you look closely and use your imagination you can pick up alot of similarities to Star Wars. However i will not mention any so as to not ruin anything for anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: okay
Review: Hype aside, it's a good, albeit not spectacular story. I was actually a little put off by the grammar and boring parts. I did have to force myself to accept "spice" et al. Is it anti-semitic? It could be interpreted as such, but I'm not sure. It's worth a look, but don't buy into the hype. And I hope the don't make another movie. Uhhh...
Rating:
Summary: interesting but...
Review: I must admit I heard a lot about the book prior to reading it: 1. One of the top ten 2. Question antisemitism 3. A little boring at times. Honestly, I can only agree to 1 and 3. I don't think it is in the class of the Lord of the Rings, but it is certainly noteworthy science fiction if you can slog through some of the more longwinded passages. Herbert's GRAMMAR skills are in question at certain points. Finally, except for it's small cult fan base, no one talks about this book....at all. No one buys Dune calendars, plays Dune games, etc. Thus, the emotional bond that Tolkien established in the Lord of the Rings is obviously absent here. Tolkien influenced generations with his story, and clearly Herbert has not.
Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: You can not consider yourself a sci-fi reader until you have read DUNE. It is the best sci-fi ever written. If you have not bought it, order it now!
Rating:
Summary: Where can one begin?
Review: I first read Dune six years ago after seeing the movie at a friend's house. I soon realized that the movie was barely a Cliff's Notes version, though it is a good pronunciation guide! There are simply too many plots and subplots to squeeze into 3-4 hours. The imagination of Frank Herbert is profoundly at the core. How could one person invent so many original concepts - the Bene Gesserit, the Mentats and the Guild for starters! And then to go on to so thoroughly and accurately codify human nature and societal nature in things like the Bene Gesserit axioms. It's as if he sat on top of a mountain and just studied humans, and our cultures and religions, for a few years. One of the greatest strengths as far as the plot goes is in developing three-dimensional characters. It is not always clear-cut who the villains are and who the heroes are - they are human, a compilation of good and bad, just like we all really are. The most two-dimensional is the overtly evil Baron, but in a book where the line between good and evil is so frequently blurred, it was probably a necessity for him to stand out as the villain. However, there are times when it's hard to hate even him too much. Not only is this a great book with an almost Shakespearean plot, but I believe I learn something new every time I pick it up. It can be a beginning point and and ending point in a study of human and cultural evolution, not forgetting the other books in the series, especially Book 3, Children of Dune. If it's possible for one's I.Q. to increase, this is one book that could do it.
|
