Rating: 
Summary: The worst of the Dune series
Review: Although in any other series this book might rate more highly, Heretics of Dune is simply not up to the standard set by Herbert's earlier Dune books. This book finally gives us a glimpse into the inner realms of the Bene Gesserit society, and seems to start out very well. However, soon the book lapses into merely relaying fictitious events, and the plot slows to a crawl. The character's are impossible to have any feeling for; they are quite sterile. Although this book is necessary to read in order to reach the finale, you will find that you may be reading this for a long time (it took me over a month, which was the same time it took to read the four previous books combined). Have a blast
Rating: 
Summary: The begining of the end
Review: As you enter this book, you are going into the final segment of the Dune series. The plot is thick with twists and turns, and is one of the BEST books in the series. Once you have read this book, you will need to read the next one, and after that you are hungry for more
Rating:
Summary: The best of the chronicles other than Dune itself.
Review: The plot darkens as the Bene Gesserit may have finally
met their match?
Continues the concepts of the preceding books in the series and combines them with enough action and adventure to make the others seem slow in comparison.
Rating: 
Summary: Herbert's Got His Touch Back
Review: 'Heretics' brings us back to the suspenseful, never-slow pace that 'Dune' had. Unlike the books in between, 'Heretics' begins with a fresh start, as it should 1,500 years after the last book. The ending was a bit rushed and left me wanting more, but the ride to the end was lots of fun with surprises and great plots. It also provides an inside look to the workings of the Bene Gesserit and how clever they are at managing and controlling through the ages. It's a relief from the slow and tedious style of 'God Emperor.' At first I missed the original cast when reading 'God Emperor,' but Herbert created new characters for 'Heretics' who are intriguing and more complete than Siona and Hwi Noree of the previous book; Duncan Idaho (again), Miles Teg and Darwi Odrade bring back admirable Atreides qualities. I'm looking forward to 'Chapterhouse,' but would have loved it if Herbert had explained one thing: What exactly is a chairdog?
Rating:
Summary: Here we go again...
Review: I've been following the Dune Saga for some years now. The first book, "Dune", was by far the best of them all. Frank Herbert introduced us to the intrigueing world of great families fighting on a small but crucial planet called Dune, home of the spice. When I finished "Dune" I couldn't wait to see what would happen to Paul Atreides "Muad'Dib", Chani, etc. Unfortunately, "Dune Messiah" was so disappointing. It seemed as if the author, run out of ideas, wished to "kill" Paul as quickly as possible. And so he did. "The Children of Dune" was enjoyable and "God Emperor of Dune" was by far the worst of the Saga. However, despite the fourth one, I decided to read "Heretics of Dune". Now that I finished it, I must say that this book is almost as good as the first one. Thousands of years have passed since the death of Leto II and the humanity must cope with the consequences of the "Big Dispersion". All the characters in this book are new, which is a good point. This time, the author chose to focus on the Bene Gesserit Order. The description of the order is much more interesting and deeper than in the previous books. Soon we, the readers, discover that the Bene Gesserit are facing a new enemy, the Honoured Matres, who are in fact a branch of the BG that came back from the "Big Dispersion". The conflicts between the two of them and the plot are highly intrigueing, thus contributing to make this book a real page turner. It is a real fun to read about Rakis, where each corner is carring the memory of the Baron, Jessica, Paul and his children. Another good point is the arrival of a new character, Miles Teg, the Bashar of the Bene Gesserit. Herbert largely describes the old Teg: his thoughts, feelings, victories and loyalty to the order of the BG. While reading about Teg, I had the feeling that the author wanted to compensate his failure with "Dune Messiah". Teg is the image of Paul: a warrior, a lover and a father, who grew old and now has to face many inner conflicts, that each one of us has to face when our life is about to end. As a matter of conclusion, I would say this book is very good. It has got all the usual stuff: action,love, friendship, philosophy, interesting characters and so on. Pity that it does not come right after "Dune". I can assure you that you can start with "Dune" and skip right to "Heretics of Dune". Trust me. The three previous ones are not as good and you won't miss a thing!
Rating:
Summary: Duncan Idaho, more human than human? [no spoilers]
Review: "Heretics of Dune" is the fifth novel in the "Dune Chronicles" over continuing thousand years after the previous book. The detailed writing style is superb with a fine mixture of politics, warfare, and individual introspection. The drastic planetary changes found in the prior novel have returned mostly to the original conditions. The influence of the Golden Path by Leto II relentlessly affects the universe.
The installment contains many engaging characters (largely Atreides descendents), beginning with a new ghola Duncan Idaho. Improving on the previous Duncan models has continued with some amazing results near the story's end. Sheeana of Rakis displays fascinating powers over Shaitan in the desert. The best addition to characters vaguely similar from previous books is the Mentat Bashar Miles Teg. This brilliant military mind interacts well with Duncan and manages the Bene Gesserit calmly after returning from retirement. Not as much prescience as seen in the past, which I found relieving.
As with the planet formerly known as Arrakis, the series has evolved. Spice addiction has fallen into the background, although the sandworm is not as common as millennium past. Brief sexual content finds its way into the chronicles for the first time, I didn't care for specifically but is crucial motivation behind certain events. No appendixes conclude the novel but still a glossary would have sufficed. A detailed map of the significant terrains, especially with the climate transformation of Arrakis, would have been useful.
I highly recommend the series to any fan of the science fiction genre.
Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Not Children Literature
Review: This book is not an easy read, it is very rich with philosophy, political intrigue and such.
It is a little hard to follow at times, but nevertheless it is a must read, especially if you are going to continue the Dune saga.
Even if this sort of book isn't your preference, Frank Herbert had a vision, it would be foolish to not follow it throughly.
Rating:
Summary: Finest SF Ever
Review: I won't recap the story; enough people have already included that in there review. I'll just contrast/ compare it to his previous books. Yes, for Dune fans Heretcs is mediocre. It is certainly refreshing compared to the over-load of philosophy garbage Herbert injected into his last book (God Emperor). However, it is still only slightly more entertaining. The character development is there, as usual, but the characters that he creates are not very interesting. Miles Teg is the exception. Action-packed would be an over-statement, but the book can be eventful at times. Herbert has really been known for his quality of writing, and I think that is apparent in this novel, but the finished product is lack-luster. One thing uncharacteristic about this novel is the ending. In all of his previous novels Herbert has had these climactic endings that grip you by the balls. God Emperor Dune saved itself by the last 30 pages. In Heretics, though, it would seem as though Frankie got bored of writing and tried to sum it up as quick as possible. One thing that you must consider when rating this book, is that it is very hard to continue that monumental feeling you got from the prior 4 novels. From Dune, when the Kwisatz Haderach is not recognized up to the death of Leto II (a God), it is hard to carry on such an intense ascension to universal power. One other thing: will someone please knock-off Brian Herbert before he writes the 7th and final book in the Frank Herbert's series. I am serious. I think Brian is a money-hungry moron who has no respect for the work of his own father. I hope Brian himself reads this. WAY TO RUIN A GOOD THING!
Rating:
Summary: Great story, just loses a little of that Dune touch.
Review: It doesn't quite have the same flair to it that God Emperor of Dune had, but it is not worth missing. It is a great story that will lead to right into Chapterhouse Dune readily. I actually reached a point where I think I know Duncan better tha n I know Paul Atreides now, something unthinkable to anyone who only reads the first book.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: God Emperor was the start of a new direction in Dune, breaking completely away from the original into a new style. Unfortunately it was slow getting started. Heretics finally gets it moving at warp speed, and while still not the original Dune by any means, it's a wonderful book.
|
