Rating: 
Summary: A treat for "true Dune fans", less for the rest out there...
Review: I picked up "Dune: House Attreides" as soon as I came across it, and read it in short order. As a Frank Herbert fan in general, and a Dune series fan in specific, I relished the chance to re-enter the intricate world of Dune. I was transported back to the worlds I'd gotten to know fairly well, and I enjoyed reading about the roots of House Attreides and House Harkonnen and their rivalry. As I read, however, I realized that if "Dune: House Attreides" were someone's first venture into the the Dune series, there would a a good chance that they would be greatly disappointed.You see, this book is actually more of a foreward and detailed glossary to the rest of the Dune series than it is a prequel (even though the storyline is such that it does occur earlier, chronologically, than the rest of the Dune series). The book provides interesting background about where some of the main players in the Dune series came from, and how they got to be where they are. If you have already read the rest of the Dune series, or even just Frank Herbert's "Dune" you will enjoy this book. If you are planning to cut your teeth on the Dune series by reading this book, you will be missing out on the richer tapestry, and the more intricate political and ecological machinations that Frank Herbert wove into his writing. Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson do an admirable job in adding detail to the Dune world, but their's a step down from Frank's work. I awarded this book 4 stars primarily because of the enjoyment that a seasoned Dune reader will gain from the additional background, while I readily admit that it would probably be a 3-3.5 star offering for someone who had never read a Frank Herbert Dune book. Still, I think that it's worth a read. There are interesting plot developments, you learn more about the Fremen, and the story is told with a minimum of diversions into foul language, etc. Good luck! Alan Holyoak
Rating:
Summary: Maybe no Dune but still...
Review: Ok, so it was not a masterpiece as the original was but what could posibly match that? Maybe a little shallow but it's fun revaling in all that the old Dune was. I found it an interesting combination of knowing how events must end (though not nessicarily in the manner) and new plot points not discussed in other books. The repeatitiveness can get a little bit irritating (ok, Shaddam's hair is pommaded, I get it). But overall I think it's a strong prequel to one of the greatest books ever written. Seriously, worth the read if you're longing for something new in the Dune world, or even just getting started.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome prequel with its own style.
Review: This book weaves an intricate storyline which not only stands fully on its own, but works in tantilizing glimpses of your favorite character's beginnings. A studly, fashionable Baron Harkonnen? A Harkonnen daughter? Oh yeah, the foundations for the Dune series come from believable, but unexpected directions. I pity those other reviewers who actually expected some kind of Dune 0.5 beta, rehash of what's already been written. I read this book in two days, I couldn't put it down.
Rating:
Summary: I didn't expect to enjoy this book, after all, it wasn't
Review: written by Frank Herbert, so how true to the series could it stay? But I was surprised. I loved the book. Frank Herbert's son, Brian, along with Kevin J Anderson did a great job of staying true to the series, and crafting a wonderful prequel. Seeing Duncan Idaho as a child, watching Leto lose his innocence and become a Duke, and learning why Baron Harkonnen became so physically impaired made for a wonderful read. I've got House Harkonnen sitting on my desk, ready to dive back in to Dune. Afterward, I plan to reread the whole series!
Rating:
Summary: Dune Virgin
Review: House atreides was the first Dune novel i ever read, Infact it was the first sci-fi book I ever read, Infact it was one of the first books i read since i left primary school ten years ago! I never imagined myself being so absorbed by a book, but it was this a book hundreds of pages of writing something id always ignored or perhaps been afraid of that had me captured. I was amazed by the way i really felt i was there had a vision in my mind of what all the charactures looked like, and had emotions that were based on the way the story opened up in front of me. Well anyway the imagination needed to create such a atmosphere to even the most illiterate of people speaks for itself. I am now reading house harkonnen and am once again enjoying two seperate lives! Thank you Frank and Brian herbert and not forgetting Kevin.j.Anderson.
Rating: 
Summary: First prequel has engaging plot but lacks style
Review: For a Dune fan, House Atreides is a fun read. You get to find out all sorts of interesting history about many of the great characters from the original. The plot is extremely complicated, but not so much that you can't understand what's going on. My main cricism with the book is that it lacks the depth and style of the original series by Frank Herbert. The writing style is simple - basically just plot and characters. There's not a whole lot of depth to any of the characters, and it lacks the philosophical and political insights of the original. Still, the storyline is engaging enough to keep you reading, and it's fun it find out some of the past events that led up to the original novel. You get to find out, for example, why the Baron is so fat (it's not just from eating too much, if that's what you're thiking). I think this is a worthy read for any Dune fan - but it should not be read before the original.
Rating:
Summary: Approach With an Open Mind
Review: Let me make one point straight away: this is not 'Dune', or any of it's sequels, in any way shape or form. Any fan of Frank Herbert expecting a seamless return to the world of Arrakis is going to be disappointed. Every aspect of the writing - pacing, plot, characterization - is a world away from the style and atmosphere created by Herbert Snr. Glaringly obvious clunkers like references to Cranberry juice and Feng Shui only highlight the depth of creation involved in the original series. Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson have set a tough task for themselves: writing a prequel to what I and many others believe is the greatest Science Fiction novel ever written. Not only do they have to keep the old fans interested but they have to attract a whole new group of devotees. This is achieved by a near excruciating amount of exposition that explains every unfamiliar term or plot point ('Dune' had Appendices for this role). Add to this the fact that the reader who has read 'Dune' already knows what the outcome of the prequel trilogy is going to be. It's not an enviable task. That 'Dune House Atreides' is readable at all is a miracle. If you approach this novel with an open mind you will find it is a reasonably enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: A Work in progress
Review: I'm sorely dissapointed in some of the Dune Fanatics who can't see beyond the end of their noses. The fist Dune book by Frank Herbert (go back and read it) seemed incredibly childish compared to Heritics and Chapterhouse. Franks writting ability got better and better the more he wrote. House Atreides is much better than Dune and not as good Franks later writtings, however, I'm willing to bet that like his father his skills will only improve with time. I kept expecting Kailea and Leto to fall in love only to have her murdered by the Harkonnens (or Leto's mother). And Rhombur in his grief to renounce politics and change his name to Gurney Hallek. Oh, well... there were some good plots that were quite enjoyable and I look forward to reading more. I'll probably stop and get House Harkonnen today. I'm not too familiar with Anderson so I don't know if he helped or hurt the book, but if Brian decides he need a different co-author he should look to Melody Higdon - she's excellent at dialog and character development.
Rating:
Summary: This was a good read...
Review: Don't pass on this one just because you're a Dune purist. It was enjoyable in its own right.
Rating:
Summary: Total Immersion
Review: Great read. This book captures something that the movie and TV special couldn't - the society of Dune. The original series of books was made great by the creation of worlds, with political intrigue mixed with action. This book also combines both. There is plenty of action, and at times you will not be able to put the book down, but there is also a lot of detail which gives great background into the various societies and worlds. The reader gts to know so much more about who the characters of the Dune series are and why the relationships were what they are. This book really shows that Frank Herbert had created more than what was actually written in Dune.
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