Such was the saga’s breadth, depth, and complexity that it was ranked alongside that epic tome by Frank Herbert’s fellow science fiction writer.
It certainly is an intricately woven mosaic of characters, worlds, and times. Frank Herbert wrote the first six books and after his death his son, Brian took up the mantle with Kevin J. Anderson.
The original book was awarded the Hugo Award in 1966 and the inaugural Nebula Award for Best Novel.
It is often cited as the world’s best-selling science fiction novel. Unfortunately, the first Dune movie was not well received and flopped at the box office.
Denis Villeneuve’s more recent adaptation of the book has been more successful and received six Academy Award nominations. The second movie will be released in 2023.
About Dune
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Dune is set in the far future. It is the story of an intergalactic feudal society in which noble families fight for power, political influence, and resources.
The House of Atreides takes control of the planet Arrakis, a brutal, barren place but with an important resource.
Arrakis is the only place where melange, a psychoactive substance also called ‘spice’ can be mined.
This drug allows humanity to unlock their minds and achieve things that would be impossible without it.
The planet is inhabited by giant sandworms and a race of people known as Fremen who have learned to survive in its inhospitable environment with water as their most valued resource and currency.
When a House of Atreides descendant, Paul is marked as a possible messiah to lead the galaxy to a new era it sparks a war of epic proportions.
Paul Atreides has disappeared and Alia, his younger sister has assumed rule of the Empire. But it is his twin children’s supernormal abilities that she wants to manipulate in order to cement her position and fend off her enemies.
More than 3,500 years into the future and Arrakis is no longer a desolate desert, it is full of life. This is more than can be said for Leto Atreides, son of Emperor Paul Muad’Dib.
Despite sacrificing his humanity to save humankind’s future, his rule is far from benevolent.
House Corrino is the third Dune prequel and centers on Shaddam Corrino IV, Emperor of the Known Universe.
He has caused the overthrow of powerful families while raising others to power, playing a galactic game of chess in his efforts to create a substitute for melange.
The Battle of Corrin is the last installment of the history of Dune. It brings the pieces of the story together for what will be the basis of the Dune series.
The story also lays the foundation for the all-consuming feud between the Houses of Atreides and Harkonnen.
Pros
Gives good background knowledge for the original books
In this story, the heroes of the Hunters of Dune meet the enemy who followed the Honored Matres back to their universe.
The thinking machines, once exiled, are back and the human race is once again threatened with annihilation. Can these heroes save humanity?
Pros
Closes out the Dune saga, tying up plot threads
Cons
The richness of the original Dune books is missing
Final Thoughts
The Dune series of books, or at least, the first six written by Frank Herbert have been acclaimed as some of the best science fiction writing of all time.
As we have seen, even the distinguished Arthur C. Clarke thought highly of his accomplishments.
Unfortunately, before he could write a seventh novel Frank passed away.
He did however leave behind notes and outlines that his son, Brian took up in order to continue the Dune series.
Much, in the same way, J.R.R. Tolkien’s son Christopher did with the Silmarillion.
But despite the notes and outlines many people feel that Brian Herbert wasn’t able to match the writing of his late father.
Of course, he didn’t work alone but with the help of Kevin J. Anderson. Together they continued the saga of Dune to the point of writing prequels.
It is perhaps unfair to expect the same level of literary accomplishment from Brian Herbert when his father’s work was so widely esteemed. The mantle passed to him was very heavy.
The best way to enjoy the books is to acknowledge that the characters, locations, and events may be familiar, but the writing may not be.
Accepting this fact will allow the reader to enjoy the stories for what they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dune A Trilogy Or Six Books?
Frank Herbert wrote the first six books. The first three cover the characters and their families over two generations, the next three jump forward thousands of years to a new era.
What Order Should The Dune Books Be Read In?
The Dune books can be read in the order of their publication, starting with the first novel in 1965 and ending with the closing of the saga in the Sandworms of Dune.
Should I Only Read The First Three Dune Books?
The first three books can of course be read without the need to continue reading the rest of the series. But books four to six expand on the Dune universe and its characters and events.
Is Dune A Difficult Read?
No one can claim that Dune is a series that can be read and understood with ease. Frank Herbert developed an intricate universe of religion, politics, philosophy, and ecology
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