Dune

by Frank Herbert

Frank Herbert's classic masterpiece--a triumph of the imagination and one of the bestselling science fiction novels of all time.

Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides--who would become known as Maud'Dib--and of a great family's ambition to bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream.

A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.

Genres: Fiction

687 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2021

About the author

Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. was an American science fiction author best known for the 1965 novel Dune and its five sequels. Though he became famous for his novels, he also wrote short stories and worked as a newspaper journalist, photographer, book reviewer, ecological consultant, and lecturer.

The Dune saga, set in the distant future, and taking place over millennia, explores complex themes, such as the long-term survival of the human species, human evolution, planetary science and ecology, and the intersection of religion, politics, economics and power in a future where humanity has long since developed interstellar travel and settled many thousands of worlds. Dune is the best-selling science fiction novel of all time, and the entire series is considered to be among the classics of the genre.

Reviews

[Kacie Darden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved reading SciFi and fantasy, and as I started this year, I wanted the chance to read a classic that I had never taken the time to read. The world-building is expansive, which make for an immersive story, but also a long first couple hundred pages. After finishing this book, I almost feel like I need to pick it back up and read it again now that I understand the world better. Ultimately, I did love the world Herbert built, even with the tough start, and look forward to reading more of them.

[Taylor Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hell of an intense read - and one I may not have fully understood had I not watched the first two movies prior to reading the book. Incredibly detailed and well written. Even though it was a long book, it felt like it was incredibly easy to read and get through. There were so many small details that I wish had been included in the movies, but I am still excited to continue to read the rest of the series.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I give it more of a 3.5/5 stars, but closer to a four than a three.

I think I could ramble about a lot of the things within Dune that I did not understand the meaning or purpose of. However, it took me awhile to read this and I feel like my memory failed me. I think a reread would help my understanding.

Some of the things I’d love to write a 10 page research paper on:
1. I get icky boy mom vibes from Lady Jessica, but I’m really conflicted on if my interpretation of said vibes was correct.
2. Herbert’s quickness in promoting child marriage and parenthood.
3. Why the heck you making baby duke get circumcised only to kill him off ??

The women within this story are written remarkably well. Herbert presents a well-thought out balance of their strengths and weaknesses, but he doesn’t stop at that. He uses these strengths and weaknesses as influential elements to his storyline. I think this is what held my interest the most. I found myself admiring their confidence and valor.

I do think the book is longer than needed with a lot of issues with the pacing, but overall, I enjoyed reading it!

[thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a science-fiction masterpiece of genius writing. This book is the only book in a very long time in which I actually struggled to put it down. One aspect of the writing that I particularly loved was the utilization of Paul’s foresight and perception to make the reader have a layered understanding of the plot. Additionally, I loved the directness of Paul’s foresight; the images he sees aren’t drawn out to create suspense, they’re just stated as fact which make the reader experience the same apprehension as Paul. There were multiple moments throughout the book where I was genuinely anxious for the characters, especially the fight between Paul and Feyd-Rautha in the final chapter. Altogether, a fantastic book showcasing a captivating world that I’m looking forward to exploring and leaning more about.

[Raphael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried, I really did.

Maybe it's because I read a lot of YA, but it was impossible to follow. World building is so immense, Ill say that, but you get thrown into it so violently you don't know half of the terms and are just flipping back to the index just to find out what the hell is going on.
I was like well, its a classic, and with the amazing movie, I thought I'd give it a try.
It may have been the grounds for modern Sci-fi and Fantasy, but that doesn't mean I have to read it.

[Hrishikesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enthralling works of sci-fi space opera series I’ve read. Stunningly immersive world building with exceptional character development.

[Sophia Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

what are we, some kind of… dune?

[Keegan Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's good.