Space Opera Fans discussion

So, I wanted to open up a discussion on the Schools of Dune books. Anyone got some thoughts? I did not like sisterhood of dune on its own, but as a compilation, I thought they were good.

I read Sisterhood of Dune a long, long time ago. I liked it okay, but not enough to go on and read any more in that compilation. Though, at the time, I was awfully busy in school :-)

I've only read the first Dune book.

I have avoided the books because I could reasonably extrapolate what happened between The Battle of Corrin and House Atreides. Is there anything vital in any of the Schools books that is worth reading about?

Brandon wrote: "I have avoided the books because I could reasonably extrapolate what happened between The Battle of Corrin and House Atreides. Is there anything vital in any of the Schools books that is worth read..."

I don't really read books for whether they're vital.

If you like, replace the word "vital" with "cool and interesting." In the context of a series of books, I like a new addition to do more than just tread water. It should add something to the whole, or why bother?

Yeah I am starting to deal with that a lot definitely on the "second" book of trilogies etc. Quite annoying. But...I am still excited about the new one.

Matthew wrote: "So, I wanted to open up a discussion on the Schools of Dune books. Anyone got some thoughts? I did not like sisterhood of dune on its own, but as a compilation, I thought they were good."

I enjoyed it and found the background of the bene gesserit to be interesting. the same thing with the Mentats school book. They lacks the depth and writing ability of Frank Herbert's original Dune. Most people want to compare the new books to that. I read and rate them based on what is offered and not as comparison to Frank Herbert's more cerebral writing style.

I have Navigator but haven't had the opportunity to read it yet.

I liked navigators and the early books. Thanks for your thoughts! I have moved on to the HOUSE books and I dont think they are as good as these school books.

I've been wanting to read all the Dune books from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. I've read all of Frank Herbet's Dune books. My favorite is Heretics of Dune. The newer books are on my book shelf—across from my desk—and they are staring at me every time I sit at my desk. They want me to read them. LOL. I've just been too busy writing my own space operas that I have not had the time. I even have the newer Tales of Dune in paperback, finally. I really like the cover artwork of the Schools of Dunes series. When I get around to reading them, I'm sure they will be good. How would you guys compare Brian and Kevin's writing to Franks?

The B. Herbert/Anderson books are much more plot-oriented and less introspective compared to Frank's. I find them to be interesting explorations of the story and universe that Frank set up.

The newer Dume books are a pale, saint shadow of the originals. The first trilogy (House Atreides/Corrino/Harkonnen) were awful and as far as I know it just goes downhill from there.

If you liked “Heretics of Dune” I would suggest you never open the other books and really you won’t have missed much.

Then again, YMMV (your mileage may vary).