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andreastopit's review against another edition
I finished the first book, but found I had no drive to continue with the trilogy. I didn't care enough for any if the characters to care what happened to them.
laurenkester's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
alexa_d90's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
agedmordorblue's review against another edition
4.0
Dune: 5
Dune Messiah: 3
Children of Dune: 3.5
Average of the three in one: 3.8 (4)
Anyway, I think Dune really is the shining jewel here with an appealing political plot, planetary awareness with an awesome dedication to all ecologists, various cultural influences, and relatable characters despite it playing eons in the future.
The second and third book break a bit with this, removing the human out of the story a bit. It all becomes more abstract and pseudo-philosophical at times. Nevertheless there is a nice overarching story about certainty, ambition, flawed leadership, and the dangers of totalitarian powers. The great variety of cultural influences is still neatly shown.
Overall, I especially recommend the first book. If the writing style and universe appeals to you, then the second and third ones are a neat addition.
Dune Messiah: 3
Children of Dune: 3.5
Average of the three in one: 3.8 (4)
Anyway, I think Dune really is the shining jewel here with an appealing political plot, planetary awareness with an awesome dedication to all ecologists, various cultural influences, and relatable characters despite it playing eons in the future.
The second and third book break a bit with this, removing the human out of the story a bit. It all becomes more abstract and pseudo-philosophical at times. Nevertheless there is a nice overarching story about certainty, ambition, flawed leadership, and the dangers of totalitarian powers. The great variety of cultural influences is still neatly shown.
Overall, I especially recommend the first book. If the writing style and universe appeals to you, then the second and third ones are a neat addition.
tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
‘In the week before their departure to Arrakis, when all the final scurrying about had reached a nearly unbearable frenzy, an old crone came to visit the mother of the boy, Paul.’
When I first read this sentence, over fifty years ago, I could not envisage that I would be drawn into a world which could hold my attention for so long. I’ve just reread the trilogy and it still holds much of its initial appeal.
The trilogy is set in the distant future on the desert planet of Arrakis. Arrakis is the source of spice (melange), the most valuable substance in the galaxy. Why? Spice is a mind enhancing drug which enables interstellar travel. Control of the trade is critical. The first novel opens as Duke Leto Atreides, his concubine the Lady Jessica and son Paul are about to travel to Arrakis (Dune). Not long after they arrive, the Duke is poisoned but Lady Jessica and Paul manage to escape into the desert. What follows (in the trilogy) is a multi-generational story of prophecy, adaptation, and survival.
One of the most important features of the trilogy is the interrelationship between the people and the environment. Dune was not always a desert, and some would like to see the desertification reversed. Is it possible? And at what cost? Moving from ecology to people: lineage is critical. Paul Atreides and his descendants are key.
The first book in the trilogy provides the world, the foundation for the remaining two books. While there is an inevitability in what follows, those books are important. Mysticism, a Messiah, and (naturally) self-interest all have a part to play.
I finished the trilogy and will start the second Dune trilogy soon.
‘You wonder how one could presume to educate such a person as yourself? You, with the knowledge of a multitude held there in your memories? That’s just it, you see! You think yourself educated, but all you are is a repository of dead lives. You don’t yet have a life of your own. You’re just a walking surfeit of others, all with one goal—to seek death.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
When I first read this sentence, over fifty years ago, I could not envisage that I would be drawn into a world which could hold my attention for so long. I’ve just reread the trilogy and it still holds much of its initial appeal.
The trilogy is set in the distant future on the desert planet of Arrakis. Arrakis is the source of spice (melange), the most valuable substance in the galaxy. Why? Spice is a mind enhancing drug which enables interstellar travel. Control of the trade is critical. The first novel opens as Duke Leto Atreides, his concubine the Lady Jessica and son Paul are about to travel to Arrakis (Dune). Not long after they arrive, the Duke is poisoned but Lady Jessica and Paul manage to escape into the desert. What follows (in the trilogy) is a multi-generational story of prophecy, adaptation, and survival.
One of the most important features of the trilogy is the interrelationship between the people and the environment. Dune was not always a desert, and some would like to see the desertification reversed. Is it possible? And at what cost? Moving from ecology to people: lineage is critical. Paul Atreides and his descendants are key.
The first book in the trilogy provides the world, the foundation for the remaining two books. While there is an inevitability in what follows, those books are important. Mysticism, a Messiah, and (naturally) self-interest all have a part to play.
I finished the trilogy and will start the second Dune trilogy soon.
‘You wonder how one could presume to educate such a person as yourself? You, with the knowledge of a multitude held there in your memories? That’s just it, you see! You think yourself educated, but all you are is a repository of dead lives. You don’t yet have a life of your own. You’re just a walking surfeit of others, all with one goal—to seek death.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
girlwhon3rds's review against another edition
5.0
I can see why these have stood the test of time, you can see their influence on the sci-fi genre in almost every popular sci-fi property for the next 20-30 years!
bryanfox's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
sohva's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0