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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
I thought this was very good. The complex political intrigue of Dune as created by Frank Herbert is there. It also lacks the mystical flavor that I found distracting in Herberts Dune sequals. (Yes, I know, I've just committed a sacriledge). I found Brian Herbert's prequal offerings to be more approachable than Frank Herberts sequals to the genious of Dune.
The first in a series of prequels to Frank Herbert’s Dune hexad, published 14 years after Chapterhouse: Dune. Set approximately 35 years prior to Dune the reader is introduced to a universe ruled by Padishah Emperor Elrood Corrino IX, father of Imperial Crown Prince Shaddam Corrino IV. The honourable and well-respected Duke Paulus Atreides is ruler of his Great House and is residing on Caladan with his wife (Lady Helena) and son (Leto I). Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is ruler of Giedi Prime and is Governor of Arrakis.
The novel follows many interweaving plotlines. The end of the reign of Elrood IX and the genesis of Shaddam IV. The dawn of the terraforming of Arrakis, initiated by Imperial Planetologist Pardot Kynes and supported by the Fremen. The origin story of Duncan Idaho and how he became a key figure within House Corrino. The conception of Paul Atreides’ mother via the Bene Gesserit Breeding Programme. The reasons for the venom between House Atreides and House Harkonnen. The overthrow of House Vernius by the Tleilexu and their subsequent occupation of the planet Ix.
Some reviews have dismissed this book as nothing more than feeble fanfiction. The exclusion of the esoteric and philosophical elements of the original Dune series lead to a more plot-based and fundamentally entertaining read. Perhaps the lack of such aspects is a problem for some readers. This reader would rather enjoy a coherent, decipherable plot.
The authors’ passion for the original series is obvious and the attention to detail throughout this book is highly developed. Dune: House Atreides is ultimately enjoyable in its simplicity.
The novel follows many interweaving plotlines. The end of the reign of Elrood IX and the genesis of Shaddam IV. The dawn of the terraforming of Arrakis, initiated by Imperial Planetologist Pardot Kynes and supported by the Fremen. The origin story of Duncan Idaho and how he became a key figure within House Corrino. The conception of Paul Atreides’ mother via the Bene Gesserit Breeding Programme. The reasons for the venom between House Atreides and House Harkonnen. The overthrow of House Vernius by the Tleilexu and their subsequent occupation of the planet Ix.
Some reviews have dismissed this book as nothing more than feeble fanfiction. The exclusion of the esoteric and philosophical elements of the original Dune series lead to a more plot-based and fundamentally entertaining read. Perhaps the lack of such aspects is a problem for some readers. This reader would rather enjoy a coherent, decipherable plot.
The authors’ passion for the original series is obvious and the attention to detail throughout this book is highly developed. Dune: House Atreides is ultimately enjoyable in its simplicity.
Some interesting moments overall I kind of liked it, but maybe I just thirst for Herbert Sr.'s universe!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
In Dune: House Atreides, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson attempt to lay the groundwork for Frank Herbert's original Dune series. Many other readers say the House prequels don't compare but I think they do a decent job of it. The writing style is admittedly more accessible and engaging, but it does lack the particular mood and quality of the original works and perhaps a lack of continuity. Still, this book was infused with many of the lessons and themes of Frank's original books which I found valuable, and to be fair it is quite a daunting task to do justice to such monumental world-building as Frank Herbert did in his original works. In fact, Brian describes in the Afterword that he himself was hesitant to even attempt it. I still can't get over the level of immensity, complexity, and wisdom that Frank built into the Dune universe.
I don't know why there's so much animosity towards Brian Herbert for adding novels to the Dune universe. I've read all six of the originals. Though the first was quite good, my favourite is by far God Emperor of Dune. In general, though, Frank's novels were saturated with dialogue and in many cases, I would say, far too much. House Atreides cuts down on the excessive dialogue and includes more action. The characters, houses, and guilds are all introduced and described (maybe too often) in House Atreides so familiarity with the originals is not necessary. In fact, I wonder what it would be like to read the preludes first, not knowing if Duke Leto will survive. In any case, I'm looking forward to reading all of Brian's Dune novels, maybe three a year.
I really enjoyed Duncan Idaho's backstory and it was fun seeing the lesser explored planet of Ix, however the bulk of the narrative is more a case of watching the dominos being set up rather than watching them fall.
I raced through this. I like Duncan Idaho and he has a big subplot in this volume of dune prequel. I like imagining young Jason momoa standing up to the man. You go Jase.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My main issue with this book is that every character feels like they are playing out their archetypes and never stray from them. The characters needed more depth.