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marieren's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jhanway's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
talne's review against another edition
2.0
Expectation often sets the tone for enjoyment. The first time I read Herbert's original Dune, I had almost no expectations beyond wanting a cool story. My friends and I were playing the PC game Dune 2000 at the time, and I wanted more. What I got was a complex and layered tale about politics, religion, freedom, ecology, and our relationship with those things. I admit, it wasn't until I was a bit older that I was able to fully appreciate the world Herbert built in Dune. But it has easily stood as my favorite science fiction novel.
With such a lasting impact that beget lofty expectations, any future novels not written by Frank Herbert may have been destined to be abject failures. Gone are the deep characters wrapped up in clever writing that makes you work for results. Instead, we're presented with a pretty safe adaptation of the Dune-verse. Characters are either good or bad, the authors feelings regarding good and bad things (torture, slavery, etc.) are a little too on the nose. There isn't much complexity here. After a bit, you know what you're going to get out of the novel. Good people trying to do good things for the good of the universe and....well you get the point. I enjoyed seeing the origination of the Great Houses of the Landsraad and the various factions and schools we've read about. It delves into the early rumblings of the spice market and the Fremen, and there are some decent action sections both in space on the ground.
In the end, the younger Herbert took the ideas his father carefully weaved together and made a mediocre space opera. If you loved the original series of novels and are interested in the greater Dune universe, it's a quick and easy read. If you're going into this expecting the next great science fiction novel, well we know what happens with high expectations.
With such a lasting impact that beget lofty expectations, any future novels not written by Frank Herbert may have been destined to be abject failures. Gone are the deep characters wrapped up in clever writing that makes you work for results. Instead, we're presented with a pretty safe adaptation of the Dune-verse. Characters are either good or bad, the authors feelings regarding good and bad things (torture, slavery, etc.) are a little too on the nose. There isn't much complexity here. After a bit, you know what you're going to get out of the novel. Good people trying to do good things for the good of the universe and....well you get the point. I enjoyed seeing the origination of the Great Houses of the Landsraad and the various factions and schools we've read about. It delves into the early rumblings of the spice market and the Fremen, and there are some decent action sections both in space on the ground.
In the end, the younger Herbert took the ideas his father carefully weaved together and made a mediocre space opera. If you loved the original series of novels and are interested in the greater Dune universe, it's a quick and easy read. If you're going into this expecting the next great science fiction novel, well we know what happens with high expectations.
eclark93's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rubynite's review against another edition
4.0
"Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start." My only exposure to the Dune series is the movies, and 'The Butlerian Jihad' was perfect for diving into the Dune books. I loved it and found myself gasping out loud in a few places. You'll get sand in places you didn't expect, so tune in and sand-surf away.
yates9's review against another edition
3.0
“Entertaining” story, that conveys a version of the Dune world albeit characters are often thin and the plot isn’t as compelling. I think it is a fun piece anyhow…
balfa76's review against another edition
3.0
It was very interesting reading. At first I was sceptical due to a history of the writers, type of books they were writing. And, first to clarify. If you expect this book to be in pair with original Dune, simply don't. It is different style different philosophy.
Now, saying this, book was very easy and pleasant to read. Especially if you are, as was I, interested in Dune history. On the other side it seemed to me that sort was rushing, to much things in so little time. As some, one could say horrific, events were to dismissive.
So, final conclusion is. If you are looking for the Dune books, avoid it. But if you are interested in Dune history and want some pleasant and interest read, I can recommend it.
Now, saying this, book was very easy and pleasant to read. Especially if you are, as was I, interested in Dune history. On the other side it seemed to me that sort was rushing, to much things in so little time. As some, one could say horrific, events were to dismissive.
So, final conclusion is. If you are looking for the Dune books, avoid it. But if you are interested in Dune history and want some pleasant and interest read, I can recommend it.
acousticeq's review against another edition
Writing style and narration too diffuse
michaeldebonis's review against another edition
2.0
Someone sort of threw this book and the following two in my lap and I am reading them. I have only read the original DUNE before. This book is obviously of no comparison to the original. The writing here is average. When I read the original DUNE I remember being fascinated by this ancient war between man and machines so it is kind of neat to go back there. There are some great battles. I also think it is fun to see the universe without "spice" travel, etc. If you are capable of lowering your expectations, I think it is a fun beach read.