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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
Another reading of a classic. Again stop and only read the 1st.
Well worth anyone's time.
Well worth anyone's time.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was my second read, but my first was via audiobook, so this time around was like reading it for the first time. I couldn’t believe how quick 600 pages went. It felt like the story never slowed down. I love glimpsing the inner world of each character, it isn’t just told from one perspective. Stellar fantasy. Everything I want in a novel.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Pretty solid read, and I can see why it was such an influential book in its time. It’s got some interesting world building and concepts. I really liked the ending and how Paul became kind of an asshole but also was powerful and Alia is my favorite.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5/5 Stars
Format: Trade Paperback
Spoilers: No
Dune is obviously a sci-fi classic, and I hated the recent films before reading the book. usually, something being a classic and having seen the movie adaptation ahead of time takes some of the luster off of things for me, however this was not the case for Dune. This wound up being one of my favorite books of the year!
First, I want to touch on the writing. I have seen some reviews where this gets bashed a bit, and I genuinely don't see it. I thought the writing style was varied, and depended upon the scene and character, which made things interesting. Sometimes poetic, sometimes utilitarian, and sometimes biblical, I found the writing to be excellent. Herbert does a fantastic job with his world building as well, painting a rich tapestry of the worlds in which we are spending time.
I also really enjoyed the science - this is not just "spaceships and aliens" sci fi. We learn about Arrakis, its ecology, and the plans to try to change the planetary weather. To be in a world where AI is forbidden made for a fun mix of technological warfare that also included hand to hand knife based combat.
I was also impressed with the many layers of thematic exploration in Dune. The political maneuvering between the emperor, t6he great houses, the guild, and the spice trade was fascinating. We have obvious themes about religion and the subjugation of the masses with messianic prophecy, the Bene Gesserit manipulating prophecy and genetics to run the universe behind the scenes and bring about the Kwisatz Haderach. And of course, how a hero may be the worst thing that can happen to us (As Dr. Liet-Kynes said, "No more terrible disaster could befall your people then for them to fall into the hands of a Hero").
I am excited to get into book 2, and I will definitely be revisiting Dune down the road to explore some of these themes more in depth. If you like political intrigue, science fiction with actual science, some philosophy, and a multilayered story set against a magnificently built backdrop, you need to check out Dune.
Format: Trade Paperback
Spoilers: No
Dune is obviously a sci-fi classic, and I hated the recent films before reading the book. usually, something being a classic and having seen the movie adaptation ahead of time takes some of the luster off of things for me, however this was not the case for Dune. This wound up being one of my favorite books of the year!
First, I want to touch on the writing. I have seen some reviews where this gets bashed a bit, and I genuinely don't see it. I thought the writing style was varied, and depended upon the scene and character, which made things interesting. Sometimes poetic, sometimes utilitarian, and sometimes biblical, I found the writing to be excellent. Herbert does a fantastic job with his world building as well, painting a rich tapestry of the worlds in which we are spending time.
I also really enjoyed the science - this is not just "spaceships and aliens" sci fi. We learn about Arrakis, its ecology, and the plans to try to change the planetary weather. To be in a world where AI is forbidden made for a fun mix of technological warfare that also included hand to hand knife based combat.
I was also impressed with the many layers of thematic exploration in Dune. The political maneuvering between the emperor, t6he great houses, the guild, and the spice trade was fascinating. We have obvious themes about religion and the subjugation of the masses with messianic prophecy, the Bene Gesserit manipulating prophecy and genetics to run the universe behind the scenes and bring about the Kwisatz Haderach. And of course, how a hero may be the worst thing that can happen to us (As Dr. Liet-Kynes said, "No more terrible disaster could befall your people then for them to fall into the hands of a Hero").
I am excited to get into book 2, and I will definitely be revisiting Dune down the road to explore some of these themes more in depth. If you like political intrigue, science fiction with actual science, some philosophy, and a multilayered story set against a magnificently built backdrop, you need to check out Dune.
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love the dune world, however I did find this book very difficult to get through. I eventually listened to the audiobook which was much more manageable. It's just so complex, it will definitely need a re-read.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes