A review by alexiasp
Dune by Frank Herbert

challenging reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Literally, no one needs my review for Dune, but here we go—it's an interesting book for the concept, but I would not call it a pleasurable read. I enjoyed the politics, human-evolution theory, tense character relations, great villains, internal monologues, and one of the most intense fantasy scenes I have ever read:

Paul's scene in the tent, Jessica becoming Reverend Mother, Kynes' death scene.

. There were a few shocking moments

Alia killing the Baron

, but this Frank Herbert does not rely on the shock factor to keep you engaged. It is incredibly immersive due to how realistic the ecosystem of Arrakis feels, along with the traditions of its native people (Fremen).

It's also incredible how we were in the heads of all the characters, hearing almost all of their forthcoming plans, yet I still had no idea where the plot was going most of the time. It's unhinged—in a good way.

The writing is a bit convoluted, so I had trouble understanding some scenes, but not overly so. It is an approachable read for anyone with a good level of English speaking (unlike the second book).

Anyway, that's all my tiny memory can conjure right now.