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A review by choff
Dune by Frank Herbert
4.0
3.5ish (maybe 3.75) rounded up to 4 stars
If I viewed this book from the perspective of where it stands in the "history of sci-fi", and how much of a trailblazer it was in that regard, I might have given it the clean 4 -- but I'd much rather judge it solely on the merits of the book.
There are two things Herbert seems to greatly enjoy writing -- political squabble and biologically accurate world building/planetary elements. Dialogue between characters is unique and well written. Descriptions of the world that is Arrakis are meticulous enough to evoke feelings akin to reading a textbook about a country you've never heard of.
Outside of these two primary concepts, Dune fell slightly short to me. Multiple times, I found myself longing for just... more story? Time would cut, locations would change, perspectives cut short, and I'd walk away deeply curious for everything that actually *did* happen in between those windows.
The last 70 pages are a shining example of what Dune "could have been" to be a 4.5, or even perfect 5 star book. Without getting into any spoiler territory, I'd honestly argue that the book is worth a read to get through to that point -- especially if you pay close attention while reading until that point.
If I viewed this book from the perspective of where it stands in the "history of sci-fi", and how much of a trailblazer it was in that regard, I might have given it the clean 4 -- but I'd much rather judge it solely on the merits of the book.
There are two things Herbert seems to greatly enjoy writing -- political squabble and biologically accurate world building/planetary elements. Dialogue between characters is unique and well written. Descriptions of the world that is Arrakis are meticulous enough to evoke feelings akin to reading a textbook about a country you've never heard of.
Outside of these two primary concepts, Dune fell slightly short to me. Multiple times, I found myself longing for just... more story? Time would cut, locations would change, perspectives cut short, and I'd walk away deeply curious for everything that actually *did* happen in between those windows.
The last 70 pages are a shining example of what Dune "could have been" to be a 4.5, or even perfect 5 star book. Without getting into any spoiler territory, I'd honestly argue that the book is worth a read to get through to that point -- especially if you pay close attention while reading until that point.