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A review by drewtendo64
House Atreides by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
4.0
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.