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A review by mrzakdaiq
Dune by Frank Herbert
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I liked it but definitely did not love it. There is a tremendous amount of exposition given throughout Part I and II that I'm not sure was worth the payoff in Part III (finale). I was enthralled in many instances where the narrative hit the accelerator: the climax of part I, the intricacies of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen's deception and motivation, the ways of the Fremen and learning the truths of the Bene Gesserit. Though, the highs were never really that high.
The biggest weakness, for me, was the detached characters that I felt very little for. Between moments of story peaks, I would've expected more connections established between the protagonists. More deliverance of pathos to the reader. The only ones that really resonated were side piece Gurney Halleck and surprisingly the antagonist Baron Harkonnen himself. It is interesting that I see it this way as both seem to represent the opposing sides of moral character.
Despite my criticism, the ending was decent enough with my strongest appreciation for the entire book being the very captivating political shenanigans finally coming to a head. It was not perfect but I enjoyed the tension both characters and I felt during that last chapter.
The biggest weakness, for me, was the detached characters that I felt very little for. Between moments of story peaks, I would've expected more connections established between the protagonists. More deliverance of pathos to the reader. The only ones that really resonated were side piece Gurney Halleck and surprisingly the antagonist Baron Harkonnen himself. It is interesting that I see it this way as both seem to represent the opposing sides of moral character.
Despite my criticism, the ending was decent enough with my strongest appreciation for the entire book being the very captivating political shenanigans finally coming to a head. It was not perfect but I enjoyed the tension both characters and I felt during that last chapter.