Probably the greatest Sci Fi novel ever written.
938325
The story is original, and like no other.  Heinlein is the master, like no other.  If you read one Sci Fi Novel in your life, this may be the one you should read.  Why oh why can't they make this into a movie?
3808188
Frank Herbert's novel 'Dune,' ranks among the great works of fiction and  is perhaps the greatest of it's genre.  The novel is a subtle but effective  weaving together of political intrigue, heart-racing action, intense story,  and incredably well-drawn characters.  Paul Atredies, the young son of the  Duke Leto, and his family are removed from their home world of Calidan to  oversee operations on the desert world of Arrakis, or as it is better  known, Dune.  The story that follows sees Paul grow not only into a man,  but into a super-human being capable of destroying the hated enemies of the  Atredies, the evil Harkonnen.  Herbert's understanding of human nature  serves him well in this novel and his concerns about our own ecology are  apparent.  Like Asimov's 'Foundation,' series and the 'Childe Cycle' of  Gorden R. Dickson, Herbert's 'Dune' is a classic of Science Fiction that  will ignite any reader's imagination.
3597907
I give Frank Herbert's DUNE five stars not because I belong to any small group of overzealous supporters, but because it is honestly one of the finest science-fiction novels I have ever read.
DUNE combines the best of "golden-age" science fiction. (space opera, emperors, genetic supermen) with the technological believability of the 60's New Wave . Although Herbert's writing is plodding and stilted, the reader is ultimately kept reading to learn more about the byzantine politics of the Imperium and the wonderfully portrayed environment of the desert planet Arrakis.
Another reason the book deserves notice is because it is appealing to all ages, much like the works of Mark Twain. I read DUNE for the first time as a 10-year old and again ten years later, seeing the plot from a different angle but no less impressed with Herbert's world building.
Granted, a lot of people are going to be put off by the prose, but the plot machinations and futuristic-but-feudal society make the book fantastic. And the setting is extremely original. As the reviewer below pointed out, the planet is really the main character.
3052480
This is possibly the most beautiful movie score ever written, perfect to accompany a scifi movie that ranks with the likes of such masterpieces as "2001:  A Space Odyssey".

Words cannot describe this score.  Just buy it and listen for yourself.
70891
It is no wonder that this novel is on all five military academy's read list, this is a fantastic novel. It should be required reading for anyone entering politics as well. This is a true classic of military sci-fi. The story is good and rather straight forward and you can enjoy it for the story or look deeper into it. A number of people have used this novel to show Heinlein was pushing one political philosophy or another, and there are a number of political rants in the novel, but it is not necessary to read so deep into it. The rants can be a bit boring but these really add to the overall understanding of the world Starship Troops exist in. A true classic and one everyone will enjoy.
1539330
No other sci-fi story will even come close to surpassing this amazing story.  I could not put it down.  This book will remain in my collection forever.  I recommend this book to anyone interested in sci-fi or military  novels.
4777338
This is one of the best Science Fiction novels ever written. It offers unique insight on the role of gender and the role technology plays in cultureshock. It's not full of gizmos and unrealistic FTL drives like Star Trek, but it's great sci-fi despite that, well, perhaps because of it.

A race of humans that regularly changes gender every 26 days...The book delivers on that fascinating promise of behavioural fiction. Some of the politics is certainly cold-war era stuff. But that's a very small part of the book. The frozen landscape of the planet Gethen is one that has stayed with me, much like the Mars of the Barsoom Series.
4395946
As readers of science-fiction, we have been treated to many novels about our famous red neighbor over the years.  Whether it be the invading conqueror of H.G. Wells' or the blood and thunder pulp of Burroughs, or even the more scienfitic approaches of Bova or Bear, Mars always seems to fascinate the human mind, holding on and never letting go.

With that said, Red Mars is the best novel written on the subject of colonization.  Robinson must have spent years researching this novel, and it shows in every page, as every detail is correct and meticulous.  His story of a hundred colonists selected to start our next frontier is riveting, and Robinson creates rounded characters with their own hopes, fears, and quirks.  They orbit each other, loving, distrusting, hating, always moving back and forth as the years roll on.  The planet changes them in ways they could never suspect.  That's one aspect of this novel.

As always, Earth is never far behind, and Robinson also embroils us in the politics of our world, taking our pettiness and applying it to an entire planet, more interested in the bottom line than scientific research and human exploration.  And yet, through all of this, Robinson is speaking, telling us how colonization could be done, how it should be done, in his writing that's second to none.

Everything in this book shuffles together to create a mosiac of the future.  Red Mars is about Mars, it's about colonists, it's about humanity, about people, about hope, about dreams.  I defy anyone to get past the engrossing beginning and not want to read the novel, or to avoid taking sides during the terraforming arguments.  This novel is a classic work and remains among, if not the, best novel Kim Stanley Robinson has ever written
569
this is one of my all time favorite sci fi books.  i am just now buying it for a friend.  i first read it in high school, and i am now 68.  so you know it's a great book if someone remembers it for that long.  i also really liked "city at the edge of the world".  and almost all PKDick.

if you are looking to read a thought provoking, well written, sci fi book, this is it.  i only wonder why there has never been a movie from this book. i think that would be great.
1280240
Undoubtly, Frank Herbert's DUNE is an undisputed science fiction classic. A masterly crafted tale of adventure combining romance, politics, religion, ecology, intrigue, and space opera into a grand epic. At 22 hours on 18 discs, it might seem a bit long, but you owe it to youself to get this if you like the book. Excellant narrators, accompanied by an accomplished cast transport the listener to the exotic world of Arrakis and all the adventure within. Besides...ever tried to read a book on a bicycle?
3825091
Dune, Frank Herbert's Masterpiece, is a Literary Achievment, and, in my opinion, the greatest Science Fiction Novel of all time.  Set in the future, this novel covers themes ranging from politics to economics, religion and philosphy to environmentalism.  In other words, Herbert is a genius and you will be able to tell this within the first few pages.
The central theme is that of messianic religions, and the effects of such.  Because of the fact that Paul Attredies (the main character) is a messiah, we get to see his point of view on being one.  Herbert deals extensively with the feelings such a person might feel about having a fate which is unaviodable.
The characters Herbert created are outstanding.  You'll hate the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and love Paul.  You'll be intrigued by the guildsmen and in awe of the Bene Geseritt.
If you like dense plots, this is the book for you.  There are more layers to this novel than you can count on both hands.  I should warn you that you will miss many many things after the first reading.  I recently finished reading it for the third time and I was still discovering new themes,new ideas. IF you have not yet read it, Dune is a Masterpiece and should be a part of your collection.
3588917
This book is far and beyond one of my favorite books of all time. Anyone who enjoys scifi should read this book.
1908056
I tried to get through this book as a young person...to no avail. However, with the advent of recorded books, a whole new world has been opened up to me. Dune; probably one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written, really comes to life in this audio cd. Herbert's characters are amazingly developed and while the pace may not be to everyone's liking (slow), it is deliberate and those who listen to the end will be well-rewarded. It prompted me to purchase all of the other Frank Herbert Dune novels. (Not any of his offspring's). Glad I did.
Highly recommended.
1464061
I have always seen this book listed as some of the top sci-fi of all time, but was always hesitant to try reading it due to how crappy the movie was. I could not have been more wrong about how this book would be. For me to call something epic, it must truly be epic. Frank Herbert created an amazing and deep world in this book with immensely life like characters. The depth he went into describing the technology and daily lives of the Freman was astounding. This book is down right amazing, everyone should read it at least once.
4769080
I could not put this book down.  Without a doubt, this is one the greatest books I have ever read.  It combines science fiction, fantasy, action, suspense, and a little bit of psychology into a great package.  Crichton does an unbelievable job with this book.
Basically, a weird type of ship is found on the bottom of the floor.  Is it an alien ship?  Is it human?  Who knows?  What secrets does it possess?  Oh, it has quite a bit of excitement though.  I could not give away anything else without giving away the plot, and I wouldn't dare.
I started this book on a Sunday afternoon, and finished it on a Sunday night.  I skipped laundry, I skipped dinner - heck, I even skipped the Simpsons.  The only flaw I could find in this book was that it was too good, and I couldn't put it away.
I've never seen the movie, nor would I want to, because no movie could do this book justice.  I highly recommend skipping the movie and go straight to the book.  In fact, I'm going to stop the review so you can order the book now.
3399824
I am the brother of the owner of this kindle. I will say that this book is one of the best sci-fi books I have ever read. It is a true work of art but it is nothing less then I would expect from this amazing author. I would recommend this book to anyone.

mature ten year olds up to teens and beyond. I could go on and on about this book but I will sum it up in one word, amazing!
4516233
I'm a Sci-Fi fan and this book is one of the only ones I've read multiple times. It truly is a masterpiece regardless of what your opinions may be of the author. The story keeps on developing and getting better and better. It's a unique standalone novel worth reading for any Sci-Fi fan. Btw, it's nothing like the movie which was awful.