Dune was a great read the first time I read the book
924111
Dune was a great read the first time I read the book, before seeing the movie in a theater when it first came out, and the book is still a great read. Its the first environmentally conscious sci-fi story I can remember reading. There are a lot of made up words in the story. Wikipedia repeatedly referenced Frank Herbert when I looked up words. The Terminology of the Imperium at the back of the book has about 300 made up names and words in it. I never read past Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, but for readers who want more Frank Herberts son and Kevin J. Anderson are still writing Dune books.

The first Dune movie didn't measure up to my expectations. Instead of watching it I recommend two excellent miniseries starring Alec Newman, Dune (2000) and Children of Dune (2003).

Sci-fi and fantasy authors I like include Douglas Adams, Taylor Anderson, Isaac Asimov, Paolo Bacigalupi, Ray Bradbury, Jack Campbell, Orson Scott Card, Arthur C. Clarke, Earnest Cline, Suzanne Collins, Abe Evergreen, Diana Galbadon, William R. Forstchen, Joe Haldeman, Robert A. Heinlein, Frank Herbert, Hugh Howey, George Martin, Larry Niven, Andre Norton, George Orwell, Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, John Scalzi, John Steakley, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Andy Weir.

Starship Troopers (1959) (not like the movie) by Robert A. Heinlein is the book that got me started in sci-fi adventures, and has remained one of my top five favorite military science fiction adventure stories for decades. The Forever War (1974) by Joe Haldeman, Armor (1984) by John Steakley, Enders Game (1985) by Orson Scott Card, and Old Mans War (2005) by John Scalzi, round out my top five military sci-fi adventure stories.
4665034
There are many reviews here that say a lot of the things about how I feel about this book. So there's little to add, read some of the reviews, but I must warn you they might be a bit of a spoiler if you want to be totally surprised at what the DUNE epic has to unfold.

If you like to read a book that makes you think a lot yet at the same time keeps you intrigued, thrilled gripping the edge of the seat almost like a wild roller coaster, this book is fantastic. This is my 3rd time reading it, and I'm unfolding plots and mysteries I did not notice before.

I've read many works of fiction and few authors can do what Frank Herbert has done. He has intricately created so many layers of stories in a different universe that is so consistent, it almost feels like you're reading history mixed with scientific exposition.

I've given this book to several people as gifts hoping they'd enjoy it as much as I did. For informational purposes I'm not a hardcose scifi fan, I've read books by or like LOTR, HMS Ulysses, Jeffrey Archer, John Grisham, Agathe Christie, Oscar Wilde, Dick Francis, Alistair Maclean and many more, but Frank Herbert is on a different level.
2213614
The major thing that can be said about "God Emperor of Dune" by Frank Herbert is that although it isn't one of your usual sci-fi stories, and would certainly be termed an unsuccessful book by modern novel  standards (as an example of what you shouldn't do in a modern novel  today-i.e. more narration and description instead of more action (that  readers nowadays demand), what is the magic that Frank Herbert creates in  this most unusual book is that he compels you through his gifted writing  skill and most unique and multifaceted character of Leto II to continue  reading to find out more about Leto and his world, and especially near the  end-what happens to Leto once these plots within plots have been set in  motion.
This was the first Dune book in the series I felt that I (with my  limited knowledge of politics and economics and religious allegories) could  understand the workings of this universe better than even the first three  books. And felt I understood more of what was going on and what was trying  to be accomplished by all of the factions now being held under one ruler,  the worm-god emperor of Leto II.
The story itself remained a bit  implausible in my mind as to how this one bizarre creature, part man and  part worm, could hold together this vast empire under his rule for so long.  It worked mainly for me because I remembered history not too long ago with  another almost god-emperor worshipped by the masses-of Hitler's Germany,  and in the near-indestructableness of Leto II in his worm-encased  body.
For one reader out there who can't be typified or quantified in the  usual generalization of "modern reader", as one who prefers the  intellectual workings of the mind and character instead of merely the  actions of one, I enjoyed "God Emperor of Dune" immensely, and  found it one of the most satisfying novels I have ever read.
3607845
The first time I read this book, it was a trial to get through. Of course, I was 16 at the time. I recently re-read it and enjoyed it a lot more the second time around. The main problem I would cite is that it seems too  episodic, as if the many things that happen to the giantship are unrelated  and just serve to fill the book up as much as possible. Linden is the focus  of this story, as she is most of the second Trilogy, so don't wait for  Covenant to get into the action. He spends a good portion of the book out  of it.
2181243
Hondo was a great reread. Ive read the story before, back in the 80s or 90s. I used to read a lot of Louis LAmour and Zane Grey. This year Ive been buying audiobooks so I can listen to their stories while Im driving.

The story is told third person past tense from multiple points of view, Hondo Lane, Mrs. Angie Lowe, Lt. Creyton C. Davis, Major Sherry, El Lowe, Sergeant Young, and even the dogs, Sams, point of view. The only criticism I can think of is the way they fistfight in the story. If youve seen an old western youll know what Im talking about. The good guy always drags the bad guy to his feet before punching him again. In the real world most people would stomp the crap out of anybody after knocking them down so they couldn't get back up.

About half of the time I read everything from nonfiction to westerns. The other half of the time I read sci-fi and fantasy, when Im not watching sci-fi and fantasy series.

Sci-fi and fantasy authors I like include Douglas Adams, Taylor Anderson, Isaac Asimov, Paolo Bacigalupi, Ray Bradbury, Jack Campbell, Orson Scott Card, Arthur C. Clarke, Earnest Cline, Suzanne Collins, Abe Evergreen, Diana Galbadon, William R. Forstchen, Joe Haldeman, Robert A. Heinlein, Frank Herbert, Hugh Howey, George Martin, Larry Niven, Andre Norton, George Orwell, Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, John Scalzi, John Steakley, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Andy Weir.

Starship Troopers (1959) (not like the movie) by Robert A. Heinlein is the book that got me started in sci-fi adventures, and has remained one of my top five favorite military science fiction adventure stories for decades. The Forever War (1974) by Joe Haldeman, Armor (1984) by John Steakley, Enders Game (1985) by Orson Scott Card, and Old Mans War (2005) by John Scalzi, round out my top five military sci-fi adventure stories.
1852434
Sandworms of Dune, the original work, and the pre-quills are magnificent. I have read all the books, ordered through Amazon, and its been a life changing experience. The concepts of space travel, other memory, as well as the character development have allowed me months of enjoyable reading. I totally recommend the original books, the prequils and the final two books after ChapterHouse Dune.
2101751
I just re-read Dune after 42 years. I loved it as a teen, and now respect it as an adult. This is sci-fi fantasy with dukes and emperors and mystic religions weighing heavily on a vision of another world in the universe.  Very well done!  A serious and worthwhile read.
3829845
Dune Messiah was a fantastic read.  Chronicling Paul's life as messiah on Arrakis, and Paul's inability (read as unwillingness) to accept his own Golden Path.  Paul rules Dune and Spice production as only an Atreides could do...

This book foreshadows so many of the wonderful happenings in future books, albeit it stands as a novel of it's own merit and splendor.

If you liked the first novel, you'll love this short gem in Herbert's universe.
3073063
So much has been written about Frank Herbert's "Dune" in the nearly 50 years since its publication that it's difficult for the modern reader to come at the novel with expectations that are even remotely realistic. As for readers like me -- I've probably read the book half a dozen times by now, if not more -- I'm sometimes not entirely sure what I think of it myself. At times, it can seem very pretentious to me, and there are occasions, when revisiting it, that the precious, overweening dialogue drives me straight up the wall. But when I return to it with an open mind, I re-experience what drove me through it on my first reading: The sense of awe, the marvel of it, the magnificence and ambition of its narrative.

"Dune" truly is an epic novel, not just because it's more than 500 pages long. It's the scope of the book that resonates with readers, I think -- this is a "science fiction" novel that's also about religion, mysticism, race memory, politics, ecology, warfare and diplomacy. It's a huge book, but it doesn't wander, nor does it get mired down in its many themes.

Thankfully, the story is strong, which keeps the book moving. Paul Atreides may or may not be the new messiah, the young man who, according to prophecy, will lead the Fremen of Arrakis to dominate the known Universe. His father, Duke Leto Atreides, is murdered by the Harkonnens -- royal cousins, yes, but also sworn enemies of House Atreides. It falls to Paul to explore the potential of the desert-dwelling Fremen, even as he begins to experience his own powers of prescience and considerable gifts for leadership. Long oppressed by the Harkonnens, the Fremen are only too glad to accept a young leader willing to upend not just the politics of the planet, but of all humanity.

Herbert's storytelling genius was matched by his larger vision. Clearly, water-starved Arrakis is a metaphor for our own world's dependance on oil. But it turns out that "Dune" was literally about water, too -- that is, Herbert realized when he was writing it that water would become, over time, an increasingly precious substance. All you have to do these days to realize he was right is pay attention to the news -- news of droughts, yes, but also water rights being bought up by companies looking to profit at a situation some in our culture see as increasingly alarming.

"Dune's" other great theme -- and warning -- is its exploration at the apparently universal human desire for a messiah-like figure to emerge and provide hope, wisdom and guidance. As "Dune" reveals, such a desire has its dark side. Paul Atreides transformation into Paul-Maud'dib comes with a terrible price, both to himself and, ultimately, to his people.

Fiction writers are supposed to create worlds in which we can immerse ourselves, worlds that seem as real as our own, at least while we are turning those pages. Science fiction writers, especially, have the task of creating entire alternate worlds that nevertheless seem believable, even plausible. While some of the science in "Dune" is rather "soft" compared with other novels in the genre, it really doesn't matter. After all these readings, I'm still not exactly sure how, for example, a Guild Heighliner achieves faster-than-light speed, except that it "folds" space, and requires a navigator who has at least some ability to see into the future. Beyond that, Herbert doesn't offer much in the way of explanation. No worries; you'll be carried along by the author's enthusiastic narrative drive.
3603668
Have read these three prequel books for the third time and still devoured them. The plot is not as nuanced as frank's books, but fits the story together very well. It makes it even more enjoyable to re-read the rest of the dune series when you think about the detailed back-stories presented in these books as a context! And these books also make a great epic story on their own of the "butlerian jihad" history.
4599063
I came to Dune looking for some really good science fiction and I was not disappointed.  I remembered hearing about Dune when I was a child, now some 30 years ago.  At the time it was a bit over my head, but it is perfect now.
4026753
Great miniseries, the first chapter i found hard to keep up with but after that it was exciting and drew me in just like Dune did.
1028587
In the interest of full disclosure, I will make my admission now. I never finished reading DUNE. I never got past page 50 or so. So I don't come into THE WINDS OF DUNE with a fountain of knowledge and/or a great passion for the preceding work. Which leads me to a second admission. THE WINDS OF DUNE is an astonishingly good book.

The novel was originally slated to be called JESSICA OF DUNE, and it certainly would have been fitting. Much of the book is from her perspective. Changing the title to THE WINDS OF DUNE is also fitting. This volume inserts itself into the Dune chronology directly after the events of DUNE MESSIAH, in which Paul-Muad'Dib, the Emperor of Dune, abandons his children and his life by simply walking into the desert of Arrakis, leaving his 16-year-old sister, Alia, to serve as Regent. As such, the winds of change begin to blow across the Imperium, and Alia must step forth with strength and conviction to match her older brother or lose all he worked hard to create.

As Alia struggles to find her own footing, and likewise to uphold the deification of her brother throughout the galaxy, the despised Bronso of Ix continues to hammer out treatises against Paul. Seeking to undercut the myth, Bronso exaggerates and manipulates the truth in the opposite direction of Alia and Irulan, Paul's wife and biographer. Alia calls forth the full power of her forces to track down Bronso and bring him to justice, salvaging her brother's legacy.

These are major threads that weave through the narrative, but mostly this is a book devoted to Jessica, and of her torment and strength. As the mother of Paul and Alia, she is pulled in multiple directions. Alia takes up the title of Regent, but Jessica is disturbed by her actions in defense of Paul's legacy. She herself is conflicted about Paul, her son. His death has shaken her, though her Bene Gesserit training prohibits her from showing it, but she is also haunted by the guilt that she had designs on killing him because of the horrors of his jihad. The reason she never ended his life is her secret, one she has borne for years, and the weight of which has finally reached the point of needing to be told.

Equally important in this storyline is the revelation about the friendship of Paul and Bronso, and the remarkable journey they took together as young boys. Woven into the present day, Jessica reveals the past partnership of House Atreides and House Vernius, the strength of the bond between the fathers and the sons, and ultimately the event that severed that bond, guiding Bronso on a path to tear down the messianic image of his childhood friend, Paul.

Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have teamed up to write a compelling story, one with great emotional depth, and enough action and intrigue to keep the tale advancing at a decent pace. They also serve the continuing saga by including kernels of plot that no doubt see the light of day in CHILDREN OF DUNE and beyond. With THE WINDS OF DUNE, they have succeeded in doing much more than delivering a solid, enjoyable read. They have sparked an interest in me to revisit that old abandoned tome once more, and in that regard this work is a resounding success.

  --- Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard
583155
There was a recent announcement that they are turning this 1970 novel into a mini-series (now that mini-series are popular again), so I pulled this book off the shelf. It fell apart after reading the first few pages, but I was hooked, so I ordered a new one.  I can say I enjoyed it more the second time around.

Its probably been over ten years since I first read Ringworld.  It remains very readable and fun, and shows the power of the mystery story to hold up over time no matter what genre. The basic story of Ringworld is a mystery/adventure about a guy recruited to investigate a semi-abandoned ring of land one millions miles wide and a circumference of one Earth orbit.

While fussy readers have spent years pointing out potential mistakes to the author, which he felt compelled to correct, they never did get after him about the main characters terribly dated dialogue. But heres the thing about good writing: the aliens dialogue is sharply reflective of the character and culture they belong to, so it still reads sharp, clever and often funny.
2725488
I really enjoyed it and even read it again recently and enjoyed it just as much as the first time.
4502759
There is something about Dune that keeps me coming back for more.  I've read the novel three times, and three times I've learned something new, and my appreciation has grown in accordance.  Paul Maud'dib, or Paul Atreides, is easily the noblest figure in contemporary sci-fi.  From his early training with the colorful Duncan Idaho, to the Gom Jabbar, to the desert sands of Arrakis with his beautiful Bene Gesserit mother Jessica and finally his fateful entrance into the Fremen culture, the story of Paul Atreides becomes the story of Dune.  Dune becomes bigger than all of us.  If there is magic in this world, it belongs to Frank Herbert.
4141388
This is the second-best book ever in my opinion.  Out of all the pages of the three books in it, I only found 2 spelling errors!  I like how the author put in words that are not real, and putting the dictionary of them in back.  It was sort of hard to read, and my dad said it was suppose to  be.  It's so long that I even forgot my favorite character's name!  It  reminds me of The Martian Chronicles, except with war and it is not so  confusing, and that they are on Arrakis, instead of Mars.  It is about a  boy who moves from the ocean planet, Caladan, to the desert planet,  Arrakis, also called Dune.  The author put in the unique idea of "The  Spice" and the Giant Sand Worms.  I would give this book 4 stars and  9/10 but I can't so I gave it five!  The second book was kind of like  everything is ruined.  That is what made me take out 1/10 of a star.  If  you ever read or saw Return to Oz (The sequal to the Wizard of Oz) it is  sort of like that.  Overall this was a good book.