Review Detail

Frank Herbert's Dune has been translated into many different languages, made into a movie and even made into different games (including versions for the computer and Sega). His son, Brian, is now continuing the series with three prequels (a la The Phantom Menace). The first two are called House Atreides and House Harkonnen.

Dune is actually only the first book in the Dune Chronicles series. Many people refer to the first book as the best book, though I would have to say that you should read them yourself before you decide. The other books in the series are Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, Chapterhouse: Dune.

Dune is classic science fiction with all the elements for a rousing story. It covers everything, including power, love, war, religion...all the big topics. It is the story of Paul Atreides, known as Maud'dib on the planet Arrakis. It is also the story of his family and their quest for greatness.

One of the elements that sets this book apart from other science fiction novels of the time is that it deals very convincingly and forcefully with religion as a powerful element within society. The Fremen who live on Arrakis follow Maud'dib not just as a political leader, but as a religious leader.

The book won both the Nebula and Hugo awards and was even voted "Greatest Novel Ever" in a poll of Locus readers. You might think that, after all this time, the furor over the book might have died down. In fact, the opposite is true.

The Science Fiction channel is televising a miniseries in December 2000. Fan sites are still going strong. The newsgroup alt.fan.dune is also very active.

Teens of high school age will get the most out of this book, though they will find things they missed when they read it again in later years.