Dune: House Atreides (Prelude to Dune Book 1)

I actually enjoyed this fast-paced pulp novel, based on Frank Herbert's Dune. There was just enough story here to keep me reading, in spite of the cardboard characters and juvenile writing.
Although this book is atrociously written --- painfully inept metaphors and similes, scant descriptions that fall flat, and an overall tone that hovers somewhere between Doc Savage and Superman comics of the mid-sixties --- Herbert's notes provide a strong basis for the plot, which is engrossing at a pulp-fiction level. It's been more than 25 years since I read the original novel, so I wasn't bothered by the inconsistencies that would be apparent to a hard-core Dune fan.
It's a shame that a good editor didn't intervene and clean up all the unnecessary modifiers and given the text some polish. Still, that hasn't stopped the book from selling, so it's not hard to guess why nobody at Bantam cared.
Kevin J. Anderson has been nominated for Nebula awards and Bram Stoker awards. Either his other books are infinitely better written than this one, or the Science Fiction Writers of America have drastically lowered their standards.
If you're not a true-blue Dune fan, you may enjoy this as a light read with a few interesting ideas. But be ready for some really, really bad prose. These clowns make Michael Crichton look like Hemingway. Even Jackie Collins's writing doesn't contain basic mistakes such as you'll find here.
Nevertheless, it's only fair to tell you that I'm more than halfway through the second volume, and having a good time (although wincing every so often). Not only that, but it's whetted my appetite to go back to Frank Herbert's original books (which are stylistically sophisticated and far more imaginative); so Anderson and B. Herbert must be doing something right.

Just as with any well known fantasy or science fiction series, there are always fanatical fans who will despise any attempt of a revision by an outside artist. I'm guessing if this book was not a prequel to an object of worship tor the nerdiest of all fan clubs it would be seen as a well written novel. It is just that, and if you're a fan of science fiction, you will not be disappointed.

Frank Herbert, before writing the original Dune novel, spent 20 years of research and story outline before putting one word on paper. What resulted was the book that every other Science Fiction book is compared to.

Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson seem to crank out a Dune novel about once a year. The result is that this book, while entertaining, is nowhere as deep, thought provoking, thorough and engaging as the original. While the original had many feints within feints within feints, this one might get as deep as a feint within a feint.... maybe two. A big complaint is the dialogue as you have characters saying things that Frank Herbert would never pen. I actually found myself cringing with some of the conversations that took place.

The biggest thing that stirred my ire was that there is a scene that was a blatant rip-off of a scene from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Continent. Don't worry, it isn't hard to spot, but it sent off warning bells immediately. Heck, I dropped an extra star just because of it. I would rather wait 2-3 years to get a really good Dune novel than one a year that takes from so many other stories. Come on, Brian and Kevin, let's try and do some original thinking here!

With that said, I still found the book to be entertaining. These books were written from Frank Herbert's notes so the events that unfold are largely from the imagination of Frank. I found the pace of this book to be a bit faster than the other Dune books. A lot of people complained that Frank's sequels were too drawn out and long-winded (hard to argue with that) so the quickened pace of the plot development is refreshing.

This does cover a lot of ground in the Dune universe. I loved the original Dune books and wish Frank could have written more, but this series is still fun to read considering I have nowhere else to go to fulfill my Dune appetite. So if Frank's original six books left you craving more than I would suggest that you pick up this book as well as the others. However, if you will not be able to handle visits into the Dune universe that are nowhere as wonderful as Frank's books then shy away from book.

If you've never read Dune before and are considering reading this, I would discourage it unless you like those cheesy Star Trek novels that are basically cranked out in the same style. I would highly suggest you pick up the original Dune book first.

I first became aquainted with the world of Dune via the movie, and later the 4-hour uncut version. After watching them both a few hundred times and thinking I grasped the concepts pretty well, I picked up Frank Herbert's classic "Dune," and was blown away.
While "Dune" laid the foundation for the entire series, including the mythos, the history, and background of the two major houses in the book, "House Atreides" fills in many blanks about how Emperor Shaddam IV came into power, the history of Vladimir Harkonnen (some of his extracurricular activities were merely hinted at in the movie), and also some deeper history into the dealings between Leto Atreides and other houses.
Leto is a young man, his father being the model for the duke he would become by the end of the book. His father is intent on making his experiences varied, in order to enrich his rapport with the people he will eventually rule. In this, he develops compassion, empathy, and determination- once he sets his mind on a task he does not let go. He also is not afraid to stand by those he supports.
Supporting characters are spotlighted here and there, such as Rabban, Duncan Idaho, and Pardot Kynes, father of Liet Kynes, and grandfather of Chani. Also, the developing relationship and acceptance of Pardot Kynes into the Fremen is important, and gives an even deeper look into their society.
All in all, an excellent prequel, and I doubt I would have picked it up if someone within the Herbert family had not written or cowritten the story. I'm waiting eagerly for the next installment.

I found Dune: House Atreides interesting enough to keep me reading, but I found it ultimately unsatisfying.
My overall impression is that this is a story that doesn't really need to be told. Dune tells of the pivotal events of this time period; this novel is primarily backstory which only has significance because of the later events.
For this reason, I didn't find the story of Duncan's childhood, of the Bene Gesserit's schemes to continue their breeding program, or of Pardot Keynes' adventures on Dune to be particularly interesting. What suspense there was in events was dispelled by my knowledge of how it all came out.
As for other aspects of the story, although there were moments of political and military conflict, there was little real suspense. Most moments of danger or mystery were resolved almost immediately. Sometimes, a resolution was delayed for a few chapters, but when it did come, the resolution was sudden and simple. No real suspense was built, and solutions rarely caused new problems.
One thing the book had going for it was the setting. I was delighted to explore the Dune universe again, and this book does give us a chance to do that. Much of the richness of that world is in this book. It is built on a strong foundation.
Another aspect of the book that I found impressive was the way the authors were able to tie most of the disparate plot threads together. I was afraid at first that the individual backstories would remain unrelated short stories, chopped and multiplexed into one novel. That was not the case; the different plot threads were woven together skillfully.
So while I enjoyed Dune: House Atreides, I feel that much of its merit comes from being built on Herbert's original creation. I'll read the next two books, but with diminished expectations.

I've read through some of the other reviews, which mostly seem to be written by several described "die-hard" Dune fans who felt that this book didn't live up to their unrealistic expectations. Well, I believe that I should qualify as a "die-hard" fan myself--I did read all six of the original books and was quite disappointed that Frank Herbert died before he could write the sequel to Dune: Chapterhouse--but I actually LIKED this book. I think that most fans will appreciate having more of the background story and thus will devour all three of the prequel books as I have. So what if the writing quality doesn't quite live up to Frank Herbert's? This is not something I even noticed (it was mentioned in other reviews), but regardless, it's the Dune CONCEPT that is so amazing, and Herbert's son and co-writer have done a great job with it. I think that any REASONABLE Dune fan will love this book and the two follow-up prequels as well--you just need to read them with an open mind!

The stories, some if not most developed by Frank Herbert, the original author of the six-part Dune series, are fabulous. Alas, the writing is atrocious. There are too many examples of awfulness to enumerate, so I will mention only one. The authors repeat information as though they think the readers aren't going to be paying any attention: in House Atreides, Kailea's "emerald" eyes are mentioned so often that I figured the authors had done a "Find and Replace" search on her name.... The book is wordy and loose, not at all like the tight, crisp writing of Frank Herbert (who died in 1986). Not a page goes by that I don't wonder why these books weren't edited properly. However, because the story line is so good, I keep reading. I would only recommend these books to someone who could somehow overlook form for function, just to get at the stories themselves. When Dune: House Corrino comes out in paperback, I'll read it, too, despite my complaints about the writing. [Two years later: I never did. I just couldn't get rid of the bad memory of these two Dune books.] However, I'm most looking forward to going back and rereading the original Dune once I finish House Harkonnen, just to get the taste of that terrible writing out of my mouth.

After all the hoopla, the "prequel" to the Dune series finally arrives. Lots of familiar characters, but +/- 30 years younger.
As the original Dune series grew, it grew tired. With this addition, it is disappointing to report that none of the vigor of the first novel is restored. Reading this was like reading a film novelization. Scenes are carefully laid out in cinematic terms, but there's little spark. Wheels within wheels, as the original Dune said, but a couple of the tires are a bit soft.
There was a certain crispness in Dune that's lacking here. Too much recapping of what happened only a few pages before. Short attention span SF? Maybe another edit would have helped keep the tension up. Of course this will be the first of a new series. It is inevitable that the purpose of the initial offering will be to set the stage, put the players in action, but resolve some but not all of the conflicts. Hopefully some of the deficiencies noted here will be corrected.
I'll read the next one and the next one after that. But I probably will be short on praise for those as well.

This is a prequel to the original DUNE Chronicles, unquestionably one of the great science fiction stories of the century. Dune House Atreides is a lively blend of adventure and intrigue woven into a stunning embroidery of the Great Houses of the Emporium. It is set in a time before that of the original Dune novels. The authors take you on a journey from planet to planet, character to character and bring them all together in a lively ending. Dune fans will find the history fascinating and some characters familiar. Newcomers to Dune stories will get a taste of what we all so much enjoyed in the original chronicles.
Sparkling descriptions of the environments of very different places and narrative portraits of some penetrating characters will keep your interest. A few of the characters are Elrood IX, ruler of the known universe, Baron Vladimar Harkonnen, Governor of Planet Arrakis, Pardot Kynes, Planetologist, Duke Paulus Atreides, ruler of the planet Caladan, and his son the young Duke Lito. The Baron Vladimar Harkonnen hunts people including a child named Duncan Idaho who eludes him. The young Duke finds himself in charge of his house at an early age. The Emperor Elrood's son Shaddam and his degenerate friend Hasimar Fenring are scheming evil plots. Meanwhile Pardot Kynes is discovering the ecosystems and native culture on Arrakis (a planet also known as Dune).
In the mix are the Mentats (humans with computer like minds), the crafty Bene Gesserit witches, and the dirty Tleilaxu. The Spacing Guild has a monopoly on space travel. The CHOAM is a commercial organization controlling the all important spice melange (noted mainly for its geriatric qualities).
Plots within plots, dark secrets and a few romances kept my interest for all of the 600 or so pages. I found this refreshingly well written and fluid. You will hate the bad guys and love the heroes. This book will leave you wanting more of the same and rumor has it Herbert and Anderson have at least a couple more Dune prequels coming out soon.

It's important to view these prequels for what they are - they are not Frank Herbert. Once you can let go of that you can enjoy them for what they are, a nice homage to the world of Dune and the brilliant mind of Frank Herbert.
I love the Dune universe, I've read the series once a year for the last 17 years. I love the characters and the houses and the history that Herbert created so I do quite enjoy the prequels that Herbert's son has co-written because they are the only way I'll hear more about this universe.
No, Brian isn't Frank and Frank is a better writer but this is Frank's universe so that shouldn't be surprising. I liked House Atreides, I thought the book was entertaining and that it fit in with the rest of the Dune books quite well. Most of all, I like that I can find out what made the characters of the series I love so much into the people they are in later books. Overall, I do recommend this book without hesitation, even being the geek I am.

At 31, I have read through the original Dune series about three or four times, each time getting a little farther. The first time was at about age 17, and the last time at about age 25. The first time around, I gave up at book five. One time, book six. Finally, I made it through the final book. Do you ever become sad when you finish the last page and realize that that's it; there's nothing left...you've devoured it all, and the plate is now empty?

Perhaps the first few times around, I never quite finished because I knew there was always a part of Dune I had yet to discover. I orinally thought that the story dragged by the end, and it lost its hold on me, but I still had the choice of continuing. The one gem I missed from the final book the first few times was the reference to Judaism still being practiced by a Bene Gesserit with her family aboard a space ship. I loved the religious themes throughout the Dune books, as I have wrestled with my own notions of religion. The plots of the original series were so interwoven that it kept your mind constantly racing with questions. The details are what made the universe believable. With the final book read, the only journeys left to make were in my own mind.

Fade to the present. When I heard that there were Dune prequels, I rejoiced! I'm not a professional critic. I use words like "good" or "bad" and phrases like (...)"that was the best thing ever". But as someone who took Dune and made it her own, I was grateful to one last feast. I felt some familiarity with the basic chapter layout and dialogue. I found it to be a much easier read than the orignal books which I imagine is what made some of our more "sophisticaticed" critics whince, but I cherished the opportunity to revisit my second universe. I enjoyed the chance to get to know some of the characters a little better and their history. I was convinced that some of the characters' ages were not consistent with the original series, and that bugged me. Still does, but after reading House Harkonnen and House Atriedes, I am now looking forward to reading House Corrino, despite whatever inconsistencies may exist.
If Dune is real to you, and you're not an overly critical, purist, or pretensious person, then you will relish in the chance to visit that universe again, and I'm sure it will inspire you to read the original Dune series once more, as it has me. No, the new series is not as complicated, but like some other reviewers, I don't know that that is such a bad thing. For me, Dune is not so much about the words but about the place. And the Dune prequels will take you there.

At 31, I have read through the original Dune series about three or four times, each time getting a little farther. The first time was at about age 17, and the last time at about age 25. The first time around, I gave up at book five. One time, book six. Finally, I made it through the final book. Do you ever become sad when you finish the last page and realize that that's it; there's nothing left...you've devoured it all, and the plate is now empty?

Perhaps the first few times around, I never quite finished because I knew there was always a part of Dune I had yet to discover. I orinally thought that the story dragged by the end, and it lost its hold on me, but I still had the choice of continuing. The one gem I missed from the final book the first few times was the reference to Judaism still being practiced by a Bene Gesserit with her family aboard a space ship. I loved the religious themes throughout the Dune books, as I have wrestled with my own notions of religion. The plots of the original series were so interwoven that it kept your mind constantly racing with questions. The details are what made the universe believable. With the final book read, the only journeys left to make were in my own mind.

Fade to the present. When I heard that there were Dune prequels, I rejoiced! I'm not a professional critic. I use words like "good" or "bad" and phrases like (...)"that was the best thing ever". But as someone who took Dune and made it her own, I was grateful to one last feast. I felt some familiarity with the basic chapter layout and dialogue. I found it to be a much easier read than the orignal books which I imagine is what made some of our more "sophisticaticed" critics whince, but I cherished the opportunity to revisit my second universe. I enjoyed the chance to get to know some of the characters a little better and their history. I was convinced that some of the characters' ages were not consistent with the original series, and that bugged me. Still does, but after reading House Harkonnen and House Atriedes, I am now looking forward to reading House Corrino, despite whatever inconsistencies may exist.
If Dune is real to you, and you're not an overly critical, purist, or pretensious person, then you will relish in the chance to visit that universe again, and I'm sure it will inspire you to read the original Dune series once more, as it has me. No, the new series is not as complicated, but like some other reviewers, I don't know that that is such a bad thing. For me, Dune is not so much about the words but about the place. And the Dune prequels will take you there.

When trudging through the last three books of the Dune series, the only thing that I wished for was the end the of all this philisophical mumbo jumbo. What about the action, character development, and the whole new world presented to us in the first Dune book? Well, this book is everything I wished for and more.
Initially, I was a little weary of this book because it was prequel. I later found out that this book exemplifies what a prequel should be. All those great characters, groups, and kingdoms from Dune are in here. It's a great novel in and of itself, but it re-energized my interest in the Dune series as well.
This book is very, very, fluid; unlike Frank Herbert's writing style. Also, it's just bursting with action, interesting characters, and very interesting plots and sub-plots. The story of Duncan Idaho is worth the hardcover price alone!
If you have read Dune, I highly recommend this book. If you've read the whole series, you MUST read this book.

If I'm correct, then you are reading this because, like me, you are a big fan of Frank Herbert's Dune series and you want to know more about this prelude series. If you thought you would never touch this book, then you are in similar company. It took me about 4 years to have the desire to even investigate "House Atreides" despite favourable reviews from friends.
OK, "House Atreides" is no "Dune", but how many novels are? Not even Frank Herbert's follow-ups can match the brilliance of the original. That was the problem for me - would this new series not written by the master harm the franchise? My answer is no - the series has not been harmed.
"House Atreides" IS faithful to the Dune series by providing a well-written and entertaining storyline which takes nothing away from the original. There is no conflict with characterisation, in fact, I think the characters are perhaps a little too stereotypical. For example, the Atreides are ALL honourable, the Corrinos are ALL malicious, etc, but this is my only gripe. It didn't bother me after a while because the political intrigue really dominates the second half of the book, and this is where the great houses and other factions have to show their true colours (although, I expected more involvement from CHOAM).

An indication that "House Atreides" is worthwhile is that I went out and bought "House Harkonnen" the next day. If you are a Dune fan, then you should at least try the prelude series. Like me, you could find it an entertaining read.

Dune: House Atreides is a decent read, an enjoyable trip back to the world of Dune. The authors have done a respectable job of explaining the past that leads up to the original Dune, with some good characters and plenty of action. As with the original there are multiple plots, each with the power to stand on its own and at times weaving through the others.
The story is somewhat hampered by weak writing; Mr. Anderson (whom I assume does the actual writing) is overly fond of starting sentences with prepositional phrases and gerunds. The pattern quickly becomes repetitive and distracting.
The story is missing some of the original drama, especially the plot threads that relate to Arrakis. There isn't the sense of mystery and desperation on that planet that made the original Dune so exciting. In some scenes the planetologist is casually sipping spice coffee, as if there were plenty of water there.
But I still found the story to be fun. Despite its weaknesses, who can resist a twenty-thumper journey into the deep desert on the back of a sand worm? I think most fans will probably enjoy this novel.

Let me make one point straight away: this is not `Dune', or any of it's sequels, in any way shape or form. Any fan of Frank Herbert expecting a seamless return to the world of Arrakis is going to be disappointed. Every aspect of the writing - pacing, plot, characterization - is a world away from the style and atmosphere created by Herbert Snr.
Glaringly obvious clunkers like references to Cranberry juice and Feng Shui only highlight the depth of creation involved in the original series. Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson have set a tough task for themselves: writing a prequel to what I and many others believe is the greatest Science Fiction novel ever written. Not only do they have to keep the old fans interested but they have to attract a whole new group of devotees. This is achieved by a near excruciating amount of exposition that explains every unfamiliar term or plot point (`Dune' had Appendices for this role). Add to this the fact that the reader who has read `Dune' already knows what the outcome of the prequel trilogy is going to be. It's not an enviable task.
That `Dune House Atreides' is readable at all is a miracle. If you approach this novel with an open mind you will find it is a reasonably enjoyable read.

"Dune: House Atreides" is the first in a trilogy of prequels to the "Dune" novels of Frank Herbert. Like sequels however, the only lesson you'll get from "Atreides" is to leave well enough alone. Frank Herbert was masterful because he could conjure up a vast universe without losing sight of his characters' humanity, and he knew how to both deftly craft his surroundings, and keep the historic details of the Dune universe tantalizingly vague (the appeal of Dune's hidden history stemmed largely from Herbert's refusal to dissect). The new trilogy ignores the qualities of the original's prose and the otherworldly seduction of its myriad plotting.
For those new to the series, Dune is set in a far distant future, when man has spread across the stars. Once enslaved by machine minds, men rose up in a religious crusade whose legacy has been the absolute prohibition against artificial computers. Instead, vast schools enhance the human mind, turning men into living computers called Mentats. Huge starships are guided by "third-stage navigators" - artificially evolved human beings who see through walls of time/space. Though technologically advanced, humanity is ruled by an emperor through an aristocracy (the "Landsraad") perpetually at odds with itself. (Individual houses endlessly plot against each other ala Machiavelli). Outside of Landsraad, various other groups jockey for power - like the insidious Tleilaxu who are masters of forbidden technology, or the Bene Gesserit who conduct genetic engineering experiments designed to create a suber-being called the "kwisatz haderach". Each party wield great power, but is checked both by each other and by their dependence on a mystical spice called "mélange" - a drug which stretches human lifespans, widens consciousness and, in really huge doses, turns humans into navigators. In short, mélange underlies every aspect of this society. Unfortunately, technology hasn't supplied a substitute for mélange, and the inhospitable planet Dune is its only source.
In "Atreides" we meet younger versions of the noble Leto Atreides, the vile Vlad Harkonnen, the slyly murderous Fehnring and Shaddam - the future emperor. Aside from other characters also already established in Dune lore, we meet the royal family of Ix (soon to be exiled when Ix is overrun by Tleilaxu) and Leto's parents. Title aside, " Atreides" tells as much about the Atreides as everyone else. Actually, Shaddam, gets the lion's share of attention. With his father Elrood kept alive through mélange addiction, and showing no sign of releasing the throne, Shaddam conspires with Fenring to kill him. Leto, not yet a duke, travels to Ix, whose rulers develop technology at the limits of the law. Leto's strict mother (whose religious fundamentalism dates this book as none of the original novels had) distrusts the ruling Ixians. The reigning duke is too fun-loving a guy to accord with the duchess' stern dogmatism. Vladimir Harkonnen, already Baron when "Atreides" starts, has yet to become the physically repulsive ogre of the original epic. Shaddam, already considering himself emperor, conspires to "give" Ix to the Tleilaxu, confident can blame it on a feud his father nursed against the Ixian rulers. In return, the Tleilaxu will try to develop a synthetic mélange. None of the original books' intense plotting nor their focus on their characters' perspective are in evidence here. No character possesses any depth. Fenring is a master in the art of murder, even when just giving advice, but here he's just annoying, and his plotting is seldom Macchiavellian. Neither Anderson nor Herbert develop Fenring in a way that suggests his complete reversal in the original "Dune". Leto is the hero of the story, but he comes off as one of those angst-ridden characters of a Dawson's Creek spin-off. None of the myriad subplots reflect an understanding of the Dune-universe. The Bene gesserit never arouse suspicion, even though their plan to breed the messianic Kwisatz Haderach threatens everybody, especially the Navigators (since they possess the closest thing to absolute power in the Dune universe). Instead it's the illegal invasion of Ix that unites the characters in this book - but who cares? (the Tleilaxu turn the Ixians against their rulers for whom they do the most work and reap the least benefits.) The authors completely miss the underpinnings of the age old Atreides/Harkonnen vendetta (they take the feud as the logical product of Atreides nobility and Harkonnen villainy. The point of a prequel is to show how things came to be the way they are, after nearly turning out differently). Another error is Leto's father - described as a cruel blowhard in the original "Dune", he's now a benevolent ruler who lives for his loyal subjects whom he entertains with frequent bullfights. But above all is Shaddam's nonsensical collusion with the Tleilaxu. At Fenring's urging, Shaddam presses the Tleilaxu to develop a synthetic version of mélange in order to both free his throne from spice mining and elevate it over the spicing guild. What the authors fail to grasp is that success would only swap the monopoly of the navigators for that of the Tleilaxu (it would also nullify the industrial complex that mines the spice, one of the economic structures that both ensures the stability of the universe and, because the throne manages it, allows Shaddam to effectively rule. Besides, if the Tleilaxu reneged, how would Shaddam enforce his end?) The unblanced deal would make sense had Shaddam nursed a vendetta against the Ixians - but the grudge against Ix was Elrood's.
Being part of a series, "Atreides" doesn't have to be open-ended (with half-finished plotlines and characters left for the next book), but it is. Some subplots don't come together at all - like the expeditions of planetologist Liet Kynes or the story of C'tair, a loyal Ixian working against the Tleilaxu. But worst of all, the novel lacks a solid voice, a single perspective in its scenes to feel the pain, joy, fear and triumph that all the plotting must create. "Atreides" simply fails because, unlike the spice mélange that underlies much of the plotting, it is neither addictive nor consciousness expanding.

What is this obsession with writing spin off books of popular sci fi series? Look at how pitiful and useless the Doctor Who "Missing Adventures" are (read my review on Interference by Lawrence Miles). There is something to be said about appreciating something upon its own merits and not attempting to recapture it out of greed for more money from the fans. Show some integrity. The "original" Herbert wrote with a style that didn't trivialize. He gave the readers the facts as they needed to know. This work knows nothing of minimalism as every specific action is drolled out. How over descriptive do you need to get before you realize Dune fans are NOT second graders? With this pop-Star Trek fiction approach the Dune characters are degenerated into sub-average 90s charicatures. And having Baron Harkonnen show up himself is as dumb as Jabba The Hutt crawling into a gratuitous scene where his bounty hunters should have sufficed. This is as lame as that Young Indiana Jones crud (see my review on Trenches of Hell). Show some class. Leave us the classic Dune and stick to junk trendy neophyte pulp like Star Wars year ten with Han Solo kids. These greed mongers better stay away from the Hobbit! Don't buy this. Junk.

The original "Dune" is my all-time favorite science fiction novel. I have read it so many times in the last 20 years that if you read me a single sentence at random from the book I can tell you where you are in the story. I also love the last two books in the series, "Heretics of Dune" and "Chapterhouse, Dune." So, it was with much trepidation that I picked up "Dune, House Atreides." I didn't think anyone but Frank Herbert could do justice to another Dune book.
Fortunately, I was wrong. "Dune, House Atreides" is the story of young Leto Atreides (Paul's father). It is extremely well written and does an excellent job of capturing not only Frank Herbert's characters, but also his writing style. Reading it was like visiting an old friend (one I never expected to be with again). The story is well paced and holds many excellent surprises and turns of events. Congratulations, Messrs. Herbert and Anderson, on a job well done.

Kevin Anderson and Brian Herbert make an impressive start into the story behind the story of Dune. Many will complain because it's not as profound or philosophical as Frank Herbert's masterpiece, but I can't hold that against them. The elder Herbert was a genius and DUNE his masterpiece, so anyone would have a difficult job in writing it.
Actually, I prefer the lack of deep philosophy in the novel, because it allows the characters to come more to life. The younger Leto and his father, along with the Baron and Shaddam are impressive in this novel as in the original series.
I am slightly bothered by the contradictions in the storyline, especially with the inclusion of the no-globe and the sligs, things that were not mentioned until "Heretics" and I thought the inclusion of the Feng Shui room for Jessica's birth just a cheap trick to cash in on a pop trend.
I look forward to reading House Harkonnen and House Corrino.

With this book, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson weave the warp and woof that make up the complex tapestry Frank Herbert started in his classic Dune novels so many years ago. All of the familiar characters are there in full regalia, along with their progenitors:
Emperor Elrood and his son Shaddam, as well as Shaddam's ever-present companion, Hasimir Fenring. Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. Leto Atreides and his father, Duke Paulus, as well as Thufir Hawat, the Duke's faithful Mentat. The Spacing Guild. The Bene Tleilaxu. The Bene Gesserit, along with their on-going breeding programs and their constant struggle to create the god-child they call the Kwisatz Haderach. Pardot Kynes, the Planetologist. The mysterious Fremen.
Dune: House Atreides is full of political and religious intrigue: Watch as Shaddam and Fenring wrangle their way into power. Watch as the Bene Tleilaxu work a most devious and conspiratorial plot against House Vernius and the Planet Ix. Watch as the Bene Gesserit make an unexpected move in their ages long plan to birth the Kwisatz Haderach, or "Shortening of the Way," a male Bene Gesserit "whose organic mental powers would bridge space and time."
Watch as a certain Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother gives action to the Bene Gesserit Dictum: "History has seldom been good to those who must be punished. Bene Gesserit punishments cannot be forgotten." Watch as Pardot Kynes becomes the Imperial Planetologist to Arrakis, the Planet Dune, and as he befriends the Fremen and begins a plan of his own making, one he sees as taking hundreds of years to fulfill. And watch, as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen works a most exquisite revenge against the Harkonnen's old rival, House Atreides.
Written in a style that complements that of Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert's father, Dune: House Atreides is a fitting and welcome prequel to this longtime favorite series of science fiction fans.

The Original Dune Series (TODS) contained quite spectacular political complexity, and, over a period of thousands of years, the saga revealed many of the secrets of the Bene Gesseret, Tlielaxu, Harkonnen, and Atreides.
TODS has, throughout, the feeling of being a reflection of a rather "static" set of cultures, where everyone's thinking has been _strongly_ influenced by the thousands-of-years-back cataclysm of the Butlerian Jihad.
In contrast, the recent "Dynamic Duo" seem to be trying to fit today's bits of technological advancements into the 50 years that lie just before the advent of Paul Atreides; the natural result is that it suffers from not Feeling Old. Furthermore, the people in the story clearly don't _believe_ in the evils of things like computing; in "TODS," it's SO ingrained as something passed down for generations that it feels like something resonating in their bones. Instead, there's the "bubbly feeling" in this book (and the sequel, House Harkonnen) that Kevin/Brian would be happy having folks doing web searches and such. That just doesn't fit with the "world view" of the Dune Saga. They _should_ have been exploring what sorts of mental, biological, and political artefacts might be used to overcome the utter lack of automation in a universe where people vigorously rejected it so long ago that memory of it only comes from those with ancient traditions.
This book (and sequel) just don't have the feeling that what people are doing is based strongly on traditions passed down for hundreds or thousands of years. And sadly, none of what's introduced is really good enough to become such a tradition.

Duen: House Atreides is an good prequel to the fantastic Dune Series. However, this novel is not on the same caliber as the orginal Dune series.
The novel is easily read, and at times is very fast paced. Furthermore, it gives historical background for important characters such as Leto Atreides. Furthermore, it also spells out some interesting questions, such as: Why is Baron Harkonnen so disgustingly ugly? It also answers why Duncan Idaho has such contemt for House Harkonnen. Bare in mind, these are only samples of the interesting aspects of the Dune series brought to life in this novel.
These authors should be commended on a tremendous attempt to share the same vision as Frank Herbert. However, although the vision may be similar, the writing is not. Herbert displayed a very intelligent backdrop for his characters and his world. These authors attempt to do the same, but lack the overall depth that Frank had. Furthermore, the authors for this novel create an environment that is highly intricate that contains the "wheels in wheels" philosophy. Again, these two should be commended on their attempt to mimic Frank's style. However, they are a little more forward with explaining the politics in the novel.
Overall, those people who loved the original Dune series should pick up this novel. However, don't expect the excellence that Frank Herbert created. These two authors are very good, and do a great job, but it just is not quite the original.

This novel reads like the background notes for someone else's book, a jumble of biographical tidbits from Frank Herbert's Dune Series. Many characters are introduced- Duncan Idaho, Pardot Kynes, Stilgar, and others- who do little to move the novel forward. The plot, by the way, is virtually nonexistent. Since we are provided with a run down of each characters motivation, and let in on every plot before the trap is sprung, there is little in the way of suspense.
I could not read this book without making comparisons to Frank Herbert's work. An example of how far this book falls short of previous Dune books can be found in a scene in which Baron Harkonnen is faced with the prospect of impregnating a Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother, Mohiam. "Using her Bene Gesserit analytical techniques," we are told, "she learned many things about the Baron and his personality from the way he maintained his odorous private warren...." If Frank Herbert had written this chapter, he would have gone on to tell us exactly what things Mohiam could conclude from her observations, and what dark secrets the Baron's room revealed. These authors, however, offer no such insights into the Bene Gesserit abilities or the Baron's character, choosing instead to press on to details about the sexual act itself.
I suspect the blame this book's shortcoming should be laid on the editor's shoulders. Herbert and Anderson appear to be capable writers, but need more guidance to craft a novel that is more than a supplement to the original Dune Series. Plot, theme, characterization are words I learned in grade school English class, and the need for these elements still holds true for today's novel.
Since I have already purchased Dune: House Harkonnen, I'll press ahead with the series, and I'm hoping that Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson have perhaps written a book that is actually about something rather than another Dune curio cabinet.

Dune: House Atreides is, of course, the first of a three
volume prequel to Frank Herbert's classic novel, Dune.
The point of the novel is to give "backstory" to the events
in the elder Herbert's work. It certainly succeeds in explaining
a great deal of things -- there are numerous "oh, so THAT'S
why..." moments in the novel.
But its not great stuff. There are numerous stories going on,
and, despite the fact they are ultimately interwoven, there's
a feeling that you're reading an anthology of short stories
and not a novel.
On the plus side, while the novel can't be said to live up
to the quality of the original "Dune", it is more entertaining,
and accessible, than Frank Herbert's own sequels, especially
the almost painfully dull "God Emperor of Dune".
If you enjoyed the original novel, and want more, this
is a good choice -- better than the original sequels.

Dune is an incomparable classic of SF writing. No-one would have expected House Atreides to match it. But this book falls so far short of Dune that it is a travesty that it bears the Dune name.
For one thing, House Atreides does not draw on the aspect of Dune that raised it above countless other SF books - the pervasive presence of mystico-religious elements. Most obviously there was Paul's fulfilment of the Fremen's prophecy of the Lisan al Gaib and the Bene Gesserit's breeding programme for Kwisatz Haderach, and his vision of the jihad to come. But even more striking is the fact that we were constantly reminded that many of the central characters were either deeply religious (the Fremen) or had a keen awareness of the possible religious consequences of the events they are involved in (Paul, Jessica, the Bene Gesserit). This religious dimension is wholly lacking in House Atreides. Given that the significant religious events in the Dune story caught everyone off guard it might have been inconsistent to have heavy foreshadowing throughout the prequel trilogy. However, the absence means that House Atreides is not cut from the same cloth as Dune.
But the real problem is simply that House Atreides is badly written. The characters are paper thin (good guys - clean cut, loyal and courageous; bad guys - nasty and scheming). The characters are also all irredeemably stupid. The intrigue and politicking between the Great Houses and the Emperor that formed part of the backdrop of Dune and was uncovered as the story proceeded is brought into the foreground in House Atreides and set out in excruciating detail, killing any suspense or intrigue. The plot has so many implausibilities I can't begin to count them. Frankly, this book insults the intelligence of the reader.

Dune: House Atreides, the first of three books leading up to the events of the original Dune series, successfully (re)introduces the characters and themes of the Frank Herbert books, although it is burdened by the legacy the classic Dune books have left behind.
Brian Herbert, a most gentle and honorable soul I have had the pleasure of meeting on a couple of occasions at book signings, and Kevin J. Anderson, have undertaken an almost impossible task in trying to fill out the missing story lines of the original books. To those who quip that they are just out to make an easy buck, know that this undertaking was not done in haste, and no decision was taken lightly. Brian and Kevin have done their homework and their goal is to finish the story. But to do so requires telling us what lead up to the events in Dune. Creating the 1000 page Dune Concordance used as their Dune encyclopedia, and writing 1800 pages plus to get to the point of being able to finish the Dune story line, not to mention a probably detour to the Butlerian Jihad events 10000 years earlier, is no way to go about making an easy buck! Both authors are accomplished writers who did not need to take on such a tremendous challenge.
Yet they have, and although I think the story gets off to a slow start, the last 300 pages made it hard to put the book down. Although one who has read the original books will be familiar with the characters, the story in House Atreides is well enough written to keep the reader's interest, and keep one wondering how things will play out. The authors follow a number of plot threads that generally coalesce into one thread that is followed at the end. My one complaint would be that early on the story line tends to jump around just a little too much. I would have liked to see a little longer spells following one plot or another. Perhaps this clearer focus later on made the book a more gripping read for me as I turned the pages.
Having not read the original Dune since the mid 1980's, and only having been able to "catch" up with Frank Herbert's later Dune books because he sadly passed away - he seemed to write them far faster than I could read them - I cannot easily compare this new book with the original. However, I do not feel compelled to do so either. House Atreides stands on its own merits. It is a book that new fans can enjoy, and old fans should be able to as well. It cannot be as original as the original - that's just the nature of things - but that does not lessen the quality of the book. As the authors become more comfortable with the Dune world they are writing about/in, and their storyline becomes more developed I suspect the future offerings, House Harkonnen, and then House Corrino, will be even more compelling reads.
I recommend this book.

I came into this prequel with a lot of preconceived notions that it would not be a worthy successor to the original. And it isn't. But after a second reading, I realized it's not supposed to be. "House Atreides" is a prequel, not a sequel. It's supposed to "fill in the blanks" of what happened before the greatest book in science fiction history. NO book can ever hope to live up to that kind of hype. But I believe Brian and Kevin do a masterful job of setting up things that we =know= are going to happen in later books without killing the suspense. There's whole new storylines to explore in this series, which they do later on. So Brian's not Frank. But he's working from Frank's notes with the aid of an author who is used to working in other people's universes. If you like "Dune" give this series a chance. I believe if you come into it with an open mind, you'll find it almost as entertaining as the original.

Dune is the best series of all time, hands down. The most intelligently and creatively written that it is possible to imagine. When I heard that they were coming out with prequels, I cringed. I half hoped they would be successful -- so I would be lucky enough to get more of this world again -- but I didn't want them to ruin it for me.
THEY DIDN'T.
They pulled of the incredible feat of giving us something new in the context of something old. And man, did they do a great job. It is written by two authors, one of whom is a son of the original.
Different chapters thread through the story in different areas, and it looks like one author took certain threads. Some of the threads are clearly better than others, but all are great.
The originality that they come up with was really a feat. They didn't "extend" the original, they created new stuff that is just fantastic, without compromising the later novels.
This book is about the House Atreides -- but contains all of the major players from the other houses. Much of the story we already know, but the fleshing out of it was fantastic.
My hats off to the authors.

I understand that, perhaps too often, the Dune 'elite' sneer in contempt at anyone who hasn't read at least the original 6 DUNE books. Likewise, I also understand that it may indeed be a struggle for the casual reader to wade through the immense imagination and genius that was and is Frank Herbert. To the point, HOUSE ATREIDES is akin to a somewhat diluted form of the original DUNE series. Some might find that to be a rub against the book, however, I actually found it a bit more enjoyable and much less tedious than some of the original volumes. I did miss the ever-present aura of the un-known that permeates Frank Herbert's original series, however, the trade was acceptable to me. If you've read all of the other books, read this series too. If you haven't read all of the others, these may inspire you toward that endeavor.

Kevin Anderson and Brian Herbert have skillfully taken frank herbert's epic vision of the far far future and given us a unforgettable novel set decades before original Dune.They take us on a tour of the planets in the Imperium:Arrakis,also called Dune home nomadic fremen people,where spice is mined.Caladan:home of the noble house of atreides.Giede Prime-home of the cruel and depraved house of Harkonnen and Kaitain: Home of Imperial home world of this galactic empire where Prince Shaddam will plot to murder his father to gain the throne.You will be shocked by lethal intrigues,machevellian manuvers used by the great house of the Imperium as the struggle for power in this brutal system.You will be atonished as the bene gessit sisterhood comes one step closer in their bid to create a superbeing a kwisatz Haderach.A masterpiece of world-building and my humble opinion the best sf novel of 1999!

Id just like to start off this review with saying that the first review up here... by that French guy, was absolutly uncalled for. Now with that out of the way... on to the books. It wasn't that bad. Although I agree that it did lack some of the mysticism and philosophy of the Frank Herbert originals, I liked the way it led into the wonderful book we know and loved. I actually got started reading these books from the movie, (Although I've heard it said- and am forced to agree- that the movie was horrible.) I watched when I was home sick one day, and caught just enough of the plot to think that the book might be interesting. Boy was I right! I spent a captivating week reading it all the way through London, and have been reading the sequals ever since. Although this prequel written by Frank Herbert's son, truly doesn't live up to his father's standards, I definetly would suggest reading it. Dune fans will love seeing old faces "before they were stars" and seeing their lives fall into place to where you know the story picks up in DUne. Dune: House Harkonnen seems like it might be pretty neat aswell, although, I can't think about what else they might have time to tell about before the starting of Dune. Oh well, we'll finde out!

I was skeptic upon hearing that the Dune universe was being brought back after Frank Herbert's death, but you know what? This book was actually really good. I will not deny that the characters arent as deep, and overall the book is not as philosphical, (those were things that made Frank Herbert so unique) but one cannot deny its entertainment value. There is always something exciting going on. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is a reason others have pointed out: the constant explanation and re-explanation of events that occured only a few chapters ago. Hopefully the authors wont do that in the next one. Put simply, don't expect Frank Herbert, and you will completely enjoy this wonderful "history lesson" of Frank Herbert's incredible universe that is Dune.

Before I read Dune: House Atreides, I read the reviews of the Book in the Boston Globe first. They said something similar to the fact that "the book did not ruin the Dune series, but it did not add anything to it either". After reading the book myself I have to respectfully disagree with their assessment of the book. I thought this book was great, and I was very much a skeptic going into it. I am now very much looking forward to reading the sequel to "Chapter House Dune" which Brian mentioned he is proposing to write at the end of this novel. I must admit I was weary of a famous father's son trying to pick up his father's work and running with it. You never know if they are just trying to make a buck off of their father's name. Brian, after reading this novel I see that is not the case, and that you really must love this story. Your father would be proud.

This prequel to _Dune_ is apparently based on Herbert Sr.'s notes and vision for the series, tragically unfulfilled.
If you loved Herbert Sr.'s style, I regret to let you know that you won't find it here. There was only one Frank Herbert. After reading _House Atreides_ I'm glad Herbert Jr. and Anderson went ahead and wrote in their own style, which is smooth, enjoyable and interesting.
_Dune_ fans will like the meatiness and direct relevance of the story to the later books. The majority of characters here are familiar to _Dune_ readers. Portrayals are consistent (of course, we see them all in younger years; the timeframe of the book is roughly that of the accession of Shaddam IV). In fact, I really hadn't anticipated that the portrayals would be as good as they are, so that was one of several pleasant surprises.
Heartily recommended to those who want more _Dune_. Devotees of Herbert Sr.'s unique style won't find more of it here, but it's still good SF.

This book is a pretty good read. Unlike the original Dune series, it is not a great book, and anyone who anticipates such will be disappointed. Still, I was happy to read more of the exploits of Leto, the Atreides family, and their allies and enemies. Some of the new characters were excellent additions. I was jarred, though, by a few obvious errors. For example, after the Tleilaxu take-over of Ix, we actually get to see the Axlotl tanks. However, as we learned in the later Dune books, there are no "tanks" but instead the gholas are birthed by the Tleilaxu females. So when the tanks actually showed up as physical tanks, and when the Tleilaxu were actually doing scientific research with them, I was disappointed. It doesn't seem to be such a big thing to try to ensure consistency of such a key point of the entire series. Still, the overall reading was fine, and the story was interesting.

After reading many of the reviews, I was bit dismay to figured out that many of these people wanted the authors of this book to basically mimic Frank Herbert. Well, much to dismay of these readers, Frank Herbert been long dead and he should not be mimic by his son. After reading this book, I began to enjoyed the story, the fast pace style and exciting set of characters. I wasn't concern if the trivial storyline don't jive with the original storyline written by Frank Herbert as long as the basic spirit was there and presented in a fine form. When I read this book, I didn't expect to see the ghost of Frank Herbert and the exactness of his universe. Being a Trekkie of a sort, I am quite used to how things don't jive with the original TV show. I haven't read the second or third books on this series but I thought that the first book was good reading and fun. I think expanding and adjusting Herbert's universe is a good thing. As science fiction reader, I can appriecate that we will not be gridlock into a vague format.

I was skeptical about reading this one due to the number of negative reviews I saw. I am pleased to say I disagree with them. Once I started, I never put this book down throughout an entire weekend. Any book that causes you to stay up late reading it is fine by me. Is it as good as Dune? No. How many books out there are? There are a number of cool refrences to future events, and the development of several familiar faces was done superbly. Count Fenring is my new favorite character: mean, methodical, and no one in his or her right mind will mess with him. Unfortunately, you almost need to read Dune first, or the refrences in this one will not make sense. Either way, its definatly worth the time to check this one out. I only give 4 stars because I feel people give out far too many 5's (and 1's for that matter, nothing in between).

Of course any "Dune" fan is going to be skeptical about the son of the author of one of the most successful science-fiction series in history trying to continue it. Tougher still is the task of writing a "prequel" to the first novel, which would be tough even if done by the first author. But fear not. This work stands proudly with the original, and in some cases even exceeds it.
For in this book you see how many of the characters you meet in the first book got there in the first place. You get to see Duke Leto as a boy growing into young man. You get to see how Jessica is conceived at part of the grand sisterhood plan. You see how Duncan Idaho meets up with Leto. And in one of the best twists in the book, you see how the Baron becomes his physically disgusting self. This alone is worth reading.
What I liked about it is that it equals, and in many cases, even exceeds the ruthlessness of the characters we've grown to know. There are virtually no breaks in the unrelenting pressure to survive by each an every character. This comes both in the form of nature on the title planet, as well as the constant political maneuvering and backstabbing that occurs to gain power. It would have been nice to see a little more human kindness, but it is probably what we have to expect for a story that sets up the Harkonnens holding the cards in the next story. I enjoyed this one very much.

Reviewer: Chuck Spicer from Champaign, IL USA Brian distorts the Dune serious making unbelievable leaps and writing things that any Dune fan know just couldn't be or clash with Frank's vision. The characters are one dimensional and the story line is preposterous. It's as badly written as star trek books. This book might be entertaining to those looking for a fun read but anybody who holds Dune true and dear to their hearts will dislike this. This was obviously a tool to fatten his pockets. He should have listened to his father when he wrote "YOu don't write for success." Let Brian have his fun with the prequels but let us all hope he doesn't truely desicrate Dune by attempting Dune 7.

I've had Dune: House Atreides, the first prequel Dune novel, sitting on my night stand for a couple of weeks. Its not that I dislike the Dune books, but Dune is not a novel. It's more like a research project. Frank Herbert's Dune series is arguably the most detailed, complex, and multilayered science fiction opus of all time. Never have I read such enormous books and finished with the feeling that the author needed to explain more. Very few books have forced me to pause, close the book and think carefully about the plot just to keep up. And there on my night stand sat Dune: House Atreides, with a menacing challenge gleaming from the cover. En garde!
I suppose I should start with what House Atreides is not. It's not written by the legendary Frank Herbert, who is deceased. The novel is a joint effort from Herbert's son Brian Herbert, and popular science fiction author Kevin Anderson (Jedi Academy Trilogy). Additionally, it does not continue the Dune books, but rather is a prequel and starts a generation before the initial Dune novel.
It only takes a page to tell the old master is gone. It's not that the new writers are bad, but Frank Herbert's prose is unmistakable, and I doubt there are many writers who could even approach the detailed and complex style that Herbert seemed to spin with such ease. Brian Herbert and Anderson make a strong effort, but it's a pale shadow to one of the most acclaimed science fiction writers ever.
Yet House Atreides is a good book in its own right. While the novel is not as heavy, either in girth or prose, as previous Dune books, it is an entertaining look at young Leto Atreides as he learns the hard lessons of leading a major house in the galactic empire against the intrigues of the evil Harkonnens and even the Padasha Emperor himself. We get to meet familiar characters and learn how they developed in their good or evil ways, and we learn more about the competing schemes of the galaxy's great ruling houses. The new authors are painstaking in the effort to remain consistent with the other Dune books, and this attention to detail is remarkable considering the sheer number of detail in the original novels.
Dune: House Atreides is a relatively easy read and paced quick enough to keep the reader's attention. If I didn't keep comparing the book to the previous novels, I likely would have been impressed. But if you are going to write a Dune Book, then you must be prepared for the inevitable comparisons. House Atreides is good, but few can compare to Frank Herbert.

The book is called House Atreides, but it has characters other then the Atreides. The book revolves around several different characters views. Young Leto Atreides leaves Caladan to go to Ix for a year of education. Eight year old Duncan Idaho is a Harkonnen slave, used to give new trainees practice in hunting human prey. Shaddam, the Heir to the Empire, urged by his childhood friend, plots to assassinate his father and create a synthetic spice. The Bene Gesserit work to create the child who is to be the grandmother of the Kwisatz Haderach. The Planetolgist Pardot Kyens travels to Arrakis. This book has some interesting facts and is not badly written, but nowhere near as good as Frank Herbert's masterpiece 'Dune'

I won't say the Dune "Prequel" Trilogy is entirely without merit. Any of the three books is an entertaining read for a cross-country train trip or a trans-Atlantic flight, like a Tom Clancy novel would be. But most people who know and love the "Dune" chronicles cannot help but be disappointed, even angry, at these pale imitations of the originals. The most striking lesson to be gleaned from these new Dune books is the difference between a truly gifted writer and a hack; between a serious work of imagination and literary skill, and airport lounge pulp fiction.
I won't detail all of the failings of the narrative - the inconsistencies with the original series, the sometimes absurd plot development, the gaping holes and internal inconsistencies in the story. Other reviewers have dealt with these at some length.
My biggest beef with these three books - all of them - is how poorly written they are (especially "House Corinno"). One would have hoped that more of Frank Herbert's literary ability would have found its way into his son's genes than apparently did. (Call the Bene Gesserit, quick! We need a new breeding program here!) The dialogue is often stilted, the character development shallow, and the structure fragmented, episodic and jerky. In contrast to Frank Herbert's elegant, even serene construction, Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson have unfortunately adopted the hyperactive "jump-around" style so beloved of today's writers of second-rate entertainment fiction.
Most disappointing to me was the shallowness of these new books. Frank Herbert's "Dune" books were books of IDEAS more than books about events and action. A great deal of their narrative was occupied with people's THOUGHTS, at least as much as with their actions. Brian Herbert's & Kevin Anderson's books, by contrast, are almost entirely devoid of thought, ideas or philosophy and are entirely preoccupied with who is doing what. At best, this makes their books entertaining, something with which to while away the hours. But they are simply not in the same league with the original Dune books. For the newcomer to the world of Dune, moving from "House Corinno" to "Dune" will be like moving from Harold Robbins to Steinbeck or Hemmingway.
Reading my way through these three books, I frequently found myself wishing that one of the Tleilaxu had been around when Frank Herbert died, to grow a Ghola Herbert in their axolotl tanks. These prequels might have really been something in the hands of a gifted writer.

...lacking in the details. This is obviously not by the same author who wrote Dune. Details show a different concept of the Dune universe. The Bene Gesserit seem ludicrously unobservant (using a mechanical incubator with "monitor lights" in their birthing chamber - something a BG acolyte could do much better). "Foldspace" seems to be a place that takes time to cross - more like StarTrek than F.Herbert. The Tleilaxu talk about religion all the time (it isn't the secret of the Dune novels). Thufir Hawat scratches his leg while his hands are clasped behind him (three hands, Thufir?). And this quote of Leto: 'His voice filled the room. "Father, you left large shoes for me to fill."' - (large voice and large shoes, is he a clown?). Many details of the novels WERE included, but the flaws are obvious and detract from the quality of the story.

When word of this manifesto came to the knowledge of the Sisterhood, its implications clear and farreaching, a through search of the archives was undertaken. Early on, several lapses were spotted, mistakes in the timeline, gaps in the plot-points set down by the great Frank Herbert, and several continuity errors. Our Mentats at Chapterhouse have in this report laid out point by point the errors:
In "Atreides" the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is presented as a fit and trim man who takes pride in his good shape and his muscular tone. The reason for his immense fattness is not through him becoming lazy.
In the great "Dune" we find evidance of the opposite. In file# 322 the Lady Fenring states while noting the lean tone of Feyd-Rautha "Here's one who won't let himself go to fat." In file# 14 he likens a feature on a globe to "sweet caramels", and on file# 21 he asks for food to be sent for.
In "Children of Dune" during Alia's fit of possession by the Baron where his voice is spoken through her mouth his voice id described as belonging to "a querulous man, an autocratic and sensual man far gone in self-indulgence".
We believe that this clearly shows that the Baron was never interested in being fit or cared about being in shape but rather indulged in all known forms of cuisine.
In "Atreides" Hasimir Fenring habit of going "Um-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m" is said to be something he has always done much to the dismay of Shaddam IV.
Again this goes against what is stated in "Dune" file# 322 where we are told that the humming is called a secret language between himself and his Lady.
In "Atreides" we see the Harkonnen no-globe used by the Bashar Miles Teg in "Heretics of Dune".
Our Mentats have discovered a glaring error in this: the age of the no-globe itself. In "Heretics" file# 223 Teg and the Reverend Mother Lucilla wonder about the age of the no-globe and theorize that "the Tyrant must have known about this place" and must have let the Harkonnens bulid it to drain their wealth.
Teg believes that the Tyrant himself had once been there and mabey had the occupants killed.
Now, Teg finds the ship about 1500 years after the Tyrant, believes that it was built sometime during the Tyrant's 3500+ lifetime AFTER the events in "Atreides".
At the end of "Atreides" we find a High Priest of Dur,(an ancient religion), who "had by tradition crowned every Emperor since the fall of the thinking machines".
In "Heretics" Teg has no idea what Jafa Muzzafar is talking about when he calls himself the regional commander for the forces of Dur. (file# 389)
Jafa says in file# 392 that his rank of Field Marshal is a revival of the ancient titles in the Dur, tries to explain a frame bush and then understands that there are no such things in Teg's universe and says that they have much to teach each other.
This, we believe, implies that the Dur is a thing that was discovered in the Scattering and not something that was taken out into the Scattering.
We have asked our Mentats for their prime projection as to why such errors happened, their finding is as follows:
This book was written to capitalize on the name of "Dune" and rake in money from the legion of "Dune" fans who would be eager to read more of the "Dune" universe created by the great Frank Herbert. The writters must have believed that these lapses would not have been noticed, but failed to take into account that Mr. Herbert's books have been re-read by fans several times over and ANY lapses would stand out like "a man striding across the open bled."

Okay, first things first: No, Brian Herbert is not as good an author as his father and no, this book is not as good as the original. Of course, Frank Herbert was probably the best science fiction author of the past 50 years and "Dune" is perhaps the best science fiction novel ever written. So those are rather impossible standards for Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson to live up to.
"Dune: House Atreides" does stand on it's own quite well, however, and is one of the better science fiction novels I have read in a long while.
This book is a prequel centering on the original Leto Atreides, who was killed off in the early pages of the first "Dune" novel. (Leto, we hardly knew ye.) Brian Herbert and co-author Anderson go into the past to write of Leto's adventures long before the Atreides ever went to Arrakis. We follow the young Leto as he battles the Harkkonens and matures into one of the most powerful men in the universe.
Certainly the book lacks a lot of the subtext of Frank Herbert's original novel. And, as with any prequel, there is the problem of us already knowing how this is all going to end.
Still, if the worst you can say about a SF novel is that it "isn't as good as 'Dune'" ...well, you can probably say the very same thing about every other SF book ever written.
My advice is that if you liked the previous "Dune" novels, sit back and enjoy this book for what it is. And don't worry about impossible comparisons.

The book was a good introduction to the Dune series. Explanations for characters that Frank Herbet couldn't provide adequately in Dune were given. I enjoyed reading about Barron Harkonnen's demise while sexually assaulting his Bene Gesserite breeding partner. The Ix story was good but one of the characters was left stranded, we are to assume that the evil Bene Txeileau did away with him. The Fenrig and Shaddam story provided some useful insite into the story that was never fully pursued by Herbert's father in the original. Overall I liked the story but felt the ending was a tad weak. I look forward to reading the next book in the prequel series.
- Mr. Calm