Performance by Tim Curry
Six Cassettes, 9 hours
Frank Herbert's award-winning "Dune" chronicles captured the imaginations of millions of rea... read full description
Six Cassettes, 9 hours
Frank Herbert's award-winning "Dune" chronicles captured the imaginations of millions of rea... read full description
reviews
Feb 17, 2011
Marjorie
rated it: 
Like many sci fi lovers I read Frank Herbert's Dune--a book I loved for its richness and detail with all of the subcultures, traditions and intrigue centered on the spice--the eye-blue-ing, mind-altering and space-bending drug of drugs. Add the aristocracy and royal "Houses" murdering, betrayal, plots within plots and I did little else but read for days. It seemed that sequels were not as compelling and when Herbert died, I assumed a grand story was finally done. Then the "prequel
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Aug 16, 2007
Dan
rated it:
The House Trilogy is a good addition to the Dune series. For those that have read the originals, you get a good introduction to the history behind a lot of the key players in the original Dune.
Despite this, Brian Herbert doesn't recreate the same world his father did. Certain things feel a bit predictable where as his fathers work never had that feeling. Perhaps it has partly to do with knowing that certain things can't happen or that would have violated the continuity of his fath More...
Despite this, Brian Herbert doesn't recreate the same world his father did. Certain things feel a bit predictable where as his fathers work never had that feeling. Perhaps it has partly to do with knowing that certain things can't happen or that would have violated the continuity of his fath More...
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Feb 05, 2012
Donovan
rated it: 
This the first in the Prelude to Dune series of novels that provide the back story to Frank Herbert's DUNE.
The series consists of:
House Atreides
House Harkonnen
House Corrino
Plot ***Spoilers***
House Atreides
The novel begins on the planet of Arrakis, 35 years before the events of the original novel Dune. The Baron Vladimir Harkonnen has just taken over the governorship of Arrakis (also called Dune) from his younger brother Abulurd, who has allowed spice prod More...
The series consists of:
House Atreides
House Harkonnen
House Corrino
Plot ***Spoilers***
House Atreides
The novel begins on the planet of Arrakis, 35 years before the events of the original novel Dune. The Baron Vladimir Harkonnen has just taken over the governorship of Arrakis (also called Dune) from his younger brother Abulurd, who has allowed spice prod More...
Dec 18, 2011
Jo
rated it: 
Although I genuinely enjoy Frank Herbert’s original novels, these 2nd generation novels furtive attempts at capturing the essence of his universe lack finesse as well as grace (at least this one does). Having grown up reading Kevin J Anderson, I know him to be a strong writer with a firm grasp on characterization and form. I can only surmise that he deferred too much steering of the authorship to Brian, who I will refer to by his first name rather than his last to denote that he in no ways live
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Aug 24, 2011
Matthew
rated it:
Well after I finished Chapterhouse Dune, I was pretty sure I was done reading anymore Dune books, but I decided I would give Herbert's son and Anderson a chance to wow me with the their writing, imaginations and notes left behind from Frank Herbert.
Needless to say I love Herbert's Dune series, it really blew my mind on many levels. Inventiveness, technology, cutting edge class, philosophy I don't know where to stop really.
So when I picked up these prequals, they really h More...
Needless to say I love Herbert's Dune series, it really blew my mind on many levels. Inventiveness, technology, cutting edge class, philosophy I don't know where to stop really.
So when I picked up these prequals, they really h More...
Nov 07, 2009
John
rated it:
*Same review for the Dune Universe*
GREAT books! VERY time consuming! Worth the time!
Ok here is the deal. If your not sure about starting a series this big, here is what I would do.
1. -- Read the 1st one by Frank Herbert "Dune" if you like it...
2. -- Read the "Legends Of Dune" series. Its 3 books written by Frank's son Brian and a author I really like by the name of Keven J. Anderson. Its a prequel that is so far in the past that it doesn't More...
GREAT books! VERY time consuming! Worth the time!
Ok here is the deal. If your not sure about starting a series this big, here is what I would do.
1. -- Read the 1st one by Frank Herbert "Dune" if you like it...
2. -- Read the "Legends Of Dune" series. Its 3 books written by Frank's son Brian and a author I really like by the name of Keven J. Anderson. Its a prequel that is so far in the past that it doesn't More...
Apr 30, 2010
Tanner
rated it:
Book title and author: Dune House Atraties by: Brian Herbert & Kevin Anderson
Title of review: A Beautiful Prequel to an epic sequel
Number of stars (1 to 5): 5
Introduction I read this book before reading the original Dune and I feel that is the best way to experience the series from prequel to sequal and all in between.
Description and summary of main points The book follows many charters but the main character is no doubt Leto Atreties the young heir to More...
Title of review: A Beautiful Prequel to an epic sequel
Number of stars (1 to 5): 5
Introduction I read this book before reading the original Dune and I feel that is the best way to experience the series from prequel to sequal and all in between.
Description and summary of main points The book follows many charters but the main character is no doubt Leto Atreties the young heir to More...
Jul 01, 2011
♥ Cheshire Catt ♠
rated it:
Well first off, we need to get one thing straight - Me = biggest (and most likely only) Harkonnen fangirl ever. I read these prequels solely to get more of a Piter and Baron fix and they deliver! My only complaint is they are not in there enough!! Yes just like you can never have enough cowbell...
You can also never have enough Harkonnens! I will more than likely read the Butlerian Jihad books just to see how the feud started between House Atreides and House Harkonnen (and even if More...
You can also never have enough Harkonnens! I will more than likely read the Butlerian Jihad books just to see how the feud started between House Atreides and House Harkonnen (and even if More...
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Jan 14, 2009
Shelly - The Illustrated Librarian -
rated it:
Dune is one of my all-time favorite books, and this is a great addition to the canon.
It's so exciting to learn the histories of the well-loved characters of Dune. Brian Herbert's writing style is very similar to his father's, so the book (and the whole prequel trilogy) doesn't seem out of place in the Dune universe.
From the book jacket: "Covering the decade when Shaddam wins the throne, the teenager Leto Atreides becomes unexpectedly the ruler of House Atreides, and More...
It's so exciting to learn the histories of the well-loved characters of Dune. Brian Herbert's writing style is very similar to his father's, so the book (and the whole prequel trilogy) doesn't seem out of place in the Dune universe.
From the book jacket: "Covering the decade when Shaddam wins the throne, the teenager Leto Atreides becomes unexpectedly the ruler of House Atreides, and More...
Jul 27, 2011
Amanda
rated it: 
As a prequel to the epic saga of Frank Herbert's Dune, this was a pretty good book. Die hard fans might have problems with a few inconsistences but if you can overlook them (after all writers are not perfect), you will enjoy the book. I really enjoyed Duncan Idaho's story and the fact that there's multiple plots going on that interconnect. My recommendation, since a few people will be lost if they begin reading the prequels before Dune, is to read Dune first then go and read the three House preq
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Mar 28, 2011
Trey
rated it:
I was excited when I bought this book. It was refreshing and new and filled in some spots. Good enough book.
BUT I strongly advise against this series and the other Dune series that have flooded the shelves. The quality is horrible and truthfully I believe this is a poster child for a series designed to milk the readers. Lots if action and quite a few plots and subplots, but overall nothing really happens and by the fifth or sixth book (yes I was dumb enough to keep hoping) nothing r More...
BUT I strongly advise against this series and the other Dune series that have flooded the shelves. The quality is horrible and truthfully I believe this is a poster child for a series designed to milk the readers. Lots if action and quite a few plots and subplots, but overall nothing really happens and by the fifth or sixth book (yes I was dumb enough to keep hoping) nothing r More...
Nov 10, 2009
Jack
rated it:
Ok here's the deal: I realize that "new Dune" is a sensitive subject for a LOT of people. I myself have been extremely skeptical about reading any of the BH/KJA books. Upon reading the first 50 or so pages of House Atreides, i had my doubts as to whether i would make it all the way through. But the further i got, and upon finishing, my reaction is that it really is much better than i expected. There are some really fun storylines happening; i was pretty into the whole suboid thing, and
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Aug 13, 2011
Marji
rated it:
I am not a big sci-fi reader and I've never read any of the original Dune series, so I went into this somewhat skeptical. Honestly, I picked up the first one, House Atreidies, because it was on the paperback sale at Audible.com. That said, I really really enjoyed the whole series.
At the end of book 1 of the trilogy I was a bit taken aback...that's the end? That's when I went out and bought books 2 and 3. And I've been listening to these books non-stop now for a week. It's fascinating, well More...
At the end of book 1 of the trilogy I was a bit taken aback...that's the end? That's when I went out and bought books 2 and 3. And I've been listening to these books non-stop now for a week. It's fascinating, well More...
Jul 08, 2011
Aaron
rated it:
I think if I try to read the prequels and sequels of the original Dune too fast, I will definitely get sick of them. As I've mentioned before, Herbert and Anderson create readable "history" books of the Dune universe. The characters aren't terribly memorable, and the settings never seem all that tangible. However, you are bombarded by names, places, and things that round out things that are only hinted at in the Dune universe. For me, this is kind of fun (especially since I haven't
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May 31, 2010
Josh
rated it:
When I first read Dune by Frank Herbert, I was lying on a beach with a stack of about 8 books that I intended to read of the next few days. On the first day, I blew through 2 or 3 quite easily. On the second day, I started Dune, and by the second chapter I knew that I would be consumed by this book for probably the rest of my vacation. Mr. Herbert constructed an elaborate and engaging universe of unrivaled imagination in science fiction. The characters lept from the page including the very p
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Oct 01, 2009
Rick
rated it:
The expansion of the Dune universe and explanation of its history by far drove my interest in this book, and I think it fits pretty seamlessly with the others, plot-wise. This prequel to the original Dune delves into the life of young Leto Atreides primarily, but there are probably 20 different characters tracked throughout, and all with equal coverage.
What I liked: learning more about the history of the Houses Major, a vistit to Ix, more revelations about the Bene Tleilax (but they More...
What I liked: learning more about the history of the Houses Major, a vistit to Ix, more revelations about the Bene Tleilax (but they More...
Aug 23, 2011
Angel
rated it: 
I tried, really I did. Ugh!
I just can not continue... I find I have to read each page over and over but keep losing focus. I hope it is the genre I am having trouble with and not the wrting or story. A cool male high school tech teacher recommended this to me as the "best book ever written"... and I can not get past page 50.
I usually look forward to my daily reading hour, but when this book is waiting for me my stomach gets weak and my eyes roll like a little kids who was More...
I just can not continue... I find I have to read each page over and over but keep losing focus. I hope it is the genre I am having trouble with and not the wrting or story. A cool male high school tech teacher recommended this to me as the "best book ever written"... and I can not get past page 50.
I usually look forward to my daily reading hour, but when this book is waiting for me my stomach gets weak and my eyes roll like a little kids who was More...
Nov 24, 2010
Annie
rated it:
I read this series out of order not knowing there was a series. My first Herbert book was The Winds of Dune. After reading it, I looked the author up in hopes of finding more great stories like that one. Boy was I surprised and delighted. A whole series of these dune people! But wait...the Winds book is the last of this series...woops!
So it was extra interesting for me to figure out what kinds of puzzle pieces were to fit between the first and the last books as I listened to this Hous More...
So it was extra interesting for me to figure out what kinds of puzzle pieces were to fit between the first and the last books as I listened to this Hous More...
May 15, 2008
Fritz
rated it:
The entire "House" series is unreadable crap and an embarrassing exploitation of the author's father's name.
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Dec 21, 2009
Joy
rated it:
Leto I in his teen years. He is sent to Ix for an education, sees his father slain before his eyes, meets heroic young Duncan from Geidi Prime, and proves his honor and stature to the Landsraad. Jessica is still an infant here; Leto's friends are the young heirs of Ix. Now that I have finished reading this book I'll go on to the sequel, but I didn't feel any momentum at all for the first two-thirds of the book. Choppy, with too little time spent with each character to feel an emotional connectio
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Dec 27, 2011
Benjamin
rated it:
After I began to read all the various Dune novels in chronological order, I was worried the Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson books would burn me out. So many people have given them such drastically negative reviews, I was unsure what would happen. First I read the Legends of Dune trilogy, which I enjoyed quite a bit as a space opera on it's own, but now I am getting into the direct prequels and was worried they would fall flat. Thankfully I discovered the book was very enjoyable, even more
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Sep 21, 2011
Jason
rated it:
I'll never forget an absolute "dweeb" (& this is being polite) who acted like he was far above everyone--that only he & Frank Herbert were in the know--when it came to the Dune canon. He looked at me with a mixture of disapproval & pity when he thought I mispronounced a planets name. "It's not pronounced, 'Ix', it's pronounced, 'Nine'. Herbert NEVER intended to have the 'I' & the 'X' to be spoken phonetically."
Well, la de da! Asshole.
Why does thi More...
Well, la de da! Asshole.
Why does thi More...
May 22, 2011
Solitario
rated it:
Ante la avalancha de novelas sobre Dune, al terminar de leer el primer libro sentí cierta desgana por embarcarme en la inmensa tarea de leer las continuaciones, precuelas y secuelas. Pensé que el oportunismo del hijo de Herbert lanzando tantas novelas basadas en la obra de su padre restaría calidad e interés a los libros. Es por ese prejuicio que he tardado bastantes años en volver a leer otro libro sobre Dune.
Pero mi interés por la saga se renovó tras ver de nuevo la película de David Lyn More...
Pero mi interés por la saga se renovó tras ver de nuevo la película de David Lyn More...
May 04, 2010
Anthony
rated it:
Finally done the first prequel written by Frank Herbert's son Brian and his collaborator Kevin J. Anderson (this one took me a while, lots of distractions...). I went into the book having read many reviews deriding it. The naysayers state that Brian is milking his father's legacy, destroying it in the process. They say the writing is subpar and there are many inconsistencies with the six Dune books that Frank wrote. Now, granted, Brian and Kevin have published about a dozen Dune prequel/sequel b
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Nov 03, 2008
Chris
rated it:
Review courtesy of The Literary Snob
My brother-in-law and friend is an avid reader, even more than myself. Our reading tastes overlap somewhere in the middle and go in two very different directions. For years he has been trying to convince me to read Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and other similar titles, but I have been stubborn, telling him that once I finish the 1,568 real books on my current to-read list, I will get around to one of those.
One of his favorite series, however, s
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Feb 07, 2008
Dufour
rated it:
Lots of controversy over whether or not Frank Herbert's son should have continued the story of his father's sprawling epic DUNE. Even more controversy over why Brian Herbert chose Kevin J. Anderson, one of sci-fi's most rote and hackneyed authors (responsible for a number of mediocre forays into other franchise universes), as his co-writer. All that aside, the pair choose to flesh out more of DUNE's backstory in their first trilogy. HOUSE ATREIDES follows the exploits of young Leto Atreides of C
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Nov 09, 2007
Thomas
rated it:
Terrible. A few interesting moments but it's diluted with too much that's simply boring.
There's a few ways to do a good prequel. The easiest is to throw it back so far in time that pretty much *anything* could result in the world your readers are expecting. The second way is to hit the nail perfectly, making the one obvious lead-in to your source material. Thirdly, you can start of with a completely unexpected plot and through Herculean loose-end-tying make it mesh in an interest More...
There's a few ways to do a good prequel. The easiest is to throw it back so far in time that pretty much *anything* could result in the world your readers are expecting. The second way is to hit the nail perfectly, making the one obvious lead-in to your source material. Thirdly, you can start of with a completely unexpected plot and through Herculean loose-end-tying make it mesh in an interest More...
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Jul 24, 2007
Bryan
rated it:
There are times when you just can't go back home again- much like the Godfather Part III or the Star Wars prequels, or the sequel to Gone With The Wind.
The time that passes between books, and the sensibilities that change often creates discordant tones that mar the virtues of the original works.
That dissonance is all the greater when it is another author handling the material.
House Atreides is no exception, even though it is Frank Herbert's own son.
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The time that passes between books, and the sensibilities that change often creates discordant tones that mar the virtues of the original works.
That dissonance is all the greater when it is another author handling the material.
House Atreides is no exception, even though it is Frank Herbert's own son.
More...
Aug 18, 2011
Matthew
rated it:
interesting and useful introduction to the world soon-to-be inhabited by Leto Atreides, coupled with meaningful insights into house Harkonin and Corrino. Paulus represents the great, old order, Leto's mother the irrational side of the Jihad devotion, and young Leto the future.
On Dune, the wheels begin turning to establish the Kynes experiment in planetary reclamation, while House Harkonin continues to bleed planetary resources dry.
Good read, more backfill story, but should appeal to fans of te More...
On Dune, the wheels begin turning to establish the Kynes experiment in planetary reclamation, while House Harkonin continues to bleed planetary resources dry.
Good read, more backfill story, but should appeal to fans of te More...
Jul 11, 2011
Wilson
rated it:
The story was quite confusing in the beginning since I read it intermittently. I had to stop once in a while since I am very busy. So I needed to regress whenever I continued reading to keep track of what has happened. Nonetheless, once I reached the interesting parts of the story, I did not put the book down for I was not able to keep myself from turning the pages.
Dune fans who have read the original series may have rated this book low probably because it was not at par with the origi More...
Dune fans who have read the original series may have rated this book low probably because it was not at par with the origi More...
