Dune by Frank Herbert

Series: Dune Book 1
Genre: Science Fiction
Length: 892 pages
Audiobook Length: 21 hours and 21 minutes
First Published: 1965

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Rachael’s Review

On the order of the Emperor, Paul Atreides, the heir apparent of the House of Atreides, and his family take control of the desert planet Arrakis, the source of the most sought-after commodity in the galaxy. But power like that breeds many enemies who will stop at nothing to take over Arrakis. Mixing politics, religion, and mysticism with a whole lot of adventure, Dune is a class of science fiction all its own, sending you on an epic journey in this renowned science fiction novel.

After hearing positive reviews of the movie, my husband and I decided to go see it with my parents. I first read my sci fi loving dad’s battery paperback copy of Dune as a teenager and had forgotten so much of the story that I rushed to reread the book before I went. By the way, the movie was excellent, staying true to the book while impressing you with awe-inspiring visuals. Even my father was impressed, and that’s saying something.

Upon rereading the novel, I was as captivated as ever by the complicated political intrigue throughout the story. However, whether you like the book or not will depend on how well you enjoy the heavy dose of mysticism and philosophy that slows down the plot and gives it such a unique feel.

Publisher’s Description

Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is the “spice” melange, a drug capable of extending life and enhancing consciousness. Coveted across the known universe, melange is a prize worth killing for….

When House Atreides is betrayed, the destruction of Paul’s family will set the boy on a journey toward a destiny greater than he could ever have imagined. And as he evolves into the mysterious man known as Muad’Dib, he will bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream.