Allreaders.com
Author Frank Herbert booklist (click here)

Book Review By Robert Merced
Dune by Frank Herbert

This is the story of an empire in stagnation, a royal family in the mist of treachery, of family love and loyalty, and a boy who, unbeknownst to him, is the product of centuries of breeding. This boy, upon whom destiny has placed a promise of a Godhead.   In this particular universe you will be met with the extremes distances, immeasurable populations and worlds, yet you eye will never lose sight of Arrakis for it is there that life will spring anew. It is on Arrakis that you will find that "…he who can destroy a thing, controls a thing". It is here that you will truly come to know DUNE.

Using the imagination of a JRR Tolkien and the courage of an Asimov, Hubert achieves a masterpiece in his first book of the Dune series.   He manages to create a universe based on the whims of commerce, religion, and politics. And along the way manages to bring into play the romance, treachery, and deceit that such a universe would entail. He does this by using our own human philosophical beliefs, fears and dreams…but never once throws them at you but rather lets you discern them for yourself.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book - depressing/sad
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story
Coming of age Yes
Youngster becomes - ruler
Political power play Yes
Political plotlets - overthrowing govt/kingdom
Inner Struggle Yes
Plotlet: - coping with mental/magical powers
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 10 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 40 %

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - a teen
If magical mental powers: - can see into the future

Main Adversary
Identity: - an entire race
Age: - long-lived adults
Profession/status:
Eccentric: Yes
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount

Setting
Terrain
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a futuristic society - empty, or nearly empty world - very controlled society
Planet outside solar system? Yes

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only) - some scientific explanation
Sex in book? Yes
What kind of sex: - orgies - impregnation/reproduction
How much dialogue? - significantly more descript than dialog
Back To Main Menu