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 |