| This is a classic heroic epic. The scion of a fallen Great House is sent to his death but escapes into exile. Under the protection of a native people, Paul Atreides grows from adolescent to man, man to leader. After a mystical transformative event, he seeks to avenge himself on his family's traditional rival and the Imperial House that together conspired to bring House Atreides down.
The Padishah Emperor, House Harkonnen, the Bene Gesserit, and the Spacing Guild all have their reasons for wanting to take Paul Atreides down... or at least bring him to heel. The Emperor controls the fierce Sarduakar but Paul Atreides controls the Spice and 'he who controls the Spice controls the universe.' This story takes place in a richly detailed universe with complex economic, social, and religious histories. Paul Atreides is a hero in the tradition of Odyssues or Gilgamesh. Dune is the first book in a series of six and by far the best of the lot. | ||
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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 - is very quick Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: Eccentric: Yes How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a substantial amount How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting Terrain A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - 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) - an average amount of scientific explanation Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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