By: Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson Publisher: Tor Books Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Format: Bargain Price Label: Tor Books Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 496 Publication Date: August 07, 2007 Release Date: August 07, 2007
At the end of Frank Herbert's final novel, Chapterhouse: Dune, a ship carrying a crew of refugees escapes into the uncharted galaxy, fleeing from a terrifying, mysterious Enemy. The fugitives used genetic technology to revive key figures from Dune's past--including Paul Muad'Dib and Lady Jessica--to use their special talents to meet the challenges thrown at them.
Based directly on Frank Herbert's final outline, which lay hidden in two safe-deposit boxes for a decade, Sandworms of Dune will answer the urgent questions Dune fans have been debating for two decades: the origin of the Honored Matres, the tantalizing future of the planet Arrakis, the final revelation of the Kwisatz Haderach, and the resolution to the war between Man and Machine. This breathtaking new novel in Frank Herbert’s Dune series has enough surprises and plot twists to please even the most demanding reader.
The Eternal Return or Thesis-Antithesis-Synthesis Wow! I was not expecting such gripping story telling. I've read Brian and Kevin's Hunters of Dune and the House trilogy, the latter a memorable story, but I did not like the bite size chapters (also in Andersons excellent Saga of Seven Suns). The short chapters that serve well to further the story, but are too short to really get into the drama. Consider Frank Herbert's Dune, the first book. The plot was intricate and dramatic, but so were the chapters, I could really get into each chapter for long enough to feel like I've been through a dramatic experience. Not quite the same with bite size chapters.
The story in Sandworms of Dune is intricate, surprising, and dramatic. The chapters are longer too, allowing to really get into each part. It seemed to me the authors really were inspired here to usually describe an event fully, rarely skipping the detail to simply move on with the story. I was really able to imagine many of the scenes. The ending is wonderfully connected to the entire Dune drama, tying all the story lines together into a whole that not only does so, but weaves it into a future, but a future that has blind spots! Inspiring ideas.
I'm very happy that Frank Herbert's original outline was discovered, expanded upon, and done so very nicely. Though the story is basically complete, I bet I would continue reading more if Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson decide to write more. A word of caution to you both if you do decide to write more, especially into the future of Dune, after this novel's chronology, that is, plan to realize and remain honest to the ideals the Kwizatz Haderach envisioned. I mean, it's quite an act to follow. But I'm sure with those same ideals you accomplish it.
Bad.....Yep, Bad..... First -- they stretched one book over two. Bad move -- makes for a drawn out slow read. Second, it's just not that good.
There are a lot of opinions comparing Brian and Kevin to Frank Herbert. It's not fair -- Frank owned this material and he nailed it. Brian and Kevin are tackling someone else's work and, while I have enjoyed their other work, it does show through.
I would love to see the 'notes' and 'outlines' that are credited as being the base for building this book. I enjoyed the prequels and like the tie-in back to that. Maybe Frank intended something similar, mabe he didn't -- it doesn't matter at this point. I'm glad they tackled it. Unfortunately, it devolved into silliness related to the characters they brought back, etc. Oh well .....
More of the Dune Universe After reading all of the Frank Herbert Dune series, I have become addicted to the richness of the Dune Universe. Brian and Kevin have done a spectacular job of pushing out the edges of that universe.
MUST READ THIS BOOK OMG Huge Dune fan here. This book is so captivating and everything I expected-plus more. Get a copy of this book if you have not already.
Misunderstand Frank Herbert's originals The book directly contradicts facts established in Frank Herberts originals. Not trivial bits, but major plot points such as who and what important characters are, rewriting the background for the universe, etc.
What is worse is that it makes a mockery of the themes Frank Herbert explored in his originals: Where they discussed the problems of handing over decision-making to mechanical things and power structures, the new books talk of an evil robot trying to eradicate mankind for no apparent reason. After Frank spent 6 books demolishing the hero archetype, charismatic leaders and our dependency on them and warning us about 'putting all our eggs in one basket' as a species, this book applauds religious fervor to incite mankind to band together under a single leader.
If you liked Frank Herbert's work for the multilayered plotting, believable characters, well crafted universe and themes of humanity, politics and overall philosophical approach to science fiction - you will feel your fond memories violated.
If you thought Dune was an action novel with a few draggy bits but a lot of lasers, giant worms and über-cool heroes and villains - then you might enjoy this and other KJA&BH work. You would also be wrong...
Anything Goes Trivia
Last Kiss
Megaton Man
Trevor
