Rating: 
Summary: Worthy of the 'Dune' title
Review: Dune has long been my favorite SF book of all time, and while the rest of the series was enjoyable, none of those books could touch what Herbert had done with the original. With that in mind, I never expected House Atreides to come close to the original, and it doesnt.It is however, an enjoyable read. Others here have correctly pointed out that the complexity in the original series is not duplicated in this work. However, I didnt read the book for that, I wanted to see what Herbert had left in his notes as the events that led up to those in Dune. And here is where this book excells. The book delivers all your favorite characters and factions from the Dune series, and even expands on some of them. And this is the reason to read this book. If you want a deep, complex novel, with multiple layers, a near duplicate of the original, then this isnt the book for you. If you want to return to the universe of Dune, and find out some of the history behind your favorite characters, to read a very enjoyable fast reading work, then this is indeed a book to be enjoyed.
Rating: 
Summary: Surprisingly good
Review: When I bought the book and started to read it, I expected it to be mediocre like the most of the sequels to the original Dune. Much to my surprise, it was extremly good. It was a quick read and was always at a climax. Though it still lacks the depth, complexity, and mystery of Dune, it is 20 times better the the sequels to Dune. I am impressed and can't wait to read the next prequeal.
Rating:
Summary: A keeper!
Review: A great scifi book! It is imaginative with a variety of interesting characters and situations. I think the book holds it own, if you choose to compare it with any of the original "Dune" books In the end it is eminently readable...one of those books that you look forward to flying through a couple chapters each day.
Rating: 
Summary: A good read, but primarily for the Dune archivist.
Review: This book was a quick, enjoyable read -- certainly for the Dunephile who has been dying to dig into the Atreides historical archives. The plot is carefully contrived to nicely fit into the future plot lines, but is missing the depth and larger-than-life myth-creation of Frank Herbert's original Dune. I enjoyed the book quite a bit, but sorely missed much of what we all remember from our first reading of Dune: for example, how many of us didn't begin looking for facial nuances and hidden motives among our friends during everyday conversations before we had gotten through the third chapter? Dune: House Atreides is lacking that permeating layer of Mentat-Bene Gesserit super-insight subtext that so contributed to the popularity of the initial novels. Unfortunately, even the super-human Fremen's mystique is taken for granted and pales in this telling. We were completely and irrevocably pulled into the universe of Paul, Jessica, Duncan, etc. forever within the first ten pages in Dune; in House Atreides we only skim the scholarly surface. Those missing key elements, combined with too many one-dimensional characterizations of both people and events, contribute to a book that is enjoyable for those of us wishing to revisit old friends and adversaries, but fails to stand on its own. This effort is a must-read for Dune fans, but I look forward to the next installment not as a Reader, but as the literary archaeologist who wishes to turn over some more story stones.
Rating:
Summary: Surprising good, action packed prequel to the Dune series.
Review: When I picked up this book, I was prepared to be disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised instead. Frank Herbert's first few Dune novels were superb, but he started going downhill with his last few books. Now the series was being taken over by others. I could only think of Asimov who, after writing "the Foundation Trilogy", probably the greatest science fiction ever written, came back in his last years to write some dismal sequels and has been suceeded by other authors writing yet more lackluster books. This novel, on the other hand, captures the spirit of the first and best Dune novel, discussing events occurring decades before the action in "Dune". He further "fleshes out" the main characters while at the same time being true to the original. The characters are believable and the action and treachery(a key element in the universe of Dune) are fast-paced. I anxiously look forward to the next in the series.
Rating:
Summary: What a surprise!
Review: Well, being a Dune Saga fan I must confess I was more than a little skeptical when my brother told me about it and that he'd ordered it for me. Was I in for a huge surprise or what? The book is wonderfully written, set a few decades before the first one written by Frank Herbert, DUNE. It covers a lot, explains many plots, revenges, betrayals and is a perfect prequel to the Dune Saga...I only hope there'll be more of those as there sure is enough that is still untold.
Rating:
Summary: An Admirable Effort
Review: This book lacks the complexity of emotion and Frank Herbert's remarkably keen insight into human nature that made the original Dune such an amazing book. However it is imminently readable if not the masterpiece on what it is based. And because it is faithfully set in one of the richest and most beloved universes in the science-fiction canon it is transformed from a pleasant piece of fiction into a joyous undertaking. Highly recommended to anyone who has been enchanted by Arrakis and the universe within which it is contained.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed the new book very much!
Review: At first I was very concerned if the Brian Herbert and Mr. Anderson could pull off such a challenging endeavor. I was pleasantly surprised that they did it without much trouble at all. I enjoyed seeing the Dune Universe come alive again. These two talented authors left an avenue available for another book following House Atreides, yet in the authors notes in the back of their book they talk about the incredibly challenging task of finishing what the original author left unfinished by his untimely death. They plan to write the next book after ChapterHouse Dune. I can't wait. Best of luck to them and I hope their next endeavor won't keep me in the edge of my seat too long. I loved it!
Rating:
Summary: DUNE: HOUSE ATREIDES
Review: DUNE:HOUSE ATREIDES IS A GREAT PRELUDE TO THE DUNE BOOKS. IT COVERS ALMOST ALL OF THE QUESTIONS I HAD ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF DUNE AND THEIR LIFES PRIOR TO DUNE. ANYONE WHO HAS READ THE ORGINIAL SERIES WILL BE MORE THAN PLEASE, HOWEVER I CAN SEE IF THE READER HAS'NT READ THE SERIES HE MAY BE LOST. SO PLEASE READ THE SERIES BEFORE GIVING THIS BOOK LESS THAN 5 STARS. BRIAN HERBERT AND KEVIN ANDERSON I HAVE TWO THINGS TO SAY TO YOU. ONE WAY TO GO, GREAT JOB, AND TWO PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAIL TO MY FAVORITE DUNCAN IDAHO. I HAVE OFTEN WONDERED WHAT YOUR FATHER WAS DOING PUTTING IN A PERSON WHO HAD A NAME THAT JUMPED OFF THE TEXT AT YOU CONSIDERING ALL THE OTHER TONGUE TWISTERS HE PUT IN THE BOOKS? UNLESS HE TOLD YOU I GUESS I WILL NEVER KNOW. UPON REFLECTION TO THIS BOOK I CNA'T HELP BUT NOTICE ( NEVER DID BEFORE) HOW CLOSE THIS IS TO GEORGE LUCAS'S STAR WARS....HMMMMM. WE KNOW WHICH CAME FIRST. OK ENOUGH SAID, THANK YOU FOR THE ENJOYABLE READING. JIM
Rating: 
Summary: Surface Scratch Gives No Buzz
Review: It was at the young and impressionable age of 18 that I first encountered the genius that was Frank Herbert. And while I must admit that it was the miserable excuse of the movie version of "Dune" (why twisted, macabre and sensationalistic David Lynch was chosen for the virtually insurmountable privilege of converting this unquestionable masterpiece to visual media when the likes of Kubrick, Scott and even James Cameron could have been had remains to me one of the greatest mysteries in the history of cinema, especially given the fact that Frank Herbert himself was a consultant during filming - heart plugs! a sound gun for Pete's sake! Head-shaking, mind-boggling!) which opened my mind to the series, I can not bemoan it as the catalyst. The day after watching the film for the first time I went out and purchased what was then the entire series (Dune - God Emperor) which I proceeded to devour over the next several days and sleepless nights. It's effect was inspiring, life-changing, mind-expanding and indelible. It forever changed my view of our species, both our history and our future. I have since re-read the original four books at least four times (I've given the first one six reads, not counting the multitude of times having casually picked it up and flipped to a chapter for a quick stroll) and the entire series at least three times. Each time the effect on me is inescapable: I'm buzzed... my head spins. It defies explanation. Attempts at describing the works themselves to the unfamiliar are equally elusive, especially given, forgive the gross generalization, most people's attitude towards the genre. "But it's not really sci-fi", I would say... "it's social and politcal commentary, philosophy and "humanism", body/mind focus and control to the height of Eastern philosophy and teachings and beyond; it's millennia-long vision of the survival of our species by manipulating the masses through religion and the necessity of an all-powerful, self-sacrificing, Machiavellian visionary with the strength of character and un-wavering confidence to make the decisions that will ensure our future". Unfortunately, I found "Dune: House Atreides" to be seriously lacking in most if not all of the driving force of Frank Herbert's writing. Whereas his story telling appeared to me to be his true beliefs and personal philosophy, this prequel is simply a history lesson told as an adventure story. Apart from lack of underlying philosophical theme, the key missing element has to be the trademark Herbert intensity during inter-character encounters. He had a way of subtly conveying the gravity and seriousness of a moment in the way his characters could read even the slightest nuances of an adversary's behaviour. Several key scenes leap to mind: the Atreides formal dinner upon their arrival at Carthag (thankfully omitted from the movie); the initial meeting of the conspirators involving Scytale in Dune Messiah; any encounter with the God Emperor; the list is almost inexhaustible. With all due respect to the collaborators and their respective individual achievements, Frank Herbert was a brilliant visionary and literary master whose works and style may never be duplicated. To do so would be a massive undertaking, near impossible, accomplished only by a true adept. In he end, "DUNE: House Atreides" is a history lesson, it's Herbert's characters without the Herbert edge. As a fan of the story, I was glad for the chance to revisit old friends and learn more about the events leading to Muad'Dib, Leto II and, eventually, "Rakis" and the Honored Matres. And as such I look forward to the next two, strictly out of historical fascination. But I beseech Brian Herbert to end it there and not attempt a sequel to Chapterhouse, unless he can find a writer who embodies the essence of his father's style and vision.
|
