It is the year 10,154 of the Imperial Calendar, and for four decades the planet Arrakis - called Dune by its inhabitants - has been ruled by the Harkonnen family. But the seeds of change have been sown. On Arrakis, an idealistic young planetologist, Pardot Kynes, goes out into the desert to learn the secrets of its giant sandworms and the priceless Spice they create. And on another planet, Caledon, young Leto Atreides is nearly ready to become duke. The blood feud between House Atreides and House Harkonnen is about to begin. Drawing on notes, outlines and correspondence Frank Herbert left behind at his death, House Atreides is a breathtaking story of war, treachery, decadence and steadfastness in the face of overwhelming odds.
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Acclaimed SF novelist Brian Herbert is the son of Dune author Frank Herbert. With his father, Brian wrote Man of Two Worlds, and later edited The Notebooks of Frank Herbert's Dune. Kevin J Anderson has written many bestsellers, alternating original SF with novels set in the X Files and Star Wars universes. Together they bring personal commitment and a life long knowledge of the Dune Chronicles to this ambitious expansion of a series which transformed SF itself.
House Atreides chronicles the early life of Leto Atreides, prince of a minor House in the galactic Imperium. Leto comes to confront the realities of power when House Vernius is betrayed in an imperial plot involving a quest for an artificial substitute to melange, a substance vital to interstellar trade found only on the planet Dune. Meanwhile House Harkonnen schemes to bring Leto into conflict with the Tleilax, and the Bene Gesserit manipulate Baron Harkonnen as part of a plan stretching back 100 generations. In the Imperial palace treason is afoot, and on Dune itself, planetologist Pardot Kynes embarks on a secret project to transform the desert world into a paradise.
Dune remains the bestselling SF novel ever, such that three decades later no prequel can possibly have the same impact. Yet in House Atrides the authors have written a compelling, labyrinthine, skilfully imagined extension of the world Frank Herbert created, which ably commands the attention for almost 600 pages. It is powerful SF continuing a great tradition, and in itself is a very considerable achievement. --Gary S. Dalkin
Review
'House Atreides is a terrific prequel, but it's also a first-rate adventure on its own. Frank Herbert would surely be delighted and proud of this continuation of his vision.' (Dean Koontz )
'. . . Herbert and Anderson have met the challenge admirably. Within a web of relationships in which no act has simple or predictable consequences, they lay the foundations of the Dune saga . . . Even readers new to the saga will be able to follow it easily as the narrative weaves among the many interconnected tales. A TERRIFIC READ IN ITS OWN RIGHT . . . Will inspire readers to turn, or return, to its great predecessor.' (Publishers Weekly )
'Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson succeed in weaving their own intricate saga. <i>Dune: House AtreidesM/i> does its predecessors justice.' (USA Today )
'Congratulations to Herbert and Anderson for transporting us back to this richly excavated world . . . A spicy melange treat for both new and long-time fans of the series' (Billy Dee Williams (of Star Wars) )
'In writing a prequel to what is arguably the best science fiction novel of all time, Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson set themselves a monumental task. They succeed brilliantly. This cynical old critic found himself engrossed from page one, and eagerly looks forward to the rest of the series. Buy it now!' (Dave Wolverton )
'IN A WORD, SATISFYING: all Dune fans will want to investigate, newcomers will be tempted, and it should promote fresh interest in the magnificent original series.' (Kirkus Reviews )
'. . . Herbert and Anderson have met the challenge admirably. Within a web of relationships in which no act has simple or predictable consequences, they lay the foundations of the Dune saga . . . Even readers new to the saga will be able to follow it easily as the narrative weaves among the many interconnected tales. A TERRIFIC READ IN ITS OWN RIGHT . . . Will inspire readers to turn, or return, to its great predecessor.' (Publishers Weekly )
'Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson succeed in weaving their own intricate saga. <i>Dune: House AtreidesM/i> does its predecessors justice.' (USA Today )
'Congratulations to Herbert and Anderson for transporting us back to this richly excavated world . . . A spicy melange treat for both new and long-time fans of the series' (Billy Dee Williams (of Star Wars) )
'In writing a prequel to what is arguably the best science fiction novel of all time, Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson set themselves a monumental task. They succeed brilliantly. This cynical old critic found himself engrossed from page one, and eagerly looks forward to the rest of the series. Buy it now!' (Dave Wolverton )
'IN A WORD, SATISFYING: all Dune fans will want to investigate, newcomers will be tempted, and it should promote fresh interest in the magnificent original series.' (Kirkus Reviews )
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By François-ji
Format:Paperback
Please read one chapter from any classic Dune book by Frank Herbert and then read one chapter of any of the prequels (Prelude or Legends) in a bookstore.
The difference will pop up immediately.
Junior and Anderson's writing is poor, weak and uninspired and the quotes at the beginning of each chapter (a Dune trademark) are ridiculous.
House Atreides (book 1) was a pleasant read though, due to the expectations.
It is a shame that the rest of two series do not meet these expectations.
The second trilogy (Legends) ends in a rush with a couple of sub-plots (the origin of Mentats and Face Dancers)half-told which is a contradiction for a story whose purpose is to unveil the origins of every element of the Dune universe.
The other books were painful to read.
They might appeal to teenagers who have not yet read the classic Dune books written by Frank Herbert but they will have a shock when they start to read Dune 1. And they will probably give up before the end of Children.
My advice is that, even though you were told that you'll find seeds of events told in Dune 7, no matter how curious you are to read Hunters & Sandworms, avoid reading House Atreides at all cost because it will lead you to read the next one, and the next one and the second trilogy and there are indeed better books to read these days.
It is a shame that the Herbert Estate has made such a poor choice of writer for the new books.
They needed somebody like Stephen Baxter or George R.R.R Martin and instead they picked a writer of Star Wars stories for teenagers.
The difference will pop up immediately.
Junior and Anderson's writing is poor, weak and uninspired and the quotes at the beginning of each chapter (a Dune trademark) are ridiculous.
House Atreides (book 1) was a pleasant read though, due to the expectations.
It is a shame that the rest of two series do not meet these expectations.
The second trilogy (Legends) ends in a rush with a couple of sub-plots (the origin of Mentats and Face Dancers)half-told which is a contradiction for a story whose purpose is to unveil the origins of every element of the Dune universe.
The other books were painful to read.
They might appeal to teenagers who have not yet read the classic Dune books written by Frank Herbert but they will have a shock when they start to read Dune 1. And they will probably give up before the end of Children.
My advice is that, even though you were told that you'll find seeds of events told in Dune 7, no matter how curious you are to read Hunters & Sandworms, avoid reading House Atreides at all cost because it will lead you to read the next one, and the next one and the second trilogy and there are indeed better books to read these days.
It is a shame that the Herbert Estate has made such a poor choice of writer for the new books.
They needed somebody like Stephen Baxter or George R.R.R Martin and instead they picked a writer of Star Wars stories for teenagers.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By ESP
Format:Paperback
I first read Dune in 1974, some twelve years before Frank Herbert died. I was 13. A rather more intelligent and well-read friend loaned me the book. I found it hard going. Not only was it one of the first SF novels I had ever read, but it was a complex book with a whole new range of foreign terms and concepts (I had never before read a work of fiction requiring appendices, including a glossary and extensive notes!) I was fascinated; my imagination captured, but I didn't fully appreciate or understand the intricacies, breadth and scope of the Dune story. Even so, I struggled through the thick book (with frequent references to the notes), followed by Children of Dune and Dune Messiah in quick succession. Since then, of course, I have completed the epic series, re-reading them all several times, finding something new each time.
Naturally, I always wondered about the events, characters and motivations which led up to Dune, and the universe sometimes only hinted at or briefly described as the backcloth to the story of Paul and his family. When Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson finally published the first in the Prelude to Dune series I was keen to enter this intriguing universe once more.
Having read House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and started House Corrino, I can safely say that I would have greatly appreciated these books back in 1974. They are certainly more suited to a 13yr-old than the books that came before them. My apologies to Brian and Kevin, but these new prequels are a pale shadow of the master's work. Yes, they are quite exciting on occasion and, yes, they fill in a whole realm of gaps which Frank Herbert's legion of fans must have wondered about. Yet they seem shallow by comparison. Much like candy-floss, the stories lack substance and depth, leaving the reader somewhat dissatisfied, even though the yarns are enjoyable. I might also add that some of the edge is taken off the stories because we know what happens to the principal players. This detracts from most attempts at suspense.
Incidentally, I can't help but wonder how much of this is Frank Herbert's unpublished material, and how much only based on his (rough) notes. I am also fairly convinced that in House Atreides there are discrepancies between what the original series tells us about Duncan Idaho's early years and the newly-narrated events.
However, thanks to Frank Herbert's work, I am drawn to find out more about the universe he created, despite the relatively disappointing nature of this new series. No doubt I will purchase the Butlerian Jihad when it is available in standard paperback format. For those who have wondered about what went before Dune and can bear a version of events not told by Frank himself; and for those who are fresh to the characters and worlds he created, I recommend these books; just don't expect brilliance. They serve as a good appetiser before the Frank Herbert main course, but a poor dessert.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Frank Herbert must be rolling over in his grave. This is a poor attempt at continuing the Dune Chronicles. To say it lacks the subtle style of Frank Herbert, would be a gross understatement. The character devolopement is nearly nil, the plot lines are horribly contrived, and the contradictions with the Frank Herbert books abound.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Hideous
For me the novel falls flat on its face on the first page and never recovers. Dumbed down and beyond all recognition of the original. Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2007 by Applesauce
2.0 out of 5 stars
Very disapointing
When I heard that the Dune series was being continued by Frank Herberts son Brian I was delighted and looked forward to reading the prelude books. Read more
Published on 14 July 2005 by James Nagle
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good plot, pity about the writing
Sadly, I think "Dune" is being seen as a cash cow, and all 6 of the preludes have been rushed out unfinished, or so they seem. Read more
Published on 12 Oct 2004
3.0 out of 5 stars
Extending Your Grasp of the Context for Dune
Prequels are unusual novels. They should be written to introduce a book and series for someone who has not yet read any of the material. Read more
Published on 9 July 2004 by Donald Mitchell
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting in places but shallow after the originals.
The idea behind the Preludes books is that Frank Herbert had discussed at length the history of his created universer with his son Brian. Read more
Published on 15 Jun 2004 by Silas Wegg
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Overture For Better Things to Come
Having become hooked on the original Dune series 20 years ago, it was with delight that I learnt that Brian Herbert had decided to carry on from where his father left off. Read more
Published on 2 Mar 2004 by Andy Brodie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Greatest Trilogy Ever!
I thought that Dune was a good idea, but I thought the language was uninteresting and kind of boring, with characters that I couldn't relate to or whos character I couldn't... Read more
Published on 25 Feb 2004 by "phojklnjk"
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing to the avid Dune fan
Of course I was very excited when a new book set in the Dune universe came out, even if it wasn't written by the original Herbert. But frankly I was extremely disappointed. Read more
Published on 3 April 2002 by nicedaydog@hotmail.com
3.0 out of 5 stars
Some of it works, some of it doesn't but a very good read.
I have read a number of reviews of this book, and many seem to be at the positive or negative extreme. My own opinions of it are somewhere in the middle. Read more
Published on 19 Feb 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
One Of The Greatest Series Of Books Of All Time
House Atreides is a worthwhile read for those who like Science-Fiction. It is about two feuding families. The Harkonnen's and the Atreides. Read more
Published on 20 Jan 2002
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