The Dune Chronicles probably rivals The Lords of the Rings in terms of scope,depth...and length. I've read all six books many, many years ago and its still here with me- covered in a sheen of dust waiting to be read again. Dune:House Atreiedes, the latest in the series,is a prequel to the events in Dune and its a collaborative effort by Herbert's son, Brian and Kevin J. Anderson,an author who has gained some recognition for his work on the Star Wars novels. The meat and bones of the book is presumably based on the recently discovered notes of Frank Herbert where it outlines the history of Dune before the events we are familliar - but i am wary of this book.
I am inclined to believe, admitedly with a certain amount of prejudice, that this book will taint the legacy of the Dune Chronicles. I do hope, sincerely - I might add, that I will be proven wrong but I strongly fear that the contrary will be encountered. The Dune series was moving forward (when it ended prematurely), taking its established characters and propelling them ahead. It created ingenious situations that placed the protagonists in constantly fascinating but dire circumstances - The plot cultivated evolvement of story and strong involvement that produced a need, no - a thirst for the fulfillment of the saga, brought on by the last chapter of the series. It invoked curiosity and questions on the future of the inhabitants of Dune and the universe it occupies.
The new book reverses this momentum with the genesis of Dune's rich history where it will introduce new characters and predicaments that will have a connective tissue to the events that we already know. This is quite similar to Episode 1 and its relation to the Star Wars saga but with one big difference - We know the ending for that one. It is complete while Dune awaits further exploration.
I have a suspicion, and am quite convinced of this, that the purpoted notes of Frank Herbert were just background details and history that was used to paint the picture that legitimised Dune and NOT the skeleton of a prequel that Frank Herbert was working on before he died, as we are led to believe.
While a prequel would be an interesting read and i do not doubt the validity of it in the Dune universe but it should only begin when the current saga ends. Brian Herbert makes his debut here as a writer and he already has another book, The House of Harkonnen, coming out this October which is the possible sequel to Atreides. As this becomes a saga, another sits unfinished and perhaps forgotten. Maybe what I fear most is that the voice and imagination of Frank Herbert will be muted, or even worse, lost in this book and that we will be treated to something that was done to primarily appease an economical condition.
Perhaps what I'm saying here is pointless and will prove to be groundless. Perhaps Brian will prove to be a greater storyteller than his dad. Perhaps I am totally off my rocker here. I do hope so and I will read this book but not after I get reacquainted with whole series again...beginning tomorrow.
This wasnt meant to grow into such a length and for that, I apologise but I am curious though, how do you feel about Dune and what was your favourite in the series? I actually read Dune just before I saw the movie. And inspite of that, I still loved the movie. I knew it couldnt possibly fulfill the imagery and the intracicies of the book but i was grateful to actually behold onscreen,images that, so far, were only resident in my mind. The movie was just a shadowy reflection of the book but it was still something to witness.
I am inclined to believe, admitedly with a certain amount of prejudice, that this book will taint the legacy of the Dune Chronicles. I do hope, sincerely - I might add, that I will be proven wrong but I strongly fear that the contrary will be encountered. The Dune series was moving forward (when it ended prematurely), taking its established characters and propelling them ahead. It created ingenious situations that placed the protagonists in constantly fascinating but dire circumstances - The plot cultivated evolvement of story and strong involvement that produced a need, no - a thirst for the fulfillment of the saga, brought on by the last chapter of the series. It invoked curiosity and questions on the future of the inhabitants of Dune and the universe it occupies.
The new book reverses this momentum with the genesis of Dune's rich history where it will introduce new characters and predicaments that will have a connective tissue to the events that we already know. This is quite similar to Episode 1 and its relation to the Star Wars saga but with one big difference - We know the ending for that one. It is complete while Dune awaits further exploration.
I have a suspicion, and am quite convinced of this, that the purpoted notes of Frank Herbert were just background details and history that was used to paint the picture that legitimised Dune and NOT the skeleton of a prequel that Frank Herbert was working on before he died, as we are led to believe.
While a prequel would be an interesting read and i do not doubt the validity of it in the Dune universe but it should only begin when the current saga ends. Brian Herbert makes his debut here as a writer and he already has another book, The House of Harkonnen, coming out this October which is the possible sequel to Atreides. As this becomes a saga, another sits unfinished and perhaps forgotten. Maybe what I fear most is that the voice and imagination of Frank Herbert will be muted, or even worse, lost in this book and that we will be treated to something that was done to primarily appease an economical condition.
Perhaps what I'm saying here is pointless and will prove to be groundless. Perhaps Brian will prove to be a greater storyteller than his dad. Perhaps I am totally off my rocker here. I do hope so and I will read this book but not after I get reacquainted with whole series again...beginning tomorrow.
This wasnt meant to grow into such a length and for that, I apologise but I am curious though, how do you feel about Dune and what was your favourite in the series? I actually read Dune just before I saw the movie. And inspite of that, I still loved the movie. I knew it couldnt possibly fulfill the imagery and the intracicies of the book but i was grateful to actually behold onscreen,images that, so far, were only resident in my mind. The movie was just a shadowy reflection of the book but it was still something to witness.
