Frank Herbert

Herbert's evocative, epic tales are set on the desert planet Arrakis, the focus for a complex political and military struggle with galaxy-wide repercussions. Arrakis is the source of spice, a mind enhancing drug which makes interstellar travel possible; it is the most valuable substance in the galaxy. When Duke Atreides and his family take up court there, they fall into a trap set by the Duke's bitter rival, Baron Harkonnen. The Duke is poisoned, but his wife and her son Paul escape to the vast and arid deserts of Arrakis, which have given the planet its nickname of Dune. Paul and his mother join the Fremen, the Arrakis natives, ho have learnt to live in this harsh and complex ecosystem. But learning to survive is not enough - Paul's destiny was mapped out long ago and his mother is committed to seeing it fulfilled.

The Great Dune Trilogy

Three of the greatest SF novels in the world in one bumper omnibus Herbert's evocative, epic tales are set on the desert planet Arrakis, the focus for a complex political and military struggle with galaxy-wide repercussions. Arrakis is the source of spice, a mind-enhancing drug which makes interstellar travel possible; it is the most valuable substance in the galaxy. When Duke Atreides and his family take up court there, they fall into a trap set by the Duke's bitter rival, Baron Harkonnen. The Duke is poisoned, but his wife and her son Paul escape to the vast and arid deserts of Arrakis, which have given the planet its nickname of Dune. Paul and his mother join the Fremen, the Arrakis natives, who have learnt to live in this harsh and complex ecosystem. But learning to survive is not enough - Paul's destiny was mapped out long ago and his mother is committed to seeing it fulfilled.

Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune

Fraser Simons

Well worth the read but the ending was a big let down for me. Loved the world building and especially loved the philosophy and how it was implemented and explored. 

Did not care for the old-timey gender essentialism coupled with exploration of masculine and feminine. Displays how woefully incomplete study of that nature, or what was consumed of it by the author, can hinder a theme. The hah evil caricature Baron only underscored this point. The literalization of the transformation to godhood was pretty anti climatic for me, though it was clearly leading there for some time in the last book.

What continued to be interesting was the examination of social structures and constructs. Some of the characters, mostly the men, were well done and served their purpose without being grating. Dialogue was usually good, though ventured into the corny when epic things happened. Important that such a thing is attempted by authors, even with its failings and blind spots, I think this is the kind of ambitious fiction that I prefer to consume. Western sci-fi and fantasy is so much more tropey than this right now and this is quite old now. 

Highly enjoyable and would recommend, with the caveats above.

The Great Dune Trilogy

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