Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1)

A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.

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Published Aug 2, 2005

704 pages

Average rating: 8.07

674 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Cyn's Workshop
Aug 20, 2025
10/10 stars
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
A classic of science fiction, Frank Herbert’s Dune carries the reader effortlessly through the story as the worms carry the fremen through the desert.

description

Arrakis, Dune, the only place in the galaxy where the worms thrive, producing spice, and he who controls the spice controls the galaxy. Frank Herbert’s Dune follows young Paul Atreides through the desert on a path to save himself from both assassination and the planet from corruption and destruction.

Truly A Classic
I was always intimidated by Dune. It seemed like this larger-than-life story that would take me ages to understand. However, as a fan of classic space operas and the Dune and Children of Dune miniseries, I had to read this novel.

I wish I had read it sooner.

Herbert’s writing is exceptional. The ease of storytelling makes this so incredibly accessible to the reader. The story is complex and intricate, yet Herbert makes it easy for the reader to understand the mechanics of the world. Little by little, the political intrigue and the ebb and flow that goes into building the world give the reader something to be interested in. There are multiple POVs here, but they each highlight something different, something new that adds to the richness of the world

Everything about the novel is engaging. It is easy to understand and builds itself effortlessly.

Strong Characters
Of course, without such captivatingly complex characters, Dune would not be half as engaging.

This is not only a plot-driven novel but a character-driven one as well. These characters are incredibly complex. Paul is the hero of this novel, and his evolution is one to be admired. He goes from a boy and grows into a man, somewhat hardened. He changes throughout Dune, shifting from a duke’s son to the prophet of the Fremen.

It is brilliant to read it as it unfolds.

Lady Jessica, the Baron, and the vast number of characters with point-of-views are given distinct characteristics that drive the plot forward, allowing the story to build upon itself. Some characters are vile, while others are simply morally grey. However, there is no denying the complexities of their personalities.

Final Thoughts
Dune is incredible. Truly a science fiction classic, this is a space opera for the ages.

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Annie.S
Feb 02, 2025
8/10 stars
This book took me a long time to get through but was very enjoyable. The depth of the world building and politics and cultures was wonderful.
Suzanne82
Aug 16, 2025
10/10 stars
I listened to/read this (mostly listened) and every moment was engaging. I'm new to the sci-fi genre and after finishing a couple of novels was nearly ready to say, "Hey, it's not for everyone." But Dune was just great. Great characters, great plot. Complex series of events but nothing superfluous. A perfect balance of all the things I like in a book. Highly recommend. Not writing off sci-fi after all...
Celia Seupel
Jun 10, 2025
10/10 stars
A true classic. One of the best. After so many decades, it still holds up: fresh, contemporary, and true. Don't think about the sequels -- just this book. Depth of character; completeness of world; imagination built on reality and social truth. It's an emotionally engaging and intellectually compelling story. This is my third time reading it.
Kyuketsuki914
Apr 18, 2025
8/10 stars
Read for SFSFS. Favorite character: Alia Atreides. Appreciated that it was a villain origin story. Enjoyed all the philosophy and ecology and overall world -building. I have no desire to continue the series at this time. Pacing was an issue.

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