Product Description

The universal computer mind Omnius has retreated to its last stronghold, where it plots a devastating new strategy that could undo the victories of the Butlerian Jihad. The surviving Titans are creating new lieutenants to do their will when at last they return to attack the human beings they once ruled. In the years of peace too many of mankind have forgotten that their machine enemies never sleep. But some have forgotten nothing - and learned from their triumphs. The brilliant military commander Vorian Atreides, son of a Titan, has the gift of long life from his terrifying father and knows the machines' minds better than any man alive. Norma Cenva, the genius inventor of humanity's best defences, dreams of new discoveries that will make man invincible. And on the windswept desert planet Arrakis, the power that can give them victory waits.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #384383 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 624 pages

Review
'This book is written in a style so close to the original that it is hard to believe Frank Herbert did not direct it through some mysterious genetic link - maybe he did. Did I like it? Hey, I'm a Dune addict myself. I can't wait for the sequel to the prequel' - Mark Graham, Rocky Mountain News on HA 'All these characters and themes will be familiar to fans of the original Dune novels. But new twists added by Herbert and Anderson will have fans, both old and new, turning pages. Having done their research well, Herbert and Anderson have succeeded in laying out the foundation for a new trilogy that will amplify the original novels and stand firmly as a class act in its own right.' - Dorman T Schindler, St Petersburg Times on HA ...a rousing story that juggles eight or so plot lines with ease. The first of a trilogy, the book is written so that those who have never read Dune can strat right here with the prequel.' - Michael Glitz, New York Post on HA 'The author's research and passion for the material have served them well. Dune: House atreides captures the essence of Dune while illuminating further the workings of Frank Herbert's universe' - Seattle Times 'Dune: House Atreides is packed with action, great story lines and twists within twists about favorite Dune villains and heroes. The result is a winning combination that keeps the two in stride with Frank Herbert's vision.' - Beyond the Cover. '...a compelling story that will transport readers back to the world that changed science fiction forever' - Tattered Times, Denver, Colarado 'In a word satisfying: all Dune fans will want to investigate, newcomers will be tempted, and it should promise fresh interest in the magnificent original series' - Kirkus 'HOUSE HARKONNEN is compulsive reading. I certainly enjoyed meeting Pardot Kynes and Liet, learning more about the Freman, as well as Gurney Halleck, Duncan Idaho and the Lady Jessica. Such vile villains ... and such a fascinating description of splendid places.' -- Anne McCaffrey on HOUSE HARKONNEN '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 'Those who long to return to the world of desert, spice and sandworms will be amply satisfied' -- The Times 'If you're familiar with the Dune universe it is oddly compelling. This is a successful space opera that spins in a few genuine surprises.' Focus on THE BATTLE OF CORRIN 20050301

About the Author
BRIAN HERBERT is a widely-published science fiction author in his own right. This is his first novel to call on his father's work: previously, he has created his own worlds, sometimes in collaboration. He has also written Dreamer of Dune, a comprehensive biography of his illustrious father. KEVIN J. ANDERSON is best known for his world-wide best-selling novels based on the universes of Star Wars and the X Files: he has been a Sunday Times number one bestseller. He is also the author of several more critically-acclaimed original novels. An expert on the US space programme, he worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for ten years.

Customer Reviews

Dune Fanatic
I have eagerly awaited The Battle of Corrin, which concludes an excellent trilogy which started with The Butlerian Jihad and continued with The Machine Crusade. I was particularly interested in the origins of the Suk Medical School, the Guild Navigators and the Mentats, and discovering what the original Iblis Ginjo was like. There is also a nice little twist, which I found intriguing. I have now finished and will go straight on to House Atreides.
It is definately essential reading for any Dune fan out there.

Not well written... but oddly compelling
This isn't a well written book. It gives the impression that perhaps the publisher allowed the first draft to go out without putting it through an editorial process.
That said, it's an oddly compelling book, like the others in the Legends of Dune series. I found myself needing to know what happens next.
If you enjoy the Dune universe and don't mind having to wince every now and again when you come across a badly formed sentence or bit of clumsy dialogue, read this book. If you can't stand to wade through badly realised prose, then... don't.
I enjoyed it, despite it's numerous flaws. That's why I gave it 4 stars!

answered most of my questions
So now we know the origins of the Spacing Guild, The Great Houses, Prescience, The Bene Gesserit, Mentats and what i personally think is the most important concept, the feud between Atriedes and Harkonnen. Admitedly the later is a bit weak, i was expecting something a little more devious, especially with the Harkonnens reputation, But it seems that reputation is something they nutured over time whilst flogging whale fur in the back waters of the universe...

The Dune universe created by Frank H is still one of the most intriguing ever put to paper. I think it would be unfair to compare Brians work with that of his father in that the legend of Dune would be hard to beat. Brian has simply provided us with an insight into the organisatons and events that shaped that universe, and as someone who enjoys it I can't really complain. Except I thought that the Houses trilogy was better!

Looking forward to the planned sequel to Chapter House.