Dune by Frank Herbert

Book review: Dune

Science fiction at its finest! I absolutely loved reading Dune. This book was captivating and beyond imaginative. When you read it, you feel as though you’ve been completely swept into the world of Arrakis. 

Though the beginning starts out a little bit slow with all of the descriptions, it definitely picks up throughout the rest of the book (so stick with it!). Since there are so many different characters, the descriptions are necessary to better understand the role of each and their background. The author takes you on a journey to a unique universe, where wealth and survival is dependent on water and “spice melange” (formed deep beneath the sands of Arrakis). 

I don’t want to say too much, for fear of spoiling the plot, but throughout this first book in the series, you follow the early life of the main character, Paul Atreides. Throughout the book, Paul learns the importance of loyalty, he experiences deceit from those he thought he could trust, discovers love, and learns the true meaning of power. The other characters, particularly Lady Jessica (Paul’s mother), the Duke Leto (Paul’s father), Liet Kynes, Gurney Halleck, and Chani, all play significant roles and have a lasting impact in Paul’s life as well.

The themes of politics and humanity, power, fate, free will, and environmental control, are depicted throughout the novel. 

Overall, I highly recommend this book! There is nothing quite like this story and you will be fully engrossed in the world of Dune from the moment you start reading it.