Frank Herbert’s Dune is an interplanetary tale of conflict, alliances, and struggle. The book takes place mostly on the desert planet Arrakis and follows ducal heir Paul Atreides in his struggles against the Baron Harkonnen. A recurring theme throughout the book is man vs. nature. The climate on Arrakis is uninhabitable; there are sandstorms that can tear flesh from bone, sandworms that could swallow entire spice factories, and water is very scarce. The Atreides are given Arrakis and must leave their home on Caladan, where water is plentiful. Once there, the Atreides face danger from enemies known and unknown. However, Arrakis does have one upside: spice. Spice is a bright blue, addictive drug that gives the Guild, the group that monopolizes space travel, the ability to determine routes through space and tastes like cinnamon. This highly coveted substance is only found on Arrakis.
When disaster strikes their people, Paul must adapt to the land and ally with the native Fremen to survive and reclaim Arrakis.
Dune is filled with plots within plots. Each character has their own agenda and it was very interesting to figure out who actually held power and who would be successful. Frank Herbert wrote this book full of flying machines, force field shields, and interplanetary travel in 1965, making it even more impressive. However, what I think makes this book most fascinating is its complex political groups and its emphasis on the mystery and power of the mind.
In summary, I really enjoyed this book. I’d recommend it for sci-fi fans who are in for a longer read.
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