Product Description

Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson return to the vivid universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune, bringing a vast array of rich and complex characters into conflict to shape the destiny of worlds....

As Shaddam sits at last on the Golden Lion Throne, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen plots against the new Emperor and House Atreides — and against the mysterious Sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit. For Leto Atreides, grown complacent and comfortable as ruler of his House, it is a time of momentous choice: between friendship and duty, safety and destiny. But for the survival of House Atreides, there is just one choice — strive for greatness or be crushed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25253 in Books
• Published on: 2001-08-28
• Released on: 2001-08-28
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 752 pages

Amazon.com
Don't even think about reading House Harkonnen without reading its predecessor Dune: House Atreides; anyone who does so risks sinking in the sands between Frank Herbert's original Dune and this prequel trilogy by Herbert's son, Brian, and Kevin J. Anderson. The purist argument that had Frank Herbert wanted to go backwards he would have done so is, at least in part, negated by the sheer narrative verve, and by the fact that Anderson and Brian Herbert manage to pull some genuine surprises out of this long-running space-opera. House Harkonnen is a massive book, and there are places where it becomes plot heavy, but in following the story of Duke Leto Atreides and the conflicts with House Harkonnen, the authors succeed in spinning a gripping adventure while going off in some unexpected directions. Anderson, who has written many successful Star Wars novels, has noted his particular admiration for The Empire Strikes Back, and his desire to emulate that film's dark take on the genre. In House Harkonnen, the conflict encompasses the tragedy of nuclear war, marked by grief and horror, vengeance and torment, and all while the complex intrigues continue to unfold. As one character puts it:

Everything has its cost. We pay to create our future, we pay for the mistakes of the past. We pay for every change we make--and we pay just as dearly if we refuse to change.

Ultimately this is the theme of a compelling game of consequences, choices, and responsibility, a study of Leto's growth into power and the price of politics and love. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

From Library Journal
As the young Duke Leto Atreides seeks to live up to his late father's expectations, his rivals plot to bring about the downfall of House Atreides. Plots and counterplots involving the debauched Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, his Bene Gesserit enemies, and the treacherous schemers of the enigmatic Bene Tleilax escalate the tension among factions of a fragile galactic empire. Though power seems to reside in the hands of the emperor and his elite armies, the fate of many worlds hinges on the destiny of a single planetDthe desert world known as Arrakis, or Dune. Continuing the story begun in Dune: House Atreides (LJ 10/15/99), coauthors Herbert and Anderson reveal the prehistory of the late Frank Herbert's classic Dune novels. Strong characterizations, consistent plotting, and rich detail provide this second of a trilogy of prequels with the same evocative power of the original novels. Libraries should anticipate a demand from old series fans as well as newcomers to the world of Dune. Highly recommended.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Tim Curry's narration moves smoothly between a wide range of characters and detached observatory style. He adopts an air of condescension for the characters of the ruling classes, highlighting class distinctions and imbalances of power that breed contempt and foment revolution. His characterization is superb, and he delivers the dialogue to good advantage in setting mood and showing the depth of depravity and corruption of the Baron Harkonnen and his inner circle. Special effects, presented judiciously, serve as a nice complement and do not overtake the narration. This abridgment is smooth, with no obvious gaps or loss of important detail. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Brian Herbert Rips Off Dad
Do not buy this book or any book in the Dune series which is not written by Frank Herbert.

To read these books is a waste of time which would be better served by reading something else.

Great work of science fiction
This story takes you into Geidi Prime itself. Both Brian and Kevin are really hitting their stride in working together by this book, and everything that makes up the story is compelling. A home run.

Good and a Nice Tribute to the Original Series
As a longtime Dune follower, I was thrilled to read this new series/prequel. I was not at all disappointed and feel this is a tribute to Brian Herbert's father's genius and amazingly creative world. In the same way the Atreides and Corrino volumes are rich in detail, with great crossover appeal, this novel also fits the bill. My only complaint is with the overly descriptive torture passages. I can usually take a lot of that without being bothered, but this really turned my stomach. Even though the original Dune novels included detailed descriptions of "horrors" this is much worse. I guess I just like some of that to be left to the imagination instead of spelled out so completely.