Synopsis
What The Lord of the Rings is to fantasy, Dune is to science fiction. Presenting one of the most influential works of all time, which has inspired countless other stories for more than half a century, this is an awe-inspiring world, and a story of truly epic scope.
'An astonishing science fiction phenomenon' WASHINGTON POST
'I know nothing comparable to it except The Lord of the Rings' Arthur C Clarke
'It is possible that Dune is even more relevant now than when it was first published' NEW YORKER
Paul Atreides, son of Duke Leto Atreides, and all of his family have been sent to the planet Arrakis, having been outmanoeuvred by their arch-enemy Baron Harkonnen.
Arrakis - also known as Dune - is an arid place, but a planet of fabulous wealth, the only source of a drug prized throughout the Galactic Empire: Spice.
What will happen next will change everything. There are secrets on Dune, known only to the planet's native people, the Fremen. They have been waiting for their moment to make their move.
Paul will be brought into the path by terrible events beyond his control. But Paul himself is important. He is the child of destiny, a child of prophecy, and within him is the power to bring the Empire to its knees.
Joint winner of the HUGO AWARD for best novel, 1966
Winner of the NEBULA AWARD for best novel, 1965
Read the book which inspired the Academy Award-winning and jaw-dropping cinematic events Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024). A science fiction spectacular like no other, this is a deeply climate conscious novel, and a compelling family saga for the ages.
Recommendations
The Foundation Trilogy Three Science Fiction Classics
by Isaac Asimov
Like Dune, The Foundation Trilogy is an epic science fiction saga that explores the rise and fall of galactic civilizations. Readers who enjoy the grand scale and political intrigue of Dune will find similar themes and a sweeping narrative approach in Asimov's classic work.
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La caída de Hyperion
by Dan Simmons
Fans of Dune's complex world-building and exploration of humanity's future will be captivated by the rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and technologies in The Hyperion Cantos. Like Frank Herbert, Dan Simmons weaves an intricate, character-driven story against the backdrop of a vast, awe-inspiring universe.
View bookThe Broken Earth Series
The Broken Earth Series
by N.K. Jemisin
Readers who appreciate Dune's exploration of the relationship between humanity and the natural world will find a kindred spirit in N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth series. Both works grapple with the profound impact of the environment on society, culture, and the human experience, while delivering captivating characters and gripping narratives.
The Expanse Series
The Expanse Series
by James S.A. Corey
Fans of Dune's political intrigue and complex power dynamics will be drawn to the Expanse series, which offers a similar blend of space opera, hard science fiction, and character-driven storytelling. Like Frank Herbert, the authors of the Expanse series excel at creating a richly detailed, believable future for humanity across the solar system.
The Vorkosigan Saga
The Vorkosigan Saga
by Lois McMaster Bujold
Readers who appreciate the epic scope and character-driven narratives of Dune will find much to enjoy in Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga. Both series explore the complexities of power, family, and personal identity against the backdrop of vast, interconnected galactic civilizations, offering a similar sense of wonder and exploration of the human condition.
About Frank Herbert
F
Frank Herbert
1920–1986
Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. (October 8, 1920 – February 11, 1986) was an American science-fiction author, best known for his 1965 novel Dune and its five sequels. He also wrote short stories and worked as a newspaper journalist, photographer, book reviewer, ecological consultant, and lecturer. Dune is the best-selling science fiction novel of all time, and the series is a classic of the science-fiction genre. The series has been adapted numerous times, including the feature film David Lynch's Dune (1984), the miniseries Frank Herbert's Dune (2000) and Children of Dune (2003), and a motion picture trilogy currently in production, with Denis Villeneuve's Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024) having been released.
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