The Road to Dune by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, Frank Herbert Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Road to Dune
Book Review: Good, reminds me of why I loved Dune in the first place
Summary: 4 Stars
This book has two major components the small portion that was actually written by Frank Herbert and the vast majority that was actually written by Frank and Brian. The earlier draft of the story has many cool similarities to the Dune that was eventually produced. The two that stand out the most for me are that the concept of the FREMEN is completely absent and the original version of the story focused more on the Noblemen father then the noblemen child. While I love the original dune I always felt that Duke Leto was disposed of in a rather convenient and half-baked manner.
I also have to say that the short stories included "Faces of the Martyrs" and "On Caladan Seas" are world's better then any novel length book these two authors have ever produced.
Overall-Not perfect but it is well worth the time.
Book Review: Great book for Dune fans -- one that delivers
Summary: 4 Stars
I am a casual Dune fan and I have approached such ancillary books cautiously as they are often written to support scholars and those who are full time or more than full time fans. That has certainly happened with the Middle Earth materials related to Tolkien's works. Those additional materials are often arcane and do more to confuse rather than enhance the experience.
The Road to Dune is a good blend of additional detailed materials and background with enough general materials that make it ideal for someone who wants to learn more without becoming a scholar.
The Unpublished scenes and chapters were a real pleasure to read just like looking at the deleted scenes from the LOTR's movies. They are well chosen and readily accessible even for someone who has not read the Dune books in some time.
The alternative Dune Novel -- Spice Planet was good but it really tracks with much of the final Dune work. It was a pleasure to see how a master writer develops the story and that they can have a few nearly complete things that do not make the grade.
The final Dune short stories are the lower point in the book. They are good, but they do not really drive the story line or your understanding of the Dune forward. These are more like the pulp fiction part of the book.
Overall, if you have read Dune, then I recommend this book to you. If you have read the full Dune cycle - the core books, then I highly recommend this book and if you have read the prequels from Brian Hebert and Kevin Andersen, then this book is a must read.
Book Review: Haters of Dune
Summary: 5 Stars
Why is everybody hating on "Hunters of Dune"? It's such a great book! What's
the deal with all the haters, people? Show some love for your boy Brian Herbert!
Book Review: Image Road to Dune
Summary: 5 Stars
It looks very good but will probably be spoiled by the current use of very small photo on cover & overly stupendous titles. The back cover will be obliterated with back patting quotes from multiple mags.
09-02-05....Works to whet the appetite for the conclusion of the saga next year in HUNTERS OF DUNE. Worst problem is the teeny-tiny cover art partially obscured by the Sci-fi advertisement splashed across the cover. Why doesn't Tor give us good covers like the UK edition? Now, that's a lot better.
Book Review: Magical without the Magic
Summary: 4 Stars
I'll admit I read the book for the deleted scenes but discovered that the initial story was more captivating. After all, the extra scenes only added (or modified) what was already a complete story. What was interesting were the seemingly minor twists - keeping Ayla & Duncan alive, etc.
The Road to Dune is NOT a "before Dune" novel like several other of this genre. No, it is the germ of the tale, the story of a duke from Caladan, fighting the Harkonens for spice on Duneworld. Jessica has been replaced by Dorothy - witty, insightful, loyal, mother & concubine. What one sees in this initial draft is the broad outline of what later became the new society. Missing are the Bene Geserit, the Fremen (as such), the Space Guild, travel by spice, etc When one considers the importance of the Bene Geserit to the whole story it is remarkable that the novelette stands on its own - but it does.
In many ways, it is easier to follow than the final Dune since one does not have to face the various groups & technologies found in the current Dune. The story is clearer in that we learn why the Lords of Caladan (not Atriedes) are fighting for control of the world. Several plot themes continued onto the finished version - the betrayal of Yueh, Gurney, the ecologist, the political battles, etc. All in all, a very satisfying book.