Product Description

Frank Herbert’s Dune series is one of the great creations of imaginative literature, science fiction’s answer to The Lord of the Rings.

Decades after Herbert’s original novels, the Dune saga was continued by Frank Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, in collaboration with Kevin J. Anderson. Working from Frank Herbert’s own notes, the acclaimed authors reveal the chapter of the Dune saga most eagerly anticipated by readers: the Butlerian Jihad.

Throughout the Dune novels, Frank Herbert frequently referred to the war in which humans wrested their freedom from “thinking machines.” In Dune: The Butlerian Jihad, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson bring to life the story of that war, a tale previously seen only in tantalizing hints and clues. Finally, we see how Serena Butler’s passionate grief ignites the struggle that will liberate humans from their machine masters; here is the amazing tale of the Zensunni Wanderers, who escape bondage to flee to the desert world where they will declare themselves the Free Men of Dune. And here is the backward, nearly forgotten planet of Arrakis, where traders have discovered the remarkable properties of the spice melange....

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Everything I Had Hoped For And More        Rating:

I realize fans of the original Dune series are very protective of the books, almost religiously so. However, I never read them but have decided to try the series in chronological order based on the Dune timeline, so The Butlerian Jihad was my first book.

I must say that I was worried that with such a big cast of characters in such an enormous world, I would be totally lost and confused. However, The writing was very clear and easy to follow. One of the great tricks I'm glad the authors used here were the short chapters. It allowed me to digest what was happening, and at the same time, keep the action moving at a lightning pace.

I really enjoyed the characters and the descriptions of the environments of each planet. The book also never felt bogged down by unnecessary details. Everything felt written for a reason and the prose was incredibly smooth to read. There were many clever twists and turns and I found myself giddy with excitement while reading it. Needless to say, I'm completely hooked on this series and plan to read them all -- and yes, that includes the sacred Frank Herbert books too. Thank you Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson for doing such an amazing job!

Great Read        Rating:

Magnificent introduction to the known Universe, the time of the Titans, the origins of Omnius, and the great spark that ignites the war against the Thinking Machine Empire. Having re-read the Dune "original six," I caught tiny, brief, even one-time references to planets (Anibus), people (Norma Cenva in G. E. of Dune), and others that get massive significant treatment, here.

For KJA haters, this whole trilogy allowed KJA and BH tremendous creative license to explore new territory in the duniverse, ancient when even first encountering Omnius, while massively distant from ourselves in this day.

Dune...The Beginning        Rating:

Certinaly not the "Master's" work but failrly solid in content. The plot developemt is accomplished through sporatic 2 - 4 page segments and I prefer longer development periods. I have read all the Dune segments by Mr. Herbert numerous times and consider this a good start to picking up his work. I look forward to reading the other books in Brian's issues.

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