House Corrino (Dune: House Trilogy, Book 3) by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
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Book Reviews of House Corrino (Dune: House Trilogy, Book 3)
Book Review: Not Frank but Not Bad
Summary: 3 Stars
Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson spin an interesting tale in this prequel trilogy to the Dune series. Many have blasted this series for not being up to the same level as Frank Herbert's original writing. An easy argument to make, however who can really imitate any particularly incredible writing style? Brian and Kevin do write a page-turning tale in this trilogy. I would argue that although not as deep or clever as Frank's writing it is written in a manner that keeps the reader going. I would argue that these books are much more action-oriented than the original Dune series and the trade off is depth for action. It does seem to have the feel of fan fiction; however, it is well-written fan fiction. There are minor points that are inconsistent with the original Dune and might cause hard-core fans distress but otherwise it is quite readable. My harshest criticism would be that the authors clearly do not have the life experience and depth of knowledge that made Frank such a wonderful writer. Frank was clearly influenced by his study of Arabic and other languages, mythology and the theory of myth, and a depth of understanding of several fields of study that shape our world - politics, economics, ecology. Brian/Kevin are more influenced by pop culture - especially David Lunch's film interpretation of Dune. It is amusing to note that Brian takes more from David Lunch's movie than his fathers own writing. Clearly, he was not interested in retracing the in-depth research his father had done in preparation of writing the original trilogy. It is also important to point out that it took Frank around 17 years to complete the original trilogy, whereas Brian cranked his out in 3 years. The result is the difference between a fine artisan versus someone who just needs to bang out a book every year. Having said all that however, the books are quite readable and page turners (probably Anderson's influence). They do have some absurd moments that do smack of not having been thought through (turtle jousting - need I say more). The characters are quite simple for the most part and descriptors are used to the point of abuse - weasel-faced Fenrig. Some phrases are also used to the point of abuse (as if they were copied and pasted systematically throughout with little thought of context). Be warned, a phrase that was eminently clever in Frank's writing will be repeated ad nauseum in the Brian/Kevin trilogy. This trilogy was clearly formulated to appeal to Sci-Fi's largest target audience - young males 11 to 17 years old. It does its job well. Unfortunately, those of us who enjoyed Frank's exploration of myth, messiah, and religion will be utterly disappointed. The more tangible topics such as politics, economics, and ecology are given some depth. The depth inevitably is shattered however by radically unlikely confluences of events. Whereas Frank demonstrated a 'domino-effect' of change, Brian is more familiar with the 'massive set of synchronous coincidences' resulting in change.
Based on this trilogy, do not expect compelling depth from the Butlerian Jihad trilogy; however, a rip-roaring roller coaster ride of action and intrigue is more likely. If you go to Kevin and Brian's website, you will also notice they are speculating on the creation of a trilogy bridging the Leto to Paul years (early Paul). Note that they assume they need a trilogy. Ugh. The mantra-hobgoblin of many authors these days - Produce! Produce! Produce! Also, note that somewhere along the line they intend to complete Frank's unfinished novel tentatively the unnamed 'Dune 7'. If Brian and Kevin are reading this, please heed my request - Do NOT write a trilogy on the 'early Paul' years (Leto II only got two books - really guys). Also, please take a very deep, introspective look at what you want out of Dune 7. Frank spent enormous amounts of time learning about language, myth, and history. Do his memory justice and do the same before you set out on what should be a requiem for him. Quality over quantity, depth over distraction.
Book Review: OK, let's look at this rationally...
Summary: 3 Stars
I am a "Dunetic". There is no escaping that fact. I have read everything I can get a hold of, including Herbert Jr.'s prequals. I've made my own observations of these books. Let me share them with you.
Let's look at the negative...
1. No, these books were not written by Frank Herbert. We all know that. No one should walk into them believing that they were. They lack Frank Herbert's grace and his beautifully written prose and poetry. Period.
2. These books conflict with many of the facts layed out in the Dune series WRITTEN by Frank Herbert. (I do not mention the Dune Encyclopedia as it is a well known fact that the author contrived a great deal of the information without clearing it with Herbert Sr.) It is my belief that when an author has died, "discovered" notes or not, the written and published works are to be the ONLY source. They should be the only "bible" of any fan writer or relative completing unfinished works. Discovered notes or outlines can be used so long as they correspond with the published works. Frank Herbert MAY have written the scene where Jessica and Leto meet (as written in House Harkonnen) however, for whatever reasons he had, he chose NOT to use that version in the original Dune. Brian Herbert should have respected that. He needs to take notes from Christopher Tolkien.
OK. Now the positive...
1. Are they fun to read? Yes. For someone craving more Dune stories, they were entertaining. They weren't the philosophical pieces of mastery his father left, but they were FUN.
2. Take with them what you want and leave the rest behind. I enjoyed the little storylines that DID fit into the Duniverse as depicted by Frank Herbert.
3. If you must, believe that the official Imperial records were tainted and changed by whichever organization you wish for whatever political reasons that they believed necessary to hide whatever secrets they were hording. Be it Guild, CHOAM, House Corrino, the Fremen, or the Bene Gesserit.
4. Just enjoy them for what they are. If you can seperate the different mediums, you might have fun reading them.
Book Review: Going through the Motions
Summary: 3 Stars
Basic plot: Tension is building as the Kwisatz Haderach is about to be born a generation before he is supposed to be, unknown to everyone except Lady Jessica.Duke Leto helps his friend, Prince Rhombur, try to reclaim Ix. However, Ix is also the location of Emperor Shaddam's secret plans to create amal, synthetic spice, and the Emperor does not like his plans disturbed.
On Arrakis, Liet Kynes, in the shadow of his beloved father, tries to organize the Fremen to overthrow the evil Baron Harkonnen.
This book is an adequate book, and would be good IF it did not have the original series to compare to. I am not a fanatic who reaches for my crysknife at every inconsistency, but I miss Frank Herbert's world. The elder Herbert had the ability to make readers despise heroes, while House Corrino's characters...all the heroes are magnificent and flawless, the villains are blockheads.
Many sections of the book made me laugh (although sometimes this was when the book was supposed to be deep and meaningful), but other sections were remarkably dull. I found myself skipping whole chapters to follow the plotlines I thought were interesting, and forcing myself to go back and read. In fact, most of the early part of the book was read out of duty.
I thought the earlier prequels in the trilogy more interesting. I really enjoyed House Atreides, and House Harkonnen was all right, too. But House Corrino is dull.
Book Review: Not quite Dune, but good nonetheless
Summary: 3 Stars
If one compares the Dune prequels to the original novels, it is easy to find them lacking, but this seems a bit invidious. After all, most novels are not that great compared to Dune. But this of course, purports to be an extension of the original books. It is not. While there are the same settings and characters, House Corrino is unlike Dune in style. It is based more on action and the explication of "wheels within wheels" plans than the much more ponderous and philosophical Dune. In the first two books of the House trilogy, the author's tried to imitate Herbert's unique style, and quite frankly did not succeed. While the result was not altogether bad, it was a bit lifeless. With House Corrino, the authors have markedly broken away from trying to imitate Herbert's style, and rather use their own. It is less faithful to Dune, but it is more faithful to the readers and the authors themselves.So what do we have, if not a book that can be accurately compared to the original Dune novels? It is a story of intrigue and plot twists, and the tying-up of loose ends at a breakneck pace. The ending is, however, by no means contrived, though one might feel disappointed that all the tension that began to build up from the start of House Atreides is released. The book does not really segway into Dune, it merely lays the foundation. Nonetheless it is a compelling read when taken from the right perspective.
Book Review: Good, but predictable
Summary: 3 Stars
In this prequel series, authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have succeeded in capturing the mood and tone of the fantastic Dune universe. Both House Atreides and House Harkonnen were fine additions to this most illustrious sci-fi series. In House Corrino which, as with the other two books, doesn't focus on any particular house despite the title, the authors have drawn out a satisfying conclusion that leads in to the original Dune. Sort of. A lot is left unsaid, and I'm almost thinking there's going to be another book stuck in between. Simple logic would seem to refute this, as there are really no more important houses left to title another book.
In addition to the sense of incompleteness, there is a rather serious lack of any inventive plot in House Corrino. House Atreides presented a fantastic 'wheels-within-wheels' scheme, and House Harkonnen expanded on this. Though it wraps up the main storyline quite well, the last installation doesn't do anything you wouldn't expect. This isn't helped by the fact that you already know who will survive and die if you've read Dune.
I'm not saying that House Corrino was a poorly written title. Quite the contrary, I rather enjoyed it. The problem is, it reads more like Star Wars than Dune, which breaks the flavor of the Frank Herbert franchise.