Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
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Book Reviews of Sandworms of Dune
Book Review: If you like the previous Dune Prequels, than you'll probably like this, too
Summary: 4 Stars
I am quite torn when it comes to comparing the expanded Dune Universe as imagined by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson...on the one hand, taken entirely alone without comparing the books to the incomparable Frank Herberts works, they are actually entertaining and worthwhile reads...I believe, and I could be wrong here, but it seems to me that for a large number of reviewers, they simply cannot separate these new novels with the writing style of Frank. Let me be honest, when the first expanded novel came out, I was pretty harsh--at first. I can't say what it was that helped me to come around, but somehow I did.
Now that ISN'T saying that I consider Brian and Kevin the Second Coming of Sci Fi greatness--nope. I'm just trying my best to give an honest review, based on how I view the storylines. It's similar to comparing the late Robert Ludlum to Eric Van Lustbader who has started writing Jason Bourne novels--when compared directly with Ludlum's novels, they fall rather flat...however, when taken individually on their own merits, I found that I enjoyed them much more.
The additions of Dune Characters from old was a bit of a surprise for me, and I have to admit that I enjoyed their inclusion quite a bit more by the end of the novel than I at first thought I would. I can see some VERY valid points regarding plot holes (some large enough for a Sandworm to slither through...) identified by some reviewers, as well. My problem is that with some sci fi series, if the plot doesn't hold water, I get mighty upset--and yet with others, I don't seem to care nearly as much--if at all. Can't say why, either. I think that these new Dune novels bring out the part of me that doesn't care as much--again, don't know why, but I just can't invest that much of my time worrying about stuff like this (and yet I lose sleep over the dumbest things, so take it for what its worth).
I have to say that overall, in the novels I have read by Kevin J. Anderson, with the possible exception of his Star Wars books, I've found his writing to be decent enough, and I don't think I've read anything by Brian (other than these Dune prequels) so I can't comment much on his talent, other than to say, for MY money, I found myself thrilled at re-entering the world so incredibly created by Frank Herbert all those years ago. I also agree with one reviewer who lost more interest with each of Franks Dune releases...I just kept hoping that he'd re-capture the magic of the original 1st three books, and in my opinion, it just never happened. That isn't to say that I didn't enjoy them, just not as much. Let's face it, Franks worst writing is better than the vast majority of the best works by most Sci Fi authors--and that includes ALL of them (just MY opinion).
Suffice it to say that if you did not enjoy the other KJA and BH expanded Dune novels, you simply will not like this one--however, if you DID like them, I honestly believe you will find a lot to enjoy here as well. Take that into consideration, and I think you will be a little better off. Hope this helps!
Book Review: Money Changes Everything - SPOILERS!!
Summary: 4 Stars
Sandworms of Dune is a book by Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson. I am going to tell you now, it is just a stepping stone to the next series of books that these 2 have planned for the Dune Universe.
The 2 have created the gholas of all of the favorites Dune characters from the original series, and have done almost nothing with them in this book. This includes Paul, Lady Jessica, and Chani. I cannot imagine bringing these beloved characters back, and hardly using them at all.
Conversely, Dr Yueh is brought back as a ghola, and is used extensively.
I like the writing style of BH/KA. One of the flaws of the Original Dune was the writing style of Frank Herbert. One would have to read and re-read what he was trying to get across. Heretics of Dune, for example, is almost an incomprehensible book because of Herbert's writing style.
I think it is good...Yes good...that the Thinking Machines are Daniel and Marty from Chapterhouse: Dune.
But I agree with a previous reviewer. There is a fairy-tale like quality to some of the plot resolutions in Sandworms.
Erasmus, the kinder, gentler Thinking Machine, flips a mental switch, and every Face Dancer dies in the Universe!!? Norma Cenva shows up, and banishes Omnius forever!!? Weird.
But the merging of Erasmus and Idaho is fantastic.
I suspect that these 2 crazy [and money-hungry] Dune authors have other sequels up their sleeves. Like Idaho/Erasmus fighting Omnius when he escapes from the Other Universe; or something like that. But honestly, are you glad to be gotten rid of the Tlielexu? I know I am.
Book Review: It's not that bad
Summary: 4 Stars
when I got 20 pages into House Harkonen after sitting through the House Atreides on Tape during a really long drive, I threw it in the trash becasue it read more like fan fiction than something from Frank Herbert's Universe.
But After reading all the original Dune books, I couldn't resist Hunters of Dune. Wich I thought was alright, so I went and read the Butlerian Jihad Books, Wich were entertaining. So Now that I finished Sandworms of Dune, I can honestly say, It's not Frank Herbert But it is a fun read, and you get to see alot of your favorite charcters again. So to me that was worth it. and I think it does tie everything up nicely.
I also change shape.
Book Review: Sandworms of Dune
Summary: 4 Stars
Having read Hunters of Dune I was very anxious to read the conclusion. I enjoyed it, but I needed more. More details about certain characters agendas and motivation, certainly more details about space flight and ship to ship battles. The series was unpredictable the whole way through, which is a big part of its appeal to me and then the ending arrived suddenly and the "revelations" were anticlimactic. Loved the characters though. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the series.Book Review: Fans will find their closure
Summary: 4 Stars
The ending is confounding and frustrating, yet somehow rather right that all these different elements should converge as they did. If you've read the other books you will find the ending both surprising and inevitable.
If you're looking for closure, you will be satisfied. If you want to see how the story ties together and how much more story there is to be told, then read on.