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Topic: Dune.

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doctordanger99 avatar
Subject: Dune.
Date Posted: 1/27/2014 7:49 PM ET
Member Since: 1/24/2014
Posts: 72
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Ive never read the series and know very little about it. But it seems like an intriguing book. Is there any particular book i should start with? Id like to start with the first but they dont have it on here.

sarap avatar
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Date Posted: 1/27/2014 10:44 PM ET
Member Since: 1/17/2009
Posts: 12,214
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Yes, you have to start with Dune. Its excellent. Ive read the next 5 after, which were still written by Frank Herbert, with flagging levels of interest.  And i havent read any of the ones that followed those first 6. But starting anywhere else just doesnt make sense. You should put it on your wish list if there are no copies. I imagine it gets posted fairly regularly, but its required reading in schools sometimes, so i imagine its hard to keep copies available on the site.



Last Edited on: 1/27/14 10:46 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
doctordanger99 avatar
Date Posted: 1/27/2014 10:45 PM ET
Member Since: 1/24/2014
Posts: 72
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Well i guess ill just wait and hope the first book shows up on here. Thanks!

Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 1/28/2014 7:50 AM ET
Member Since: 3/25/2006
Posts: 723
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As Sarah said, start with Dune itself.  It was originally a stand-alone, and an award winning classic.  Next come two more that form a trilogy.  Dune Messiah is not much more than a bridge book to Children of Dune.  But Children of Dune is worth it.  After that, if you're still looking for more, Frank wrote three more sequels.  Then many years later, come an almost endless string of prequels and fillers written by his son with support by Kevin J Anderdon.  I've read a few of those and they are definitely lower on the food chain..  I recommend reading in publication order as long as your interest is sustained.



Last Edited on: 1/28/14 8:00 AM ET - Total times edited: 2
doctordanger99 avatar
Date Posted: 1/28/2014 10:23 AM ET
Member Since: 1/24/2014
Posts: 72
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ok thanks guys. heres hoping i can find a copy of it!

JimiJam avatar
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Date Posted: 2/1/2014 1:01 AM ET
Member Since: 6/4/2007
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One of the best books ever written, irrespective of genre. Definitely worth a few dozen readings. Found a copy in the system for you--hope it arrives soon, and in good condition. 



Last Edited on: 2/1/14 1:02 AM ET - Total times edited: 1
doctordanger99 avatar
Date Posted: 2/3/2014 1:02 PM ET
Member Since: 1/24/2014
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yeah it just came in the mail today! i actually wanted to read one of the prequels but  figured id start with the first lol

JimiJam avatar
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Date Posted: 2/3/2014 9:23 PM ET
Member Since: 6/4/2007
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I tried some of the Herbert/Anderson collaborative efforts, and found them severely lacking. While some may argue that the original series, written by Frank Herbert, decline in quality, I do quite enjoy some of the original 6 titles. Dune itself, however, remains excellent regardless of preference for later volumes. Really hope you enjoy it.

doctordanger99 avatar
Date Posted: 2/4/2014 9:10 AM ET
Member Since: 1/24/2014
Posts: 72
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i have a question regarding the sequels. i know there are a few dune books that take place in between the original dune books. paul of dune before dune messiah for example. should i read the "interquel" first or just stick to the original for now?

JimiJam avatar
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Date Posted: 2/5/2014 4:23 PM ET
Member Since: 6/4/2007
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Personally? I favor publishing order--the original six by Frank Herbert, followed by the prequels, postquels, and interquels. I tried inserting Paul of Dune into the original series when I last revisited them, and I found the shift in tone and quality a bit too jarring. Fans of the supplemental works might suggest otherwise, but my vote's definitely Frank's series first. 

pickles8 avatar
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Date Posted: 6/16/2015 4:34 PM ET
Member Since: 8/5/2009
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Bumping this thread. Found an interesting article. http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/dune-endures Haven't read the book or the series since high school.



Last Edited on: 10/2/17 8:28 AM ET - Total times edited: 1
trinket7 avatar
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Subject: Dune
Date Posted: 6/17/2015 8:48 AM ET
Member Since: 11/11/2014
Posts: 68
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I have enjoyed reading the prequels and interquels, but the original series is still the best.  The original book (Dune) remains THE best book I have ever read; I recently re-read it and it was still great.

Cosmina avatar
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Date Posted: 8/8/2016 4:40 PM ET
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Last Edited on: 9/2/18 12:07 PM ET - Total times edited: 1