House Harkonnen: Library Edition (Prelude to Dune)

Herbert, Brian; Anderson, Kevin J.

ISBN 10: 1400143624 ISBN 13: 9781400143627

Publisher: Tantor Media Inc, 2009

Synopsis

Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson return to the vivid universe of Frank Herbert's Dune, bringing a vast array of rich and complex characters into conflict to shape the destiny of worlds.As Shaddam sits at last on the Golden Lion Throne, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen plots against the new Emperor and House Atreides-and against the mysterious Sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit. For Leto Atreides, grown complacent and comfortable as ruler of his House, it is a time of momentous choice: between friendship and duty, safety and destiny. But for the survival of House Atreides, there is just one choice: strive for greatness or be crushed.

About this title

Review:

Don't even think about reading House Harkonnen without reading its predecessor Prelude to Dune: House Atreides; anyone who does so risks sinking in the sands between Frank Herbert's original Dune and this new prequel trilogy by Herbert's son, Brian, and Kevin J. Anderson. The purist argument that had Herbert wanted to go backwards he would have done so is, at least in part, negated by the sheer narrative verve, and by the fact that Anderson and Brian Herbert manage to pull some genuine surprises out of this long-running space-opera. House Harkonnen is a massive book, and there are places where it becomes plot heavy, but in following the story of Duke Leto Atreides and the conflicts with House Harkonnen, the authors succeed in spinning a gripping adventure while going off in some unexpected directions. Anderson, who has written many successful Star Wars novels, has noted his particular admiration for The Empire Strikes Back, and his desire to emulate that film's dark take on the genre. In House Harkonnen the conflict encompasses the tragedy of nuclear war, is marked by grief and horror, vengeance and torment, and all while the complex intrigues continue to unfold.

Everything has its cost. We pay to create our future, we pay for the mistakes of the past. We pay for every change we make--and we pay just as dearly if we refuse to change.

Ultimately this is the theme of a compelling game of consequences, choices and responsibility, a study of Leto's growth into power and the price of politics and love. --Gary S. Dalkin

Review:

'. . . Herbert and Anderson have met the challenge admirably . . . Even readers new to the saga will be able to follow it easily as the narrative weaves among the many interconnected tales. A terrific read in its own right.' Publishers Weekly

House Atreides is a terrific prequel, but it's also a first-rate adventure on its own. Frank Herbert would surely be delighted and proud of this continuation of his vision. (Dean Koontz on HOUSE ATREIDES)

'House Atreides is a terrific prequel, but it's also a first-rate adventure on its own. Frank Herbert would surely be delighted and proud of this continuation of his vision.' Dean Koontz

Those who long to return to the world of desert, spice and sandworms will be amply satisfied. (The Times on HOUSE ATREIDES)

'Those who long to return to the world of desert, spice and sandworms will be amply satisfied.' The Times

Science fiction on an epic scale (Newcastle Evening Chronicle)

'Those who have nurtured a desire to return to Herbert Sr's world of deserts, spice and sandworms can happily immerse themselves in a more than worthy continuation of the saga' Publishing News

a worthy successor to the great SF novel "Dune" (DiverseBooks)

'Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson succeed in weaving their own intricate saga. Dune: House Atreides does its predecessors justice.' USA Today

'Congratulations to Herbert and Anderson for transporting us back to this richly excavated world...A spicy melange treat for both new and long-time fans of the series' Billy Dee Williams (of Star Wars, Lady Sings the Blues etc)

About this edition

• Publisher: Tantor Media Inc
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1400143624
• ISBN 13: 9781400143627
• Binding: Audio CD