Dune House Atreides

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Admin
User ID: 7873223 Oct 5th 7:42 PM
Please post your comments and feedback on the new Dune House Atreides novel here.

Fedaykin
User ID: 9321503 Apr 28th 1:36 AM
people like Nik are those who have yet to read (that or comprehend) the original novels..

here's my point.

Nik used the example of "Harq'Al'Ada" of being an erroneus entry into the Dune encyclopedia. however, it appears numerous times throughout God Emperor of Dune and a few times in Children of Dune. Harq'Al'Ada was Prince Farad'n, heir to House Corrino.

Jeremiah Gowdy
User ID: 2059234 May 5th 11:16 AM
I recently purchaced a copy of Dune: House Atreides. I simply wanted to point out that there are several contradictions between this new book written by Brian Herbert and the original series. When one writes a prequil, one must make sure that the elements introduced in the story do not contradict with the rest of the story already established.

(1) In House Atredies, the story shows that Jessica's mother is the Reverend Mother Heilen Gaius Moheim, but in Children of Dune, Leto is quoted saying to his grandmother Jessica, "Jessica out of Tanidia Nerus by the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen". I would doubt in the extreme that one could contradict what Leto said at that point, because he has all of the memories of his family for millennia, male and female. He could certainly pick out who his great grandmother is.

(2) In House Atredies, the Harkonnens aquire a No-Ship and No-Globe. These are extremely hard to swallow. First off, Heretics of Dune states outright, the Harkonnen No-Globe was contructed by the House Harkonnen during the rein of the God Emperor. Second, the idea that a No-Ship was built, almost 4,000 years or more before the Ixians and the Guild worked together for years to block the power of prescience, without any assistance from the Guild for testing. If there _were_ assistance from the Guild, the Guild would _know_ that No-Globes could be built, 4,000 years before they ever decided to get down and build one. Remember, the Guild claims to know the contents of every shipment they carry.

(3) In House Atreides, the Guild ship "falls out of foldspace" when Duke Leto activates his shields. The process of folding space is supposed to be instant, or nearly instant. Surely not enough time for anyone to act out the entire battle with the No-Ship and the Bene Telixu.

I don't mean to totally detract from the story. It was a good novel, and a well written and executed story, but being a hard core Sci-Fi series, you have to pay special attention to detail otherwise you have a bunch of nerds like me poking holes in your story :)

mcg
User ID: 9836983 Jul 14th 6:00 PM
I did enjoy the book, it was a light visit to the dune universe. It lacked the depth and complexity of the masters work. one major complaint that has probably been spotted by others.
How could a young gias helen mohiem as a reverand mother give birth without the offspring being an abomination? this is a major mistake that should not have been. perhaps they should release drafts to some selected Dune fans before going to the presses. An editor more familliar with the Dune universe might have caught that one ( although the authors should know better)
I did like the exploration of ix.

Ending Dream 23
User ID: 0345364 Jul 14th 10:27 PM
ummm.... MCG... Reverend Mothers have children all the time. Abomination is created when a Bene Gesserit becomes a Reverend Mother WHILE pregnant.

I mean... all of the troubles with HA can be cleared up as misunderstandings, or with several hundred pages worth of complex explanations. I'm still waiting on the latter.

Elvis.
User ID: 1446254 Aug 3rd 10:51 AM
The only author I can think of who could have a fair crack at reproducing the style of Frank Herbert, and I say fair crack because each author has his own style and they can't replace each other, but I'd say Timothy Zahn.

Ending Dream 23
User ID: 0345364 Aug 3rd 8:50 PM
What he write?

Margo
User ID: 1397584 Aug 4th 8:34 AM
Tim Zahn - definitely!!

Ending Dream 23
User ID: 0345364 Aug 4th 8:28 PM
But what he write?

Kurtz
User ID: 1523284 Aug 23rd 9:59 PM
I enjoyed House Atreides because you like reading new material about Dune characters. But in many aspects this book was like a soap opera. It concentrated on small aspects of the characters lives. Whereas the original Dune novel had one main story and the Characters lives fell within the story. House Atreides was written to set up the trilogy whereas Dune was written to all the story told in one shot. Less was definitely more in the original Dune's case.

Chris G.
User ID: 4476324 Aug 31st 8:55 AM

Personally I find it amusing how alot of the Dune purists are so rabid in their attacks on Dune:House Atreides. Who can ever emulate Frank Herbert's writing style? No one. Even if Steven King or Timothy Zahn had helmed Brain Herbert write the books, the same people would have still bee up in arms and tearing the book apart.
Personally while I did see some glaring problems or annoyances with the book (like that Ixian prince always beginning every section with "uh..." or "um...") I thought that overall as the story progressed it came together better and better and the writing style improved a little bit. However I went into the book expecting a vastly different writing style. Quite frankly (no-pun intended) unless the writers have the vast knowledge of politics, ecology, religion, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology that Frank Herbert had, then I think that their is little way they could ever even come close to the writing style of Frank Herbert. All they can do is try their best and I am satisfied for the most part with the results, and in fact I'm overjoyed that the series will finally come to a conclusion. My main beef with Dune HA was that, as someone else mentioned, they left out Gurney Halleck. To me he seemed like an earlier version of Miles Teg who is my all time favorite Dune character. One thing that I hope they do for the 7th book is to really utilize the notes Frank Herbert left behind to their fullest and also to really concetrate on doing their best to emulate the writing style of Heretics of Dune, and Chapter House Dune. Both of those are very heavy on military tactics and battle scenes which I thoroughly enjoyed as they truly captured the excitment of battle very well. The only other writer who I think adequately captures the "military mind" would be Orson Scott Card in his book "Ender's Game". Perhaps he should be consulted as an editor. The Prequels are all nice and stuff, but I think that the 7th book will be the one that will really count and that they will really need to work their ass off to get right. The Prequels in my opinion are "test novels" to see what the reaction will be among Dune fans and I think it is a very wise strategy because that last 7th book has the potential of becoming a landmark book, or a landmark failure. Not so much in sales but among Dune fans both now and in the future.
Also to the individual who was toying with the idea of writing his own version...by all means do so. Then let us read your rough drafts or some short stories based up on the Dune series and I guarantee people will say that your writing style is nothing like Frank Herbert's. Myself, I think I could also get fairly close because I do have a fair bit of knowledge in philosophy, psychology, theology, anthropology, military tactics, enviornmental issues, and political affairs. However my writings would also almost certainly be torn apart simply because Frank Herbert's writings meant different things to different people and are often interpreted differently. Also many people are making comparisons to different original Dune novels. If you look at the original Dune, and then look at Heretics of Dune for example, the differences in writing style are VAST!!!! To me it seems like two different authors. I read Heretics of Dune first and quite frankly I was disappointed when I read the original Dune later, but then I realized that it was because Frank Herbert had simply developed his writing style in between those novels.
So as someone else suggested to the hardcore Dune purists, chill out. Take the books for what they are because no matter who writes the new books, perfect clones of Frank Herbert's writing style will never be achieved unless someone figures out how to get Frank's ghost to help them write the new novels. So if you don't like the new Dune books then fine, but don't attack those who do like the new books in such a snobbish manner, just as you shouldn't attack those who have different musical tastes just because they are different then yours. All you do is just piss people off and discredit yourselves. However keep up the constructive criticisms, because you never know whether or not Brian Herbert is reading these posts and taking notes.

Chris G.

Ending Dream 23
User ID: 0345364 Aug 31st 6:58 PM
Well well, Chris G. >>>
Well put.
But, and I mean but>>> Don't tell me who I can or can not verbally attack.
Good points though. Not that I agree with all of them.

Robin H.
User ID: 2421434 Sep 1st 12:57 PM
I know of Zahn writing one line of sequels to Star Wars. The books were good reading stuff but for my taste they went off a bit from the original Episodes. Nevertheless, they tell an interesting story with credible characters. He doesn´t really reproduce Star Wars, but he creates an acceptable substitute, in which many beloved characters may be seen again.
My opinion towards HA:
I agree, that the encyclopedia and the prequel can´t be seen as matching. But something seems funny to me. Neither the one nor the other was written by Herbert himself (as far as I understand). So why is one more credible than the other one ? To me, the encyclopedia never fit in completely into the Universe. (e.g.the Duncan Idahoes, who were never reported in the novels to be cyborgs, harlekins or Gays <no insult here>)
It was closer to the novels, and some things were solved better than in HA (Holtzman), but it wasn´t perfect. (maybe, this would be too high a demand)
Now to HA: I think, one remarkable thing about the DUNE-Universe were the blank spots. No matter, how often I re-read the books, I was never entirely sure, if I had the right scope on the action. I could never imagine the last two battles in book 6, nor the enigmatic weapon of the honoured matres and why they were so much better than for example orbital bombardement. And I don´t know what happend in the diaspora. And these things make me think and wonder about the books. And therefor I estimate them the best piece of literrature, I ever read.
But all this dissappeared in HA. Everything is explained in detail, so that I don´t have to bother thinking. To me reading HA was enjoyable, but after havin read it, I was vastly disappointed by the way Brian had implemented his view on the DUNE-universe into the "official" line, because I prefer many of my Ideas to his.E.g. I just don´t think it is possible, to be hit by a lasgun and to be saved by an armor. (I´m not entirely sure if this occurs, because I read HA a while ago and refuse to re-read it, but I´m sure, the lasguns were at some point depicted as a sort of hunting gear and not the weapons of destruction they are in the original DUNE-novels)
But his book made me feel as if he had raped (well, drastic but it fits somewhat) the so sophisticated and multi-layered Universe created by his father. I surely don´t mean this as an accusation, I just think, Brian didn´t come up to the genius of his father (I don´t konw, if anybody else could. Stephen King, as mentioned beforehand, struck me as quite an amazing and maybe very good idea. However says, King writes simple novels, didn´t read the dark tower. If one thinks, he knows another apt author, I would be very interested to hear of him/her: 003998@web.de)

Margo
User ID: 1397584 Sep 2nd 8:46 AM
Well... There's a mouthful. First of all, Tim Zahn didn't aim at a substitute to Star Wars, but a sequel. His books are placed 5 and 15 years AFTER the filmed trilogy, or ROTJ specifically and in this, they introduce an entirely new plotline, characters, places and the like. Personally I think Zahn has a good chance of writing Dune novels, whereas King... He's a horror author. I don't think he could make the shift from one genre to another like that. As for HA, I think Brian and Kevin are doing quite a good job, and I agree with the person (I'm sorry I'm terrible with names :-() who wrote that it may be seen as an interpretation of history - historians are almost always biased in what they write, focusing on some events or people and glossing over others for reasons seemingly unfathomed to future generations of readers\learners. IMHO HA is a great addition to the magnificent Dune universe and I would like to see further attempts along these lines - especially book 7 or AT LEAST the full publication of FH's notes for it.

Abbey Lehman
User ID: 9412633 Sep 12th 1:21 AM
Everyone has their own opinions; here is mine.

While D:HA isn't exactly like the rest of the series, I think would should keep in mind that Brian and Kevin *are* using Frank's notes. There are several points made by others here that I totally agree with: (1) The Encyclopedia was not written by Frank. He gave his permission for what's-his-face to write it, that's all. (2) The book has a different style, yes, but so do each of the books in the series--besides, I read for pleasure, not because I have to write up a literary critique on every book I read. Yes, I get upset when something is contradicted, but in the Dune universe, hasn't anyone noticed how often characters change their own names (or have them changed for them)?? We still have 2 prequels to go, so give Brian and Kevin a chance!! If anyone read the author's notes at the end of D:HA, Brian said that he almost didn't write *anything* about Dune. Also, a lot of folks are complaining about how the editors haven't read the series. The last I knew, editors were there for proofreading, continuity, and deciding which fish to keep and which to throw back. I don't think the editors have a whole heck of a lot to do with the actual story itself--after all, Brian and Kevin are the authors, not the editors!! My point is, Kevin states in his "afterword" in D:HA that he *has* read the Dune series, and that the series was a heavy influence on him in the worl of sci-fi.

Ok, so anyway. I think some people are taking this whole thing a little too seriously. Reading is such a pleasurable pasttime--give Brian and Kevin their chance--they are trying to fill some rather large shoes. Like Paulus and Leto--Leto did ok at first, not great, but ok--and look how he turned out--a Duke that many respected and liked.

Ok, I'll get off the box and let someone else on.

Dreamer 23
User ID: 7859123 Sep 12th 10:09 AM
Leto was a GOD, man, not a Duke.
Your words are heresy in my mouth.

Robin H.
User ID: 7608433 Sep 16th 7:16 AM
Well, Abbey !
I think, these words were aimed at me, so here's my reply (besides: I don't feel offended, please do likewise)
I don't see another reason to read than pleasure. But what reason does anybody enter this forum other than discussion ?
And does it realy spoil ypour fun, if you contemplate afterwards why you had fun ?
On the "serious"-thing: I spend a considerable amount of my sparetime to get info on, discuss and re-read Dune. I'm inclined to say, that Dune had an impact on my life.
One last thing: They use his notes. OK ! But are these notes are really telling the story of what happened before Dune 1 ? Or are they about book 7 ? I don't know, why FH should reveal so many details on characters who shouldn't appear in his next book (or should they).

Cairon
User ID: 0944964 Nov 29th 3:13 PM
my two cents

House Atreides was a book that re-introduced the entire Dune saga to the world. It blew away the dust from the old books by introducing a new book.

It wasn't a bad read.
It wasn't a good read.

D:HA had a few things that bugged me. There was a sense of cheapness around it. Characters were predictable, even if you didn't read the originals. There was absolutely no second layer in this book, no hidden motivation, no life-lesson, no interesting views on a social system. Like so many before me said: it lacked depth, and it isn't just the writing style which is to blame.

It was just a simple story.

I would be able to not read the parts about the Fremen in HA and I wouldn't miss anything of any importance.

It didn't feel like Dune, it felt like a shallow substitute. The book itself laked on several fronts, and I think that is what bugs most Dune-fans. They didn't feel like they were reading a part of the glory that is the Dune-universe.

I read an easy book, wich seemed to be written without any deeper thought. Without the writers putting too much of their time in the creation of it.

It didn't have the impact any other original Dune book had on me.

It helped a new generation of readers discover Dune.
To me Prelude to Dune: House Atreides means nothing more than just that.

Margo Dec 31st 5:27 AM
I feel sorry for the new generations whose first touch of Dune will be the preludes. My two cents to all of you: READ THE ORIGINALS FIRST PLEASE...

Stormking
User ID: 0387824 Apr 28th 2:50 PM
> We could have ended up with Dune series ending > with Chapterhouse Dune.

That would have been better. There's Fan-Fiction on the Net that's much better than this abuse of F.H.'s Dune Universe

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Admin User ID: 7873223	Oct 5th 7:42 PM Please post your comments and feedback on the new Dune House Atreides novel here.
Fedaykin User ID: 9321503	Apr 28th 1:36 AM people like Nik are those who have yet to read (that or comprehend) the original novels.. here's my point. Nik used the example of "Harq'Al'Ada" of being an erroneus entry into the Dune encyclopedia. however, it appears numerous times throughout God Emperor of Dune and a few times in Children of Dune. Harq'Al'Ada was Prince Farad'n, heir to House Corrino.
Jeremiah Gowdy User ID: 2059234	May 5th 11:16 AM I recently purchaced a copy of Dune: House Atreides. I simply wanted to point out that there are several contradictions between this new book written by Brian Herbert and the original series. When one writes a prequil, one must make sure that the elements introduced in the story do not contradict with the rest of the story already established. (1) In House Atredies, the story shows that Jessica's mother is the Reverend Mother Heilen Gaius Moheim, but in Children of Dune, Leto is quoted saying to his grandmother Jessica, "Jessica out of Tanidia Nerus by the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen". I would doubt in the extreme that one could contradict what Leto said at that point, because he has all of the memories of his family for millennia, male and female. He could certainly pick out who his great grandmother is. (2) In House Atredies, the Harkonnens aquire a No-Ship and No-Globe. These are extremely hard to swallow. First off, Heretics of Dune states outright, the Harkonnen No-Globe was contructed by the House Harkonnen during the rein of the God Emperor. Second, the idea that a No-Ship was built, almost 4,000 years or more before the Ixians and the Guild worked together for years to block the power of prescience, without any assistance from the Guild for testing. If there _were_ assistance from the Guild, the Guild would _know_ that No-Globes could be built, 4,000 years before they ever decided to get down and build one. Remember, the Guild claims to know the contents of every shipment they carry. (3) In House Atreides, the Guild ship "falls out of foldspace" when Duke Leto activates his shields. The process of folding space is supposed to be instant, or nearly instant. Surely not enough time for anyone to act out the entire battle with the No-Ship and the Bene Telixu. I don't mean to totally detract from the story. It was a good novel, and a well written and executed story, but being a hard core Sci-Fi series, you have to pay special attention to detail otherwise you have a bunch of nerds like me poking holes in your story :)
mcg User ID: 9836983	Jul 14th 6:00 PM I did enjoy the book, it was a light visit to the dune universe. It lacked the depth and complexity of the masters work. one major complaint that has probably been spotted by others. How could a young gias helen mohiem as a reverand mother give birth without the offspring being an abomination? this is a major mistake that should not have been. perhaps they should release drafts to some selected Dune fans before going to the presses. An editor more familliar with the Dune universe might have caught that one ( although the authors should know better) I did like the exploration of ix.
Ending Dream 23 User ID: 0345364	Jul 14th 10:27 PM ummm.... MCG... Reverend Mothers have children all the time. Abomination is created when a Bene Gesserit becomes a Reverend Mother WHILE pregnant. I mean... all of the troubles with HA can be cleared up as misunderstandings, or with several hundred pages worth of complex explanations. I'm still waiting on the latter.
Elvis. User ID: 1446254	Aug 3rd 10:51 AM The only author I can think of who could have a fair crack at reproducing the style of Frank Herbert, and I say fair crack because each author has his own style and they can't replace each other, but I'd say Timothy Zahn.
Ending Dream 23 User ID: 0345364	Aug 3rd 8:50 PM What he write?
Margo User ID: 1397584	Aug 4th 8:34 AM Tim Zahn - definitely!!
Ending Dream 23 User ID: 0345364	Aug 4th 8:28 PM But what he write?
Kurtz User ID: 1523284	Aug 23rd 9:59 PM I enjoyed House Atreides because you like reading new material about Dune characters. But in many aspects this book was like a soap opera. It concentrated on small aspects of the characters lives. Whereas the original Dune novel had one main story and the Characters lives fell within the story. House Atreides was written to set up the trilogy whereas Dune was written to all the story told in one shot. Less was definitely more in the original Dune's case.
Chris G. User ID: 4476324	Aug 31st 8:55 AM Personally I find it amusing how alot of the Dune purists are so rabid in their attacks on Dune:House Atreides. Who can ever emulate Frank Herbert's writing style? No one. Even if Steven King or Timothy Zahn had helmed Brain Herbert write the books, the same people would have still bee up in arms and tearing the book apart. Personally while I did see some glaring problems or annoyances with the book (like that Ixian prince always beginning every section with "uh..." or "um...") I thought that overall as the story progressed it came together better and better and the writing style improved a little bit. However I went into the book expecting a vastly different writing style. Quite frankly (no-pun intended) unless the writers have the vast knowledge of politics, ecology, religion, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology that Frank Herbert had, then I think that their is little way they could ever even come close to the writing style of Frank Herbert. All they can do is try their best and I am satisfied for the most part with the results, and in fact I'm overjoyed that the series will finally come to a conclusion. My main beef with Dune HA was that, as someone else mentioned, they left out Gurney Halleck. To me he seemed like an earlier version of Miles Teg who is my all time favorite Dune character. One thing that I hope they do for the 7th book is to really utilize the notes Frank Herbert left behind to their fullest and also to really concetrate on doing their best to emulate the writing style of Heretics of Dune, and Chapter House Dune. Both of those are very heavy on military tactics and battle scenes which I thoroughly enjoyed as they truly captured the excitment of battle very well. The only other writer who I think adequately captures the "military mind" would be Orson Scott Card in his book "Ender's Game". Perhaps he should be consulted as an editor. The Prequels are all nice and stuff, but I think that the 7th book will be the one that will really count and that they will really need to work their ass off to get right. The Prequels in my opinion are "test novels" to see what the reaction will be among Dune fans and I think it is a very wise strategy because that last 7th book has the potential of becoming a landmark book, or a landmark failure. Not so much in sales but among Dune fans both now and in the future. Also to the individual who was toying with the idea of writing his own version...by all means do so. Then let us read your rough drafts or some short stories based up on the Dune series and I guarantee people will say that your writing style is nothing like Frank Herbert's. Myself, I think I could also get fairly close because I do have a fair bit of knowledge in philosophy, psychology, theology, anthropology, military tactics, enviornmental issues, and political affairs. However my writings would also almost certainly be torn apart simply because Frank Herbert's writings meant different things to different people and are often interpreted differently. Also many people are making comparisons to different original Dune novels. If you look at the original Dune, and then look at Heretics of Dune for example, the differences in writing style are VAST!!!! To me it seems like two different authors. I read Heretics of Dune first and quite frankly I was disappointed when I read the original Dune later, but then I realized that it was because Frank Herbert had simply developed his writing style in between those novels. So as someone else suggested to the hardcore Dune purists, chill out. Take the books for what they are because no matter who writes the new books, perfect clones of Frank Herbert's writing style will never be achieved unless someone figures out how to get Frank's ghost to help them write the new novels. So if you don't like the new Dune books then fine, but don't attack those who do like the new books in such a snobbish manner, just as you shouldn't attack those who have different musical tastes just because they are different then yours. All you do is just piss people off and discredit yourselves. However keep up the constructive criticisms, because you never know whether or not Brian Herbert is reading these posts and taking notes. Chris G.
Ending Dream 23 User ID: 0345364	Aug 31st 6:58 PM Well well, Chris G. >>> Well put. But, and I mean but>>> Don't tell me who I can or can not verbally attack. Good points though. Not that I agree with all of them.
Robin H. User ID: 2421434	Sep 1st 12:57 PM I know of Zahn writing one line of sequels to Star Wars. The books were good reading stuff but for my taste they went off a bit from the original Episodes. Nevertheless, they tell an interesting story with credible characters. He doesn´t really reproduce Star Wars, but he creates an acceptable substitute, in which many beloved characters may be seen again. My opinion towards HA: I agree, that the encyclopedia and the prequel can´t be seen as matching. But something seems funny to me. Neither the one nor the other was written by Herbert himself (as far as I understand). So why is one more credible than the other one ? To me, the encyclopedia never fit in completely into the Universe. (e.g.the Duncan Idahoes, who were never reported in the novels to be cyborgs, harlekins or Gays <no insult here>) It was closer to the novels, and some things were solved better than in HA (Holtzman), but it wasn´t perfect. (maybe, this would be too high a demand) Now to HA: I think, one remarkable thing about the DUNE-Universe were the blank spots. No matter, how often I re-read the books, I was never entirely sure, if I had the right scope on the action. I could never imagine the last two battles in book 6, nor the enigmatic weapon of the honoured matres and why they were so much better than for example orbital bombardement. And I don´t know what happend in the diaspora. And these things make me think and wonder about the books. And therefor I estimate them the best piece of literrature, I ever read. But all this dissappeared in HA. Everything is explained in detail, so that I don´t have to bother thinking. To me reading HA was enjoyable, but after havin read it, I was vastly disappointed by the way Brian had implemented his view on the DUNE-universe into the "official" line, because I prefer many of my Ideas to his.E.g. I just don´t think it is possible, to be hit by a lasgun and to be saved by an armor. (I´m not entirely sure if this occurs, because I read HA a while ago and refuse to re-read it, but I´m sure, the lasguns were at some point depicted as a sort of hunting gear and not the weapons of destruction they are in the original DUNE-novels) But his book made me feel as if he had raped (well, drastic but it fits somewhat) the so sophisticated and multi-layered Universe created by his father. I surely don´t mean this as an accusation, I just think, Brian didn´t come up to the genius of his father (I don´t konw, if anybody else could. Stephen King, as mentioned beforehand, struck me as quite an amazing and maybe very good idea. However says, King writes simple novels, didn´t read the dark tower. If one thinks, he knows another apt author, I would be very interested to hear of him/her: 003998@web.de)
Margo User ID: 1397584	Sep 2nd 8:46 AM Well... There's a mouthful. First of all, Tim Zahn didn't aim at a substitute to Star Wars, but a sequel. His books are placed 5 and 15 years AFTER the filmed trilogy, or ROTJ specifically and in this, they introduce an entirely new plotline, characters, places and the like. Personally I think Zahn has a good chance of writing Dune novels, whereas King... He's a horror author. I don't think he could make the shift from one genre to another like that. As for HA, I think Brian and Kevin are doing quite a good job, and I agree with the person (I'm sorry I'm terrible with names :-() who wrote that it may be seen as an interpretation of history - historians are almost always biased in what they write, focusing on some events or people and glossing over others for reasons seemingly unfathomed to future generations of readers\learners. IMHO HA is a great addition to the magnificent Dune universe and I would like to see further attempts along these lines - especially book 7 or AT LEAST the full publication of FH's notes for it.
Abbey Lehman User ID: 9412633	Sep 12th 1:21 AM Everyone has their own opinions; here is mine. While D:HA isn't exactly like the rest of the series, I think would should keep in mind that Brian and Kevin are using Frank's notes. There are several points made by others here that I totally agree with: (1) The Encyclopedia was not written by Frank. He gave his permission for what's-his-face to write it, that's all. (2) The book has a different style, yes, but so do each of the books in the series--besides, I read for pleasure, not because I have to write up a literary critique on every book I read. Yes, I get upset when something is contradicted, but in the Dune universe, hasn't anyone noticed how often characters change their own names (or have them changed for them)?? We still have 2 prequels to go, so give Brian and Kevin a chance!! If anyone read the author's notes at the end of D:HA, Brian said that he almost didn't write anything about Dune. Also, a lot of folks are complaining about how the editors haven't read the series. The last I knew, editors were there for proofreading, continuity, and deciding which fish to keep and which to throw back. I don't think the editors have a whole heck of a lot to do with the actual story itself--after all, Brian and Kevin are the authors, not the editors!! My point is, Kevin states in his "afterword" in D:HA that he has read the Dune series, and that the series was a heavy influence on him in the worl of sci-fi. Ok, so anyway. I think some people are taking this whole thing a little too seriously. Reading is such a pleasurable pasttime--give Brian and Kevin their chance--they are trying to fill some rather large shoes. Like Paulus and Leto--Leto did ok at first, not great, but ok--and look how he turned out--a Duke that many respected and liked. Ok, I'll get off the box and let someone else on.
Dreamer 23 User ID: 7859123	Sep 12th 10:09 AM Leto was a GOD, man, not a Duke. Your words are heresy in my mouth.
Robin H. User ID: 7608433	Sep 16th 7:16 AM Well, Abbey ! I think, these words were aimed at me, so here's my reply (besides: I don't feel offended, please do likewise) I don't see another reason to read than pleasure. But what reason does anybody enter this forum other than discussion ? And does it realy spoil ypour fun, if you contemplate afterwards why you had fun ? On the "serious"-thing: I spend a considerable amount of my sparetime to get info on, discuss and re-read Dune. I'm inclined to say, that Dune had an impact on my life. One last thing: They use his notes. OK ! But are these notes are really telling the story of what happened before Dune 1 ? Or are they about book 7 ? I don't know, why FH should reveal so many details on characters who shouldn't appear in his next book (or should they).
Cairon User ID: 0944964	Nov 29th 3:13 PM my two cents House Atreides was a book that re-introduced the entire Dune saga to the world. It blew away the dust from the old books by introducing a new book. It wasn't a bad read. It wasn't a good read. D:HA had a few things that bugged me. There was a sense of cheapness around it. Characters were predictable, even if you didn't read the originals. There was absolutely no second layer in this book, no hidden motivation, no life-lesson, no interesting views on a social system. Like so many before me said: it lacked depth, and it isn't just the writing style which is to blame. It was just a simple story. I would be able to not read the parts about the Fremen in HA and I wouldn't miss anything of any importance. It didn't feel like Dune, it felt like a shallow substitute. The book itself laked on several fronts, and I think that is what bugs most Dune-fans. They didn't feel like they were reading a part of the glory that is the Dune-universe. I read an easy book, wich seemed to be written without any deeper thought. Without the writers putting too much of their time in the creation of it. It didn't have the impact any other original Dune book had on me. It helped a new generation of readers discover Dune. To me Prelude to Dune: House Atreides means nothing more than just that.
Margo	Dec 31st 5:27 AM I feel sorry for the new generations whose first touch of Dune will be the preludes. My two cents to all of you: READ THE ORIGINALS FIRST PLEASE...
Stormking User ID: 0387824	Apr 28th 2:50 PM > We could have ended up with Dune series ending > with Chapterhouse Dune. That would have been better. There's Fan-Fiction on the Net that's much better than this abuse of F.H.'s Dune Universe