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"I have never liked s-f untill I read Dune, Now I'm Frank Herbert's and Paul Dick's fan. Even not fan but fanatic. "Dune" is like "The doors" it's between things that you know, and things that you never even dreamt about. I spent all night reading it, and on the next day I went to library and asked for more Frank Herbert's books." - EBBA 9/25/99

"Is there any doubt that Dune transcends the S-F genre and competes for the title of "Best Novel of the 20th Century?" I have a friend who won't read it because he has, and I quote, "Read Heinlein, who is obviously the master." Actually, he isn't my friend anymore." – Irving 2/5/98

Well, I certainly see why he isn't your friend anymore! Steve

"At 26 years old there are few books I have read more than twice. This one I have read more than five times. I am a voracious reader and consumed this book like a recently released prisoner might consume a prime rib dinner. Bravo to Frank Herbert for his imagination and willingness to share it with us. This is the type of book (and series) that truly changes lives and ways of thought. There are important lessons to be learned from these writings and I recommend them to any person of any age." – RWM, Nashua, NH 1/28/98

Well said! - Steve

"I disagree with you that Dune is the best part of the series. on the contrary, I think that the Dune chronicles only got bigger, more thought-provoking and more exciting till the end of the series (with the possible exception of Dune Messiah ). I think that everyone should read Dune - because it's a real eye-opener." – Holmlund 1/26/98

I didn't have any trouble reading Dune several times. I couldn't get through any of the other ones more than once though. Did you read them all more than one time? – Steve 2/1/98

"Dune was about ideas, Immortal was about characters... Immortal had several ideas which were new at the time but it was primarily an exercise in character, in getting inside peoples heads and hearts. IMHO it was an infinitely better book than Dune because of that... I feel Conrad's pain, but don't give the proverbial rodents rectum for Paul Atreides. BTW, you probably mean 'allusions' not 'illusions'." – PJP 12/9/97

Yes, I did mean allusions and just changed the spelling - thanks! Interesting how different works of art impress people in such different ways. Must be some deep psychological rationale. Even if you disregard Paul Atreides though, how about Stilgar, Jessica, even the inimical villains? This Immortal had Conrad but Dune has such a better supporting cast of characters. I felt inside many different people's heads and hearts. - Steve 12/9/97

"Although Dune is probably the best book out of the entire series, and one of the greatest novels of all time, I enjoyed the more psychological involvement the other novels had. As far as action and over all plot certainly Dune is the best. The idea of continuing the series is great, although I don't think anyone, even Brian Herbert, could even come close to the psychological depth that Frank had. Perhaps he could carry on the story line though." – Andy 12/09/97

"It has taken me many years to get around to reading the series as I am a slow reader and have not had the time to sit and absorb them.  I had seen the film and wanted to read the books and finally decided to buy them secondhand so I could take an eternity (maybe as long as the Dune saga lasts) to finally complete reading them.  I have been engrossed in them and find it difficult to wait between completing each book before I start the next.  Unfortunately I must do this as I am at present at Uni and also am a Mature student (quite mature) with grandchildren to distract me along with my studies.  My husband has read the series and finds Dune the best, I however am enjoying them more the further into them that I get.  At present I have just started Heretics of Dune so still have quite a lot of pages and hours - weeks - months to go before I complete the series.  I am waiting in anticipation to see what happens in Chapter House.  I agree with some other comments - Paul Atraides is not the only interesting person in this series, there are many." - Geoff 7/6/98

"I have a small favour to ask of you, fellow Dune fan: I no longer have my copy of the first book, but i remember there was a wonderful poem (I believe at the beginning of the book) about fear. would it be possible for you to send me a copy by e-mail? i don't remember it being very long. " – Jayce 11/28/97

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." – Dune page 8

"I agree that Dune is one of the best SF-novels ever. It's just superb. I have yet to see any book within the genre come close to it in depth, breadth and intelligence." – FoD 11/14/97

I agree. I think I've read it three times now including once out loud with my two daughters. Steve 11/14/97

"I have noticed that the Asimov foundation allowed renowned authors to write new foundation novels. I was wondering if there has been any attempt to finish the Dune Saga that was left incomplete with the death of Herbert. To put it bluntly I was left hanging with an open wound in my side that will never close until someone finishes the series. I was wondering if you have heard any attempts at this. Herbert's son would be a great candidate, for example..." – Jaime 10/21/97

Sounds like a good idea to me! I would vote for Brian Herbert too. – Steve

"Do ya really think there's anyone who's able to write in the same style like Frank Herbert did? In my opinion even his son won't be able to write like his father. There's no-one who's able to copy this style and ideas which are of the origin of Frank Herbert. I'm sorry to say this. But I'm afraid it's the truth...." – J. 11/4/97

"Any attempt to ressurect Dune would probably produce a shambling literary zombie that bears only passing resemblance to the original, no matter how "skillfully" written. Asimov's value has been diluted by ghouls masquerading him on paper. Don't let the same thing happen to Herbert! The man's style was and remains untouchable. If it really must be done, do it to books like The Jesus Incident or The Dosadi Experiment. Don't turn Dune over to hacks like Gregory Benford who don't even wait until the body's COLD." - Silly Zealot 11/18/97

Even Herbert had a hard time keeping up with the original peak. I liked the sequels but didn't think they were even close to the level attained in Dune. I can't think of many sequels that improved as they went along. Probably The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant got better, certainly the Shannara books though the last one really fell off. The Book of the New Sun seemed to cruise along at close to the same zone. The only Vorkosigian series book I liked was Mirror Dance and that came many sequels down the road. Most authors seem to rest on their laurels or sell out to dollars-per-page publishers. - Steve 11/19/97

"Unique...I know of nothing comparable to it except The Lord of the Rings." – Arthur C. Clarke (from book jacket)