Inside Look: Science Fiction and Frank Herbert

Science Fiction, though I don't read it as much as other genres, has a uniqueness that most don't have the time to discover. It's sad that genres such as science fiction were (and still are) frowned upon by the "literature" community. The higher ups prefer great works of fiction that deal with "real life" so to speak.

I've had difficulty finding good science fiction books or authors. Only one author/series has caught my attention and comprises my entire sci-fi reading experience. That author is the one and only Frank Herbert.

Never heard of him? Shame on you! His "Dune" series is a prime example of wonderful and detailed works of science fiction. Better than Star Wars. Yes, you heard me correctly, better than Star Wars.

Dune is an intricate series. Herbert has ultimately created an entire new universe with its own set of physics laws, religions, cultures, etc. His characters span generations and the writing is that of a master of the craft. He mapped out the history of this universe; there were wars that affected the present of the novel, changing the culture. It's breathtaking when you grasp just how detailed Herbert was with his series, just how meticulous and dedicated he was.

As a result, though, the novels are very thick, difficult to read. They are not for the casual reader looking for something to read while tanning in the summer or to curl up with in bed. I suggest only the most dedicated readers who are looking for a challenge pick up the Dune series. And even for those who are dedicated readers, be warned, you won't finish one of the novels in a day. It will take time to sift through all the information in the text. After all, you have to erase almost everything you know of our world in order to comprehend the world of Dune.

Unfortunately, Herbert died after he published the sixth book in the series. But the Dune name has not died. Herbert had kept detailed notes of the Dune series and what he was planning to add to the series. Now Brian Herbert, his son, and Kevin J. Anderson have taken up the Dune mantle, continuing the story. Though the style of writing is not exactly like the elder Herbert, B. Herbert and Anderson have tried to stick to the format of Herbert's originals being as detailed as he was.

And now, for your reading pleasure, is the list of the novels in the Dune series. The titles are linked to amazon.com so you can read the summaries. I've also listed them in chronological order with prequels first.

Legends of Dune:
-The Butlerian Jihad (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)
-The Machine Crusade (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)
-The Battle of Corrin (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)

Prelude to Dune:
-Dune: House Atreides (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)
-Dune: House Harkonnen (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)
-Dune: House Corrino (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)

Classic Dune:
-Dune (Frank Herbert)
-Dune Messiah (Frank Herbert)
-Children of Dune (Frank Herbert)
-God Emperor of Dune (Frank Herbert)
-Heretics of Dune (Frank Herbert)
-Chapterhouse: Dune (Frank Herbert)

The Grand Climax:
-Hunters of Dune (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)
-Sandworms of Dune (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)

Heroes of Dune Trilogy:
-Paul of Dune (Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)

Other:
-The Road to Dune (Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson)

I hope you all enjoy Dune as much as I have. It's a wonderful sci-fi series and the only series of the genre that I've read. Look for my post on Friday about an award winning Fantasy author that influenced me to make Fantasy my favorite genre of literature.
~Nepenthe