Review of 'Paul of Dune'

Paul of Dune by Kevin J. Anderson, and Brian Herbert

This is the latest instalment in the Dune saga by Herbert and Anderson as they fill in some of the gaps in the original series by Herbert's father, Frank Herbert. Paul of Dune is set between the first novel, Dune, and it's original sequel Dune Messiah.

Paul is in the middle of the turmoil following the events of the first novel and coming to grips with being the Kwisatz Haderach. Death threats (and assassination attempts) abound but only Paul can see that the future relies on him becoming a tyrant…which he does in spades here particularly as we follow the building of his incredible palace on Dune.

The novel has interspersed throughout chapters that take place when Paul is a young man learning what it takes to be a leader from his father, Leto. When Leto's forced marriage to a woman he does not love for political reasons descends into massacre he is forced to take revenge on the house that has attacked. In this way Paul learns that House Attreides does not hide from revenging it's honour.

This book is full of violence but tells of the formative years of the man who would become The Tyrant. Written in the style that is common with the other novels by Herbert and Anderson, the action comes thick and fast with short chapters with expansive vistas and events.

I enjoyed this book as another chance to dip into the wonderful world of Dune. It is not the same as the original novels but it does fill in the details of the characters and stories in a way that is also enjoyable.

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2010-04-25


Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Hodder

Publication Date: 2008


Other reviewed books by Kevin J. Anderson, and Brian Herbert:

Other reviewed books by Kevin J. Anderson, Brian Herbert, and Frank Herbert: