I've not picked up a Dune novel since the early 1990s, when I finished
Chapterhouse: Dune. I know Frank Herbert's son and K. Anderson have
been dabbling with Dune prequels for about 10 years now, but I've
never felt an urge to read any of them. From what I've read in various
online reviews, these newer books are entertaining but don't hold a
candle to the original six. I thought I'd revisit the Dune universe
again by picking up a paperback copy of Hunters of Dune at the
airport, but is it worth it? Do I have to read any of the prequel
books to follow it or is it a direct continuation of Chapterhouse? I
really don't want to read the other Herbert-Anderson novels...I've
been too scarred by the Star Wars prequels to go down that road again.
I prefer moving forward than looking back when it comes to literature
and movies. The prequel concept doesn't really mesh well with me.

sithdan@aol.com wrote:
>
> I've not picked up a Dune novel since the early 1990s,
> when I finished Chapterhouse: Dune.
>
You could always try "picking up" the original series and re-reading.
It's been about 15 years, after all, and you've probably forgotten most
of it, so it'll all be a good read again.
>
> I know Frank Herbert's son and K. Anderson have been
> dabbling with Dune prequels for about 10 years now, but
> I've never felt an urge to read any of them.
>
Good man. Your non-urge was completely justified. They're all shite.
>
> From what I've read in various online reviews, these newer books
> are entertaining but don't hold a candle to the original six.
>
They're not entertaining at all, except in the sense that they're
outrageously funny. Unintentionally.
>
> I thought I'd revisit the Dune universe again by picking up a
paperback copy
> of Hunters of Dune at the airport, but is it worth it?
>
The airport? Oh. I see what you mean. Nah. Control your urges, for Bog's
sake.
>
> Do I have to read any of the prequel books to
> follow it or is it a direct continuation of Chapterhouse?
>
It is shite. And so are the prequels. Resist. Resist to the end.
>
> I really don't want to read the other Herbert-Anderson novels...I've
> been too scarred by the Star Wars prequels to go down that road again.
>
Then don't. You seem confused.
>
> I prefer moving forward than looking back when it comes to literature
> and movies. The prequel concept doesn't really mesh well with me.
>
So you said. I wish you'd make up your mind.

sithdan@aol.com wrote:
> I've not picked up a Dune novel since the early 1990s, when I finished
> Chapterhouse: Dune. I know Frank Herbert's son and K. Anderson have
> been dabbling with Dune prequels for about 10 years now, but I've
> never felt an urge to read any of them. From what I've read in various
> online reviews, these newer books are entertaining but don't hold a
> candle to the original six. I thought I'd revisit the Dune universe
> again by picking up a paperback copy of Hunters of Dune at the
> airport, but is it worth it? Do I have to read any of the prequel
> books to follow it or is it a direct continuation of Chapterhouse? I
> really don't want to read the other Herbert-Anderson novels...I've
> been too scarred by the Star Wars prequels to go down that road again.
> I prefer moving forward than looking back when it comes to literature
> and movies. The prequel concept doesn't really mesh well with me.

I read the first sequel and found it didn't mesh well as a continuation
and that much of it was preposterous and laughable. I tried to read the
second one and couldn't continue. If you are avoiding the prequels
because they don't hold any promise of matching any of FH's magic, I
suggest you will be similarly put off by the sequels. But, I think you
should give it a go, just to say you gave it a try, preferably with a
library copy that involves no cash lay out....

WM

> sithdan wrote
>

> I've not picked up a Dune novel since the early 1990s, when I finished
> Chapterhouse: Dune.

Then I'd suggest your time would be better spent re-reading the
original "Dune" series and rediscovering what a fantastic story it is.
I re-read the series once every year and it never gets boring.

> From what I've read in various online reviews, these newer books are
> entertaining but don't hold a candle to the original six.

I've read "House Atreides", "House Harkonnen" and "Butlerian Jihad"
by those two hacks and the experience became progressively worse
the further I went.

Like night and day compared to Frank Herbert's original story.

The prequels read like books for juveniles, except where violence
and sex is tossed in, presumably give them some kinda adult patina.

As I read them, I found myself saying "WTF?" repeatedly....

> Do I have to read any of the prequel books to follow it or is it a
> direct continuation of Chapterhouse?

I haven't read any of the sequels (and have no intention of doing so)
but if they're anything like the prequels, they have absolutely no
logical
connection to the original story and are nothing more then a scam
designed to cash in Frank Herbert's legacy.