Dune: Volume 1

Getting through this book was like walking through sand the way the Fremen walk through sand, which is somehow slower than the way normal people walk through sand. I think the concepts are interesting, like props to Herbert for coming up with an unique world and religion or whatever was going on there, but I'm still not sure what's going on with some stuff. Universe-specific vocab abounded, with sparse context clues. In order to understand what words or phrases meant, you had to consult the glossary. GLOSSARY! And I'm all for glossaries-- as long as they are supplemental so you can remind yourself what terms mean, not as the only way for you to learn what a Jihad is. So, yeah, it was hard to get through.

It really is not very good. I believe everyone that says it is amazing says that because the have never read it and assume it's good or they think they should say it is awesome because they are confused. First off it is a fantasy book. There are courts, dukes, emperors and magic. Just because it takes place in the future does not it make it science fiction. It is incredibly slow. You can add detail and make it exciting. Dune adds detail in the excitement of a text book.

Frank Herbert creates a universe with its own religion and society, with characters that have depth (some more than others) but seem often confused. Maybe Herbert does this on purpose because he creates such a rich, detailed and complex universe that the reader (and the characters) can't absorb everything at once, so he omits things or leaves it up to the read/characters to deduce concepts and ideals. I heard and read many great things about this book, but I found it very difficult to read. It didn't become easier as I went along; just the characters and their ideals becoming more easily acclimated. With such complexity, I found that the book suffered in story; it was completely dry to say the least. The characters didn't create any emotional investment, and I honestly didn't care if they lived or died. I found the writing of Herbert to be completely atrocious. I will give Herbert credit: he did put forth effort in creativity, which I believe is the book's greatest achievement.