Dune

In this book, the lines between science and sorcery are indistinguishably and deliberately blurred, crafting a narrative that has evolved into a timeless masterpiece.

Set in a distant future, the universe is ruled over by feudalistic dukes and barons who wage interstellar wars for planets and resources. Here, psychoactive substances grant visions of the future, and colossal sandworms are revered as divine entities. But what truly captured my imagination was the portrayal of the technological as the magical. The Bene Gesserit, a secretive sisterhood often likened to witches, uses multigenerational genetic engineering to bring about prophesies and wield supernatural mind-controlling… show more.

What I loved most about this classic series is the detailed story world the author creates. When you read beyond the first book in the series, you start to get more and more of it — cultural, anthropological, geological, and more. It is a very cool and fully immersive world.

While the new movie series has captured the imagination of many and certainly has super cool production design elements, it does take some license with the story. Allow it to merely whet your appetite for the books. They're better.

I only recently read this book based on a friend’s recommendation (and because I wanted to read it before watching the movie). I was blown away by the depth and breadth of the world-building in Dune.

Though my general agreement with Herbert’s social philosophy might impact this pick, there’s no denying his prodigious world-building skills. 

This book presents perhaps the most prescient and today-relevant sci-fi premise ever: how could technology evolve without thinking machines?

After reading this book, I finally understood that my thinking does not have to be constrained by the "scientific consensus" of the day. The book presents a future so radically different from what most futurists are envisioning that it not only freed my thinking about science and futurism...it freed my mind of all constraints.

Even further, it beckoned me to explore the limits of my own human potential.

Dune is a classic and probably the most popular book listed, but that doesn’t change the fact its setting is unique to this day.

The story takes place in the far future. Because of a war against thinking machines, computers, and AI are outlawed and everything is done through biotechnology, from people with computer-like abilities, to a mysterious guild that allows space travel.

Most of the plot happens on Arakis, a desert planet where giant worms produce the spice melange: a drug that enables the biotechnology humanity relies on. Besides this unique, well-developed setting, Dune touches on many compelling subjects,… show more.

Hugo and Nebula award-winning Dune is one of my all-time favorite science fiction novels.

Frank Herbert’s epic work creates a fascinating universe centered on one of its most inhospitable planets, Arrakis, better known as Dune. Young Paul Atreides (Paul Muad’Dib), must survive assassination attempts, the death of his father, exile and inhospitable conditions to overcome the intricate plots of the Emperor and the evil Barron Vladimir Harkonnen.

Herbert’s world-building is unparalleled as he explores power, religion, and the human condition. With its rich and exotic settings, memorable characters, and complex plot, Dune is a true classic and one of the… show more.

Well, I suppose a few words have been devoted to Dune already, but I’m going to chime in!

I read Dune the first time as a teenager, and found some of it (Paul’s adventures, everything to do with Jessica) exciting and engrossing. On the other hand, some of it I couldn’t puzzle out—mostly politics. Now, that’s my favorite part! Honestly, I got my first and most vital lesson in world building from Dune, and it remains a huge influence on my writing.

What does it smell like, this new world? What happens if you get caught outside in a… show more.

For some reason, I had always shied away from Dune. Not sure why. I loved The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, and The Wheel of Time books.

So, fifty-eight years after it was first published, I finally gave it a chance and was immediately mesmerized by the universe Herbert created.

A universe with a deep history embedded within the unforgettable characters and technicolor images that splash across every page. That is what I love about Dune. Herbert’s imagination is splashed across each page like a Jackson Pollock painting,… show more.

I know, I know. You say it’s not for kids, and it’s not magic. But as for the first: I read it when I was fourteen, and I loved it.

It opened my eyes to the possibilities of science fiction as real, thoughtful world-building - creating an ecology for a world (though maybe I couldn’t have put that to words). It was meticulous in a way that fascinated and intrigued me. And as for the magic: Spice lets them see the future. The Voice lets you control other people’s minds. It’s magic.

And so is this book! There's a reason… show more.

This type of book is not usually my go-to, but I am always up for expanding my horizons.

For this type of genre, I worry about getting lost in all the different worlds and species. My interest was not lost too much in this book. The pages of this book flew by despite the intimidating thickness. 

It would have been nice if the planet of Dune had been described a bit more thoroughly so that I could get a better sense of what this world is like.

Initially, Paul was dull, but as his coming-of-age story developed, he became more… show more.