The Great Dune Trilogy

Synopsis

Three of the greatest SF novels in the world in one bumper omnibus, and the inspiration for the spectacular cinematic events Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two.

'An astonishing science fiction phenomenon' WASHINGTON POST
'I know nothing comparable to it except The Lord of the Rings' Arthur C Clarke

Herbert's evocative, epic tales are set on the desert planet Arrakis, the focus for a complex political and military struggle with galaxy-wide repercussions.

Arrakis is the source of spice, a mind-enhancing drug which makes interstellar travel possible; it is the most valuable substance in the galaxy. When Duke Atreides and his family take up court there, they fall into a trap set by the Duke's bitter rival, Baron Harkonnen. The Duke is poisoned, but his wife and her son Paul escape to the vast and arid deserts of Arrakis, which have given the planet its nickname of Dune.

Paul and his mother join the Fremen, the Arrakis natives, who have learnt to live in this harsh and complex ecosystem. But learning to survive is not enough - Paul's destiny was mapped out long ago and his mother is committed to seeing it fulfilled.

Read the books which inspired the Academy Award-winning and jaw-dropping cinematic events Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024), starring Timothee Chalomet, Florence Pugh, Jessica Ferguson and Austin Butler. A science fiction spectacular like no other, this is a deeply climate conscious novel, and a compelling family saga for the ages.

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'This is - quite simply - the most magnificent Sci-Fi epic ever written . . . The scope of Asimov's Foundation, the attention to detail and context of Tolkien's LotR, coupled with an unmatched visionary socio-ecological messianic narrative that is scarily relevant today ' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Frank Herbert's immortal space opera that created many of the tropes we take for granted inside them is a book that doesn't need my endorsement . . . the nobility is some of the most decadent and depraved in fiction . . . It's a fantastic book, amazing story' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The blend of science-aversion, exploitation of the naive by systematic manipulation of religion and witchcraft, and the harsh realities of life in a barren and mineral depleted desert is astounding. I love these books!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Herbert succeeds at juxtaposing so many different elements: ecology, religion, consciousness, feudalism, space travel... gawsh, I could go on! . . . It is a mainly character-driven plot, with the three books in this trilogy focusing on the Atreides family on Dune . . . I think everyone should delve into this world, let themselves be absorbed by it. It makes you question your reality, your choices, your relationships and the impact you have on the world, or the impact the world has on you' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Dune perhaps epitomises science-fiction. The willingness to embrace big ideas and show them playing out on a broad canvas . . . You have to read it to believe it' Goodreads reviewer

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Summary

Chapter 1: Dune

* Introduction of Arrakis and the Fremen: Arrakis, a desert planet known for its vast spice fields, is inhabited by the nomadic Fremen, who possess advanced survival skills and a deep understanding of the planet's ecosystem.
* Arrival of the Atreides: Duke Leto Atreides is appointed as the new governor of Arrakis, replacing the corrupt Harkonnens. His family, including his son Paul and concubine Jessica, arrives on the planet.
* Betrayal and House Harkonnen's Attack: The Harkonnens, with the aid of the treacherous doctor Wellington Yueh, betray the Atreides and launch a surprise attack. Leto is killed, but Paul and Jessica escape into the desert.

Chapter 2: Muad'Dib

* Encounter with the Fremen: Paul and Jessica find shelter among the Fremen, who are initially wary but eventually accept them.
* Training and Prophecy: Paul undergoes rigorous training in Fremen ways and develops his latent psychic abilities. He becomes known as "Muad'Dib," the prophesied messiah of the Fremen.
* Revolt Against the Harkonnens: Muad'Dib leads the Fremen in a rebellion against the Harkonnens, who are eventually overthrown.

Chapter 3: Children of Dune

* Twelve Years Later: Twelve years after the Harkonnen defeat, Arrakis has become a lush planet under Muad'Dib's rule.
* Political Intrigues and Betrayal: Muad'Dib faces challenges from both outside and within his empire. The Bene Gesserit, a powerful sisterhood, attempts to manipulate him, while traitors within his court seek to undermine his rule.
* The Scattering: Muad'Dib's son, Leto II, and daughter, Ghanima, embark on a journey to scatter the Atreides' legacy throughout the galaxy.

Chapter 4: God Emperor of Dune

* Three Thousand Years Later: Leto II has transformed himself into a giant sandworm, the "God Emperor," and has ruled Arrakis for over three thousand years.
* Genetic Engineering and Tyranny: Leto II has imposed a strict regime on the planet, using genetic engineering to control his subjects and prevent any potential threats.
* The Golden Path: Leto II's rule is guided by his "Golden Path," a plan to secure the future of humanity by exposing them to extreme conditions and challenges.

Chapter 5: Heretics of Dune

* Five Hundred Years Later: The Bene Gesserit and Tleilaxu, a technologically advanced race, have formed an alliance to challenge Leto II's reign.
* The Scattering Effect: Leto II's Golden Path has scattered the Atreides' descendants across the galaxy, creating a diverse group of individuals who challenge his legacy.
* The Birth of the Honored Matres: The Bene Gesserit and Tleilaxu give birth to the Honored Matres, a ruthless and matriarchal society.

Chapter 6: Chapterhouse: Dune

* Two Hundred Years Later: The Honored Matres have become a formidable force and pose a threat to the fragmented Atreides legacy.
* The Scattering and Reunion: The scattered Atreides descendants gather on the planet Chapterhouse, where they struggle to unite and confront their enemies.
* The Legacy of the Dune Trilogy: The novel concludes with a reflection on the enduring legacy of the Dune universe and its characters.