The Great Dune Trilogy

Book excerpt: 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * '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