Dune: The Duke of Caladan

This prequel to the Dune novels of Frank Herbert, and other books in the Dune series, will mean different things to different people. For Dune fans, it will provide deep background on the relationships, alliances, and feuds that shape those novels. To those who have not previously delved into this world, it will be a science fiction book with conflict at the fore and a glimpse of a world in which "thinking machines" rule. Scott Brick's narration is as fresh on the twentieth disc as it is on the first. His focus is unwavering, and his pace never falters as he maintains his enthusiasm for the story and its characters. Brick is adept at leading his listeners through long narrative passages. His sense of timing is helpful in drawing out humor, as well as suspense and intrigue, and is key in his development of vivid personalities. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

August 31, 2020
Herbert and Anderson’s tepid 15th foray into the universe of Herbert’s father’s Dune novels (after Tales of Dune) adds little to the original series’ mix of action, politics, magic, and religion. Duke Leto Atreides, whose son, Paul, here just 14, is the fulcrum of the original Dune trilogy, is attending the inauguration of a new museum built by Emperor Shaddam IV when he notices someone lurking suspiciously in the vicinity of the emperor. Leto sounds the alarm, enabling Shaddam to get off-planet before the museum complex is destroyed by explosives launched from orbit. The subsequent hunt for the terrorist overlaps with Leto’s own search for answers after he’s accused of being involved in distributing a deadly drug. Meanwhile, teenage Paul undergoes rigorous physical training, alongside a handful of characters who will be familiar to followers of the series. Despite some nice touches, such as the elecrans, sea creatures that move like living lightning, this prequel is largely uninspired. The passable prose and lackluster plot will limit this one’s appeal to diehard fans only.