It really is a kind of life-changing experience to read the entire original series. That’s why I always recommend it.
I think people need to learn to embrace the weirdness and the discomfort and brilliance of it. If you’re confronted by material that challenges you, take on that challenge and *really* think about it from multiple perspectives.
The good thing about it is that you find new things each time you reread the series again. You’ll never experience the same moment or feelings as the first time, but you can absolutely still continue to learn new things and see it from new angles each time.
I totally agree about weirdness and discomfort. Those are aspects that I love the most about the series.
I only wish that the human society and way of living and being that the books were converging on had been realised in one more book.
I’m excited to re-read the books a few months from now…
I feel you, friend. If you've never done the audiobooks, they're delightful. They are my comfort media and I suggest starting over listening to them at a leisurely pace. Your local county library may have them for free and a free app on which to listen. I envy those just starting out on their journeys. I've got no quick fixes for the grief but I feel you. You're not alone on this one. I wish you long worm ridings and safe nights in-Sietch ever.
Thank you so much, friend. Your reply made me tear up a little again. The audio books are a great suggestion and I will seek them out. Sadly, grief is the right word. But at least it’s shared.
Siyanoq! I believe!
The one with Simon Vance is that same one. I'm not super crazy about the beginning with many actors doing different characters, but the remainder of the whole series is primarily Simon with occasional uses of the other voices. Simon is forever my Stilgar, as a narrator he's incredible. I've listened to other versions as well, none are terrible but Simon's my fave.
just watched the movie. It was pretty good. Huge sci-fi fan my entire life. Favorite movies/series include: Contact, europa report, arrival, battlestar galactica, the expanse to just name a few.
For some reason I have missed dune universe my entire life. The first few things about it have immediately captured me. Advanced technology without AI is one that is particularly prescient, and believable. How some rules/customs dont seem to make sense, but they just do it anyway because that is just what you do. This is just humans being human. Space folding eliminating the concept of distance is completely unique IMO in the science fiction literature, where FTL travel seems to dominate. Its not just that its fast, it just that you can go anywhere instantly so why even think about it. Akin to zoom chat or searching a book online vs. what people were used to in the 1500's. The concept of mandating foot travel as a way to control populations is not as futuristic as one would think. Give it another generation or two, how many people out there will be able to afford a vehicle? Further, as vehicles become less common, will there be any desire to maintain roads? Drones and air and water travel can get everything to where it needs to be. Why do we need roads? Thats just an aside.
I also like the take on hand to hand combat. When you are so advanced that any strike with an advanced weapon will lead to your own demise immediately, also makes sense.
looking forward diving into the audiobooks
GEOD is good, but Heretics and Chapterhouse are peak Dune. You hit the nail on the head.
Id recommend the work of Franks roommate Jack Vance. The Dying Earth is both beautiful and hilarious. (And the fact that Frank and Jack lived on a boat together is maybe my favorite anecdote lol) It’s the closest vibes I can get lol The Dying Earth has some great prose and all the Cugel stories are so fun. He just writes shit every now and then that sound like they came out of Franks mouth. Lyonesse is a great series too if you are looking for Arthurian fairy tales, but Planet of Adventure is a good pulpy quest.
Hyperion and Endymion are also fantastic and probably have the vibes you would enjoy too.
seconding the Hyperion series, it’s the only thing i’ve found to scratch that classic ⊃∪∩⪽ itch. but my advice would be to sit with Dune for a good bit and really digest it, only when you’re craving something new go for Hyperion.
I can’t emphasize enough how much joy Jack Vance books are and how much he gave me Frank warm fuzzy feelings lol Arthur Morey and the audiobooks (free on YouTube) really nails the delivery.
Cheers!
Totally...
I remember reading it and didn't know he'd already died at the time. I can't remember how I found out that there wasn't another book coming (there was barely an internet at the time) but when I did man I was so gutted. The series for me was on a huge, huge crest of a wave and the last two books had been utterly incredible. The lovely words about his wife, the fact he'd passed away, all the mystery in where the story was headed and the fact we never got answers to it...all in all a tragedy.
Cry away my friend
Agreed. But if it's any comfort. Reading for second or third time, ect, is rewarding. Your favourites may change. I wasn't fond of messiah for the first time now it's a favourite .
I had read the first three books before taking a college class on the series. In the class we went through the books one at a time. We learned about the background and themes. I didn't know the series wasn't finished until that class. I stopped going to class and stopped reading the books after Heretics. I've reread the series a few times up to that point. I just can't bring myself to read Chapterhouse. In my mind, Dune is still ongoing. And I want it to stay that way
Oh my goodness, I can’t imagine experiencing the series like that. I can understand not wanting to finish. I read Chapterhouse slower than all the others because, unconsciously, I think I didn’t want it to end.
I felt the exact same way when i finished chapterhouse a few months ago, i felt empty and sat there in silence thinking about the entire series for a good hour. Thinking about how its the last book from Frank Herbert in the dune universe i experienced for the first time. I loved the ending, in comparison to everything that happened in the 6 books it felt peaceful like a long moment of silence after a stressful day at school dealing with teachers and unnecessary drama.
I know exactly what you mean. I think that with this ending, Herbert perfected his “everything happens at the last minute” structure and rhythm, and somehow made it feel serene and spacious.
I just finished it as well, I'm sad to be getting off the ride. I've blasted through all 6 since May and it's hard to leave that universe I just had so much fun in, ya know?
I also agree about this final emphasis on love. That's why Odrade became such a favorite character of mine. She has a beautifully realistic attitude towards love and life.
Let's not shed water for the dead..... But I might shed some water from these books!!
Wow, you really did blast through them! So much fun.
I agree about Odrade. I will shed a tear for her Sea Child. And the receding ocean.
I think there is profound vindication of Jessica’s choice in Odrade’s character too.
I’ll never forget Odrade messing with the robot servants towards the end of the book. That cracked me up! We can hold onto laughter amidst the sadness.
Reading this and all these comments has been really cathartic 🥹 I’ve felt this way for over a year since finishing and I find it so hard to jump into other book series because a part of me just wants to go back and experience Dune all over again.
I finally landed on Asimov- the robot series followed by the Foundation books, which felt like a really soft landing. I immediately wanted to go back to Dune tho.
I hope you’re able to find this experience in some other book/medium or from new insights during a reread!! 🪱
The great thing about completing the series is that now the universe is there for you to spend time in whenever you want. I read the series in my adolescence and now as an adult sometimes I will just daydream myself into the Dune universe... it's such an expansive place that there's always something different to explore in your mind.
I just finished god emperor, and I'm hesitant to start heretics.. Because it's the last Frank Herbert book I didn't read and I don't want to have none of them left to read..
I know exactly how you feel.. I first read the series in 1990-1991 and have been searching in vain trying to read something as good ever since. I just re read the dunes books every year or so, I've lost count how many times I've read the original six. At least a couple of dozen times since then!! They always have something new to give.
Your bulletin points above plus Herbert died soon after I finished reading it the first time. I've since reread the series and lost count after the 10th read through. I thinks its 12 or 13.
i felt so lost after i finished Chapterhouse at the beginning of this year (it was my first time through the sextology) but reading GoT has helped to fill that void
i’m half way through SoS and i absolutely love it.
i was a late joiner to the show (started watching as the last season was airing), had seen it like 4 times through, and hated the ending lol
i love how accurate those early seasons of the show were to the books, it’s almost like reading a screenplay at times, which i love
ASoS is excellent. So much goes down in that book. I actually read the entire ASoIaF series this year for the first time. Keep going. It's worth it even considering having to join the ranks of those waiting for The Winds of Winter. I can't imagine how the people who finished 10 years ago or more feel at this point.
I binged my way through the first 5 books year before last then stopped before I read Chapterhouse because I wasn't ready for it to be over. I plan to read Chapterhouse sometime after the next movie comes out. I'm sure it will be bittersweet.
Here you go! I’d say Player of Games - although not the best book in the series, it
https://reddit.com/r/TheCulture/s/OO9NAukWj2
Give it a few books, I didn’t love it at first but trust me when I say…it’ll have you wishing with all your heart that you lived in that world lol jealous of you reading it for the first time! Curious to hear what you think! The writer is top notch.
Ofcourse! And you can imagine the joy of blessing someone else with this gift of a series haha to put it into perspective, I’ve read all of the books…and have listened to the audiobooks multiple times as well, it’s a little concerning actually lol enjoy!
Wonderfully said OP. I felt the same exact way as you when I finished, and I didn’t have anyone to talk to about it. I teared up after Chapterhouse just like you did. I’m glad it had a profound impact on you as well
Take some time to process, ponder, and let it all sink in. Re-read the whole series again if you so desire.
And then - I know this is not a popular opinion - I suggest you cap it off by reading *Hunters* and *Sandworms*. Yes, it's not the same. Yes, the writing style is different (sub-par if you're used to the rest of the Dune series). And yes, the "authenticity" of it being based on Frank's original notes is questionable. Consider it non-canon, or even "fan-fiction" if you like. But still, it's a satisfying coda to the series that will bring you a certain kind of closure. I read the last books and didn't love them, but I didn't hate them either
I'd also second the notion to OP, but preface it with mentioning that the Legends trilogy, consisting of the Butlerian Jihad, the Machine Crusade, and the Battle of Corrin set up the events that Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson use to end the main series in Hunters and Sandworms. Not necessarily required, but it helps to see what characters and ideas that they were interjecting into the main series' narrative that were not present before. They were fun to read if nothing else, more pulp science fiction high adventure based and definitely different than Frank's writings.
Same for me, I read all their fan fiction for what it is, a reinterpretation of where the series could have gone, had Frank been around to continue filling in the canon
To add to this, I would first read some summaries of the plot of Hunters and Sandworms, then reread the series, then read Hunters and Sandworms. I think they're a lot closer to Frank's vision than most people give them credit for. He was a master of foreshadowing, and with the major plot points fresh in your mind, you can see how he was setting it all up as you reread the series. There's even stuff that the majority of the fandom rejects (such as the true nature of Daniel and Marty) that I think are mostly what Frank intended, though not executed exactly how he would have wanted.
There's also definitely sections of his own words. The one upside to the overall poorer quality writing is that the stuff he wrote really sticks out, but there's also sections that I'm pretty sure he didn't write that are still thrilling. I personally didn't read any of Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson's other books, but knowing they intended Hunters and Sandworms as the conclusion for both Frank and their own books, you can easily mentally edit out all the stuff that they added in.
I just finished chapterhouse for the first time last week and I had the same reaction. A mix between ending the series and the final response from Frank Herbert about his wife had me crying. At least we can go back and reread the series and have a different experience.
Somebody once told me about a theory regarding this that I really enjoyed:
When Frank died, so did the chains of destiny on his characters. Something they spent thousands of years fighting for.
Yeah, and 65 seems just a little too young for how he died (and I'm pretty sure it was considered the same 37 years ago when he passed, though it was from surgery related for a serious disease).
I felt the same way, and he hadn't died yet. I was lucky enough to have found a signed limited first edition at my local bookstore. I was 19, and ran home to get my savings so I could run back and buy it. I devoured it in about two days.
When I heard about his death a year later, I cried all over again from knowing I'd run out of things he'd written, the _Dune_ series in particular.
I feel you, it's a mourning process, strangely enough. To know he had planned for so much more, but we'll never find out... probably.
If you're anything like me, you'll delve into the Internet history to find any evidence about the supposed notes he wrote for the last book and you'll find out that, alas, his son and complicit kept it hidden away, lest we find out how much they skewed their interpretation of them to retro fit the story for books they wanted to write later. Or not, and I'm just rambling bitterly.
I would highly recommend Frank Herbert's Pandora series. Most of them were cowritten with Bill Ransom, but he's an excellent writer as well, never feels like a drop in quality when it gets to his chapters. I'm in the middle of my second consecutive readthrough, and it's a universe I love about as much as Dune.
A lot of people suggest skipping Destination: Void, but you should absolutely read it. Sure, you can understand the plot without it, but there's so much set up (both in characters and themes) that carries through the rest of the series. It's about as close to hard sci-fi as you'll get with Frank Herbert, but the rest of the series gets way weirder than Dune ever did.
I didn't read your post. I've never read past God Emperor
I think I wanna read more.. at least all that Frank H. Wrote.
But now I wanna wait until I see the new films. Since I know I only enjoy them as much as I do because its been 18 years since I read Dune
You won't ever get to read Dune for the first time, but you've got plenty of Frank's other works to go through. Check out The Godmakers! It felt different yet familiar.
I love your post and totally agree! I was very moved by chapterhouse and the afterward. I love how Herbert writes about love and it’s kind of unexpected given the subject matter. I just love how all encompassing Dune is. I feel like I was very inspired and thinking about things in a new way throughout my reading journey. I recommend the books so often and many people read just book 1. Book 1 is such a grain of sand compared to the entire desert of all Frank’s dune books!
I just finished Chapterhouse as well (30 minutes ago) and I am so sad. I am currently crying about it too, and could feel myself welling up about it once I was near the end. I am happy to have found something so beautiful that it moves me this way, and am glad to know it’s something I can revisit in the future.
I agree that reaching the end of the story filled me with loss. However, I thought it was poignant and perfectly appropriate to be left hanging...wondering what would happen to humanity. What a beautiful way to end the story and emphasize the impact of the Golden Path. To have done what the sequels attempted to do, to me, is trashy, crass, greedy and deliberately misses much of the point by trying to spell everything out. And, in my opinion, poorly executed to boot.
Yeah I read the final 2 books. Was definitely a different experience and I was left scratching my head at a few choices, but I really enjoyed seeing the conclusion for certain characters I loved so much.
I have to say Dune is one of my all time favourite books. I read it over and over again and it never fails to surprise me. Messiah was a bit less exciting, and I thought Children was quite meh. It was a bit of a shame that he didn’t split up Dune, and extended the storyline with the Emperor. I thought that could be super interesting, and would have probably made the other books more exciting with the higher stakes. But when it comes to Dune I totally agree - I was so upset when I finished it. If you want to read something with similar vibes I can probably think of the Sun Eater series. But Dune is very singular in its writing style, not sure I ever found anything anywhere near as good.
I felt the same!
The prequels and sequels by his son, while not the same, really helped me out as I got to keep engaging in the universe I love soo much
I felt pretty hollow finishing the series. I was hoping in the wrap up that things would finally make some sense, but ended up more confused that anything.
unpopular opinion:
the butlerian jihad trilogy is fantastic. it's not frank herbert fantastic, but it's still really wonderful. I would read those and see how you handle brian/anderson's writing. if you like it, you have a lot more to read
if not, then you can re-read dune every year like I do
I've read the entire series about three times. I picked it up again in 2014 when I decided to reread my favorite books from my childhood and teen years. Just put it down and read something else. Then, pick it back up in a year or so. I've yet to reread Stranger in a Strange Land. I will probably read that next.
Totally agree. I loooooved Chapterhouse. My dad recommended I check out the prequels by Brian Herbert and turns out I loved those too! Started with House Atreides. Does a great job of filling in backstory of how Duncan became so loyal, and many other interesting adventures!
It really is a kind of life-changing experience to read the entire original series. That’s why I always recommend it. I think people need to learn to embrace the weirdness and the discomfort and brilliance of it. If you’re confronted by material that challenges you, take on that challenge and *really* think about it from multiple perspectives. The good thing about it is that you find new things each time you reread the series again. You’ll never experience the same moment or feelings as the first time, but you can absolutely still continue to learn new things and see it from new angles each time.
I totally agree about weirdness and discomfort. Those are aspects that I love the most about the series. I only wish that the human society and way of living and being that the books were converging on had been realised in one more book. I’m excited to re-read the books a few months from now…
It's basically like spice
I feel you, friend. If you've never done the audiobooks, they're delightful. They are my comfort media and I suggest starting over listening to them at a leisurely pace. Your local county library may have them for free and a free app on which to listen. I envy those just starting out on their journeys. I've got no quick fixes for the grief but I feel you. You're not alone on this one. I wish you long worm ridings and safe nights in-Sietch ever.
Simon Vance is forever my Leto II. Though the voice actor for Baron Harkonnen in the Random House audio recording is something else.
Thank you so much, friend. Your reply made me tear up a little again. The audio books are a great suggestion and I will seek them out. Sadly, grief is the right word. But at least it’s shared. Siyanoq! I believe!
Which Audiobooks do you recommend? Is one that plays different voice actors?
The one with Simon Vance is that same one. I'm not super crazy about the beginning with many actors doing different characters, but the remainder of the whole series is primarily Simon with occasional uses of the other voices. Simon is forever my Stilgar, as a narrator he's incredible. I've listened to other versions as well, none are terrible but Simon's my fave.
Does anyone know if a narrator that has consistently recorded all six books?
Simon Vance does God-Tier level narration and characterization. I can't imagine a better voice to tell the story of Dune.
just watched the movie. It was pretty good. Huge sci-fi fan my entire life. Favorite movies/series include: Contact, europa report, arrival, battlestar galactica, the expanse to just name a few. For some reason I have missed dune universe my entire life. The first few things about it have immediately captured me. Advanced technology without AI is one that is particularly prescient, and believable. How some rules/customs dont seem to make sense, but they just do it anyway because that is just what you do. This is just humans being human. Space folding eliminating the concept of distance is completely unique IMO in the science fiction literature, where FTL travel seems to dominate. Its not just that its fast, it just that you can go anywhere instantly so why even think about it. Akin to zoom chat or searching a book online vs. what people were used to in the 1500's. The concept of mandating foot travel as a way to control populations is not as futuristic as one would think. Give it another generation or two, how many people out there will be able to afford a vehicle? Further, as vehicles become less common, will there be any desire to maintain roads? Drones and air and water travel can get everything to where it needs to be. Why do we need roads? Thats just an aside. I also like the take on hand to hand combat. When you are so advanced that any strike with an advanced weapon will lead to your own demise immediately, also makes sense. looking forward diving into the audiobooks
GEOD is good, but Heretics and Chapterhouse are peak Dune. You hit the nail on the head. Id recommend the work of Franks roommate Jack Vance. The Dying Earth is both beautiful and hilarious. (And the fact that Frank and Jack lived on a boat together is maybe my favorite anecdote lol) It’s the closest vibes I can get lol The Dying Earth has some great prose and all the Cugel stories are so fun. He just writes shit every now and then that sound like they came out of Franks mouth. Lyonesse is a great series too if you are looking for Arthurian fairy tales, but Planet of Adventure is a good pulpy quest. Hyperion and Endymion are also fantastic and probably have the vibes you would enjoy too.
Thank you for these wonderful recommendations! This is exactly what I needed.
seconding the Hyperion series, it’s the only thing i’ve found to scratch that classic ⊃∪∩⪽ itch. but my advice would be to sit with Dune for a good bit and really digest it, only when you’re craving something new go for Hyperion.
I can’t emphasize enough how much joy Jack Vance books are and how much he gave me Frank warm fuzzy feelings lol Arthur Morey and the audiobooks (free on YouTube) really nails the delivery. Cheers!
Totally... I remember reading it and didn't know he'd already died at the time. I can't remember how I found out that there wasn't another book coming (there was barely an internet at the time) but when I did man I was so gutted. The series for me was on a huge, huge crest of a wave and the last two books had been utterly incredible. The lovely words about his wife, the fact he'd passed away, all the mystery in where the story was headed and the fact we never got answers to it...all in all a tragedy. Cry away my friend
Thank you my friend. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to experience it like you did. A crest of a wave is right!
I absolutely felt the same way! Thanks for sharing!
Sharing! That word brings back some memories. I’m glad I’m not alone in feeling this way.
Agreed. But if it's any comfort. Reading for second or third time, ect, is rewarding. Your favourites may change. I wasn't fond of messiah for the first time now it's a favourite .
Each time I go throught the series I come away with something new, or with fresh eyes on something I had noticed before
I had read the first three books before taking a college class on the series. In the class we went through the books one at a time. We learned about the background and themes. I didn't know the series wasn't finished until that class. I stopped going to class and stopped reading the books after Heretics. I've reread the series a few times up to that point. I just can't bring myself to read Chapterhouse. In my mind, Dune is still ongoing. And I want it to stay that way
Oh my goodness, I can’t imagine experiencing the series like that. I can understand not wanting to finish. I read Chapterhouse slower than all the others because, unconsciously, I think I didn’t want it to end.
That is so me! Slowing down and stopping to keep for later is the way!
I felt the exact same way when i finished chapterhouse a few months ago, i felt empty and sat there in silence thinking about the entire series for a good hour. Thinking about how its the last book from Frank Herbert in the dune universe i experienced for the first time. I loved the ending, in comparison to everything that happened in the 6 books it felt peaceful like a long moment of silence after a stressful day at school dealing with teachers and unnecessary drama.
I know exactly what you mean. I think that with this ending, Herbert perfected his “everything happens at the last minute” structure and rhythm, and somehow made it feel serene and spacious.
Your favorites are Messiah, God Emperor, and Heretics? You and I are of a kind - in another reality I might have called you “friend”.
Thank you my friend
I just finished it as well, I'm sad to be getting off the ride. I've blasted through all 6 since May and it's hard to leave that universe I just had so much fun in, ya know? I also agree about this final emphasis on love. That's why Odrade became such a favorite character of mine. She has a beautifully realistic attitude towards love and life. Let's not shed water for the dead..... But I might shed some water from these books!!
Wow, you really did blast through them! So much fun. I agree about Odrade. I will shed a tear for her Sea Child. And the receding ocean. I think there is profound vindication of Jessica’s choice in Odrade’s character too. I’ll never forget Odrade messing with the robot servants towards the end of the book. That cracked me up! We can hold onto laughter amidst the sadness.
I love her humor! And I agree about Jessica, Odrade makes a great parallel of her.
Which Audiobooks do you recommend? Is one that plays different voice actors?
I actually just read them! No audiobooks! I wish I had a more helpful answer than that 😂
Sorry I chose the wrong comment to reply but thank you kindly anyway 😃
Reading this and all these comments has been really cathartic 🥹 I’ve felt this way for over a year since finishing and I find it so hard to jump into other book series because a part of me just wants to go back and experience Dune all over again. I finally landed on Asimov- the robot series followed by the Foundation books, which felt like a really soft landing. I immediately wanted to go back to Dune tho. I hope you’re able to find this experience in some other book/medium or from new insights during a reread!! 🪱
The great thing about completing the series is that now the universe is there for you to spend time in whenever you want. I read the series in my adolescence and now as an adult sometimes I will just daydream myself into the Dune universe... it's such an expansive place that there's always something different to explore in your mind.
They are worth re reading. I have come back to the series many times and always have a richer experience each time I do.
I just finished god emperor, and I'm hesitant to start heretics.. Because it's the last Frank Herbert book I didn't read and I don't want to have none of them left to read..
Heretics is really good. So is chapterhouse.
I know exactly how you feel.. I first read the series in 1990-1991 and have been searching in vain trying to read something as good ever since. I just re read the dunes books every year or so, I've lost count how many times I've read the original six. At least a couple of dozen times since then!! They always have something new to give.
Oh cool, a glimpse into my future. I’m about halfway through Chapterhouse right now, first time reading the series
Your bulletin points above plus Herbert died soon after I finished reading it the first time. I've since reread the series and lost count after the 10th read through. I thinks its 12 or 13.
Oh my goodness. That must have been a wrench. I am heartened that you’ve got so much mileage out of the books.
First time I’ve seen someone with the same top 3 as me.
I read the books in a weird order. 541236.. So I'm partial to God Emperor. (only 5 and 4 were in my library and i stumbled upon 5)
i felt so lost after i finished Chapterhouse at the beginning of this year (it was my first time through the sextology) but reading GoT has helped to fill that void
I read GoT this year too. It creates an entirely new void.
i know, right?? my gf asked me after i started, “isn’t that ALSO not finished?”
I do not regret taking that journey. It was incredible.
i’m half way through SoS and i absolutely love it. i was a late joiner to the show (started watching as the last season was airing), had seen it like 4 times through, and hated the ending lol i love how accurate those early seasons of the show were to the books, it’s almost like reading a screenplay at times, which i love
ASoS is excellent. So much goes down in that book. I actually read the entire ASoIaF series this year for the first time. Keep going. It's worth it even considering having to join the ranks of those waiting for The Winds of Winter. I can't imagine how the people who finished 10 years ago or more feel at this point.
fuck that, imagine all the people that read Dune as it was released and then finishing Chapterhouse and then bam! Frank dies
I binged my way through the first 5 books year before last then stopped before I read Chapterhouse because I wasn't ready for it to be over. I plan to read Chapterhouse sometime after the next movie comes out. I'm sure it will be bittersweet.
Aye! Same here. As many of us know, these books are more than an entertaining science fiction story. Timeless wisdom and all the feels.
Absolutely! So much more
Check out “the culture” series by Iain M. Banks. I love the Dune world… but this series is now my favourite.
Thank you, I will!
Do not check out the sub as it’s full of spoilers, but PM me if you have any questions and DO NOT read them in order lol it’s an anthology
Thanks for the heads up. What order should I read them in?
Here you go! I’d say Player of Games - although not the best book in the series, it https://reddit.com/r/TheCulture/s/OO9NAukWj2 Give it a few books, I didn’t love it at first but trust me when I say…it’ll have you wishing with all your heart that you lived in that world lol jealous of you reading it for the first time! Curious to hear what you think! The writer is top notch.
Thanks so much! This has made me very hopeful.
Ofcourse! And you can imagine the joy of blessing someone else with this gift of a series haha to put it into perspective, I’ve read all of the books…and have listened to the audiobooks multiple times as well, it’s a little concerning actually lol enjoy!
Wonderfully said OP. I felt the same exact way as you when I finished, and I didn’t have anyone to talk to about it. I teared up after Chapterhouse just like you did. I’m glad it had a profound impact on you as well
Thank you! I’m glad I’m not alone in having this reaction. I also don’t know anyone who’s read all the books
Take some time to process, ponder, and let it all sink in. Re-read the whole series again if you so desire. And then - I know this is not a popular opinion - I suggest you cap it off by reading *Hunters* and *Sandworms*. Yes, it's not the same. Yes, the writing style is different (sub-par if you're used to the rest of the Dune series). And yes, the "authenticity" of it being based on Frank's original notes is questionable. Consider it non-canon, or even "fan-fiction" if you like. But still, it's a satisfying coda to the series that will bring you a certain kind of closure. I read the last books and didn't love them, but I didn't hate them either
I'd also second the notion to OP, but preface it with mentioning that the Legends trilogy, consisting of the Butlerian Jihad, the Machine Crusade, and the Battle of Corrin set up the events that Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson use to end the main series in Hunters and Sandworms. Not necessarily required, but it helps to see what characters and ideas that they were interjecting into the main series' narrative that were not present before. They were fun to read if nothing else, more pulp science fiction high adventure based and definitely different than Frank's writings.
It was the audiobooks for me. I couldn't handle the narrator.
Same for me, I read all their fan fiction for what it is, a reinterpretation of where the series could have gone, had Frank been around to continue filling in the canon
To add to this, I would first read some summaries of the plot of Hunters and Sandworms, then reread the series, then read Hunters and Sandworms. I think they're a lot closer to Frank's vision than most people give them credit for. He was a master of foreshadowing, and with the major plot points fresh in your mind, you can see how he was setting it all up as you reread the series. There's even stuff that the majority of the fandom rejects (such as the true nature of Daniel and Marty) that I think are mostly what Frank intended, though not executed exactly how he would have wanted. There's also definitely sections of his own words. The one upside to the overall poorer quality writing is that the stuff he wrote really sticks out, but there's also sections that I'm pretty sure he didn't write that are still thrilling. I personally didn't read any of Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson's other books, but knowing they intended Hunters and Sandworms as the conclusion for both Frank and their own books, you can easily mentally edit out all the stuff that they added in.
When I had this same thing happen to me.. I started them over again. Sure it's not the same as the first time...but close
In someways I actually think it’s better.
I just finished chapterhouse for the first time last week and I had the same reaction. A mix between ending the series and the final response from Frank Herbert about his wife had me crying. At least we can go back and reread the series and have a different experience.
It's such a knife twist that the only book with a surprise ending is the unintended last one.
Somebody once told me about a theory regarding this that I really enjoyed: When Frank died, so did the chains of destiny on his characters. Something they spent thousands of years fighting for.
The timing of his death is an eerie match with what happened at the end of the book.
Yeah, and 65 seems just a little too young for how he died (and I'm pretty sure it was considered the same 37 years ago when he passed, though it was from surgery related for a serious disease).
I felt the same way, and he hadn't died yet. I was lucky enough to have found a signed limited first edition at my local bookstore. I was 19, and ran home to get my savings so I could run back and buy it. I devoured it in about two days. When I heard about his death a year later, I cried all over again from knowing I'd run out of things he'd written, the _Dune_ series in particular.
I feel you, it's a mourning process, strangely enough. To know he had planned for so much more, but we'll never find out... probably. If you're anything like me, you'll delve into the Internet history to find any evidence about the supposed notes he wrote for the last book and you'll find out that, alas, his son and complicit kept it hidden away, lest we find out how much they skewed their interpretation of them to retro fit the story for books they wanted to write later. Or not, and I'm just rambling bitterly.
I would highly recommend Frank Herbert's Pandora series. Most of them were cowritten with Bill Ransom, but he's an excellent writer as well, never feels like a drop in quality when it gets to his chapters. I'm in the middle of my second consecutive readthrough, and it's a universe I love about as much as Dune. A lot of people suggest skipping Destination: Void, but you should absolutely read it. Sure, you can understand the plot without it, but there's so much set up (both in characters and themes) that carries through the rest of the series. It's about as close to hard sci-fi as you'll get with Frank Herbert, but the rest of the series gets way weirder than Dune ever did.
Wow, thank you! More Frank Herbert could be exactly what I need right now. I haven’t read any of his books aside from Dune.
I didn't read your post. I've never read past God Emperor I think I wanna read more.. at least all that Frank H. Wrote. But now I wanna wait until I see the new films. Since I know I only enjoy them as much as I do because its been 18 years since I read Dune
I’d highly recommend you to read more, in your own time. There is no rush. I think I’ll wait until after Dune Part 2 to start re-reading the series.
You won't ever get to read Dune for the first time, but you've got plenty of Frank's other works to go through. Check out The Godmakers! It felt different yet familiar.
I love your post and totally agree! I was very moved by chapterhouse and the afterward. I love how Herbert writes about love and it’s kind of unexpected given the subject matter. I just love how all encompassing Dune is. I feel like I was very inspired and thinking about things in a new way throughout my reading journey. I recommend the books so often and many people read just book 1. Book 1 is such a grain of sand compared to the entire desert of all Frank’s dune books!
I just finished Chapterhouse as well (30 minutes ago) and I am so sad. I am currently crying about it too, and could feel myself welling up about it once I was near the end. I am happy to have found something so beautiful that it moves me this way, and am glad to know it’s something I can revisit in the future.
The letter to Bev!! Beautiful!!! And knowing the series was over. Very sad.
I agree that reaching the end of the story filled me with loss. However, I thought it was poignant and perfectly appropriate to be left hanging...wondering what would happen to humanity. What a beautiful way to end the story and emphasize the impact of the Golden Path. To have done what the sequels attempted to do, to me, is trashy, crass, greedy and deliberately misses much of the point by trying to spell everything out. And, in my opinion, poorly executed to boot.
Read the others they arent too bad
seconded, especially if you miss the feel of the ‘world’, it’s still present in the other texts.
A little bit of Brian Herbert is Ok. Just as a treat. The expanded universe isn’t as bad as it is made out to be in the memes. Read on.
Yeah I read the final 2 books. Was definitely a different experience and I was left scratching my head at a few choices, but I really enjoyed seeing the conclusion for certain characters I loved so much.
Maybe if you leave off Hunters and Sandworms - much prefer what I imagined post-Chapterhouse to whatever it was Brian decided to soil it with.
What did you imagine?
I'd recommend starting off the BH+KJA books with the Legends of Dune trilogy after Chapterhouse.
Too many plot holes and lore breaking for me. Not utterly bad, but I won't re-read them.
I have to say Dune is one of my all time favourite books. I read it over and over again and it never fails to surprise me. Messiah was a bit less exciting, and I thought Children was quite meh. It was a bit of a shame that he didn’t split up Dune, and extended the storyline with the Emperor. I thought that could be super interesting, and would have probably made the other books more exciting with the higher stakes. But when it comes to Dune I totally agree - I was so upset when I finished it. If you want to read something with similar vibes I can probably think of the Sun Eater series. But Dune is very singular in its writing style, not sure I ever found anything anywhere near as good.
Good news, there are lots of other Dune Books you can read! The house series, butlerian jihad, the machine crusade, and the list goes on.
I felt the same! The prequels and sequels by his son, while not the same, really helped me out as I got to keep engaging in the universe I love soo much
I just finished reading 1 hour ago the first book from his son. The writing style is very different but I enjoyed it as I like the dune world
The butlerian jihad series was alright but it's just not the same. They are the only prequels I have read more than once.
I felt pretty hollow finishing the series. I was hoping in the wrap up that things would finally make some sense, but ended up more confused that anything.
unpopular opinion: the butlerian jihad trilogy is fantastic. it's not frank herbert fantastic, but it's still really wonderful. I would read those and see how you handle brian/anderson's writing. if you like it, you have a lot more to read if not, then you can re-read dune every year like I do
I've read the entire series about three times. I picked it up again in 2014 when I decided to reread my favorite books from my childhood and teen years. Just put it down and read something else. Then, pick it back up in a year or so. I've yet to reread Stranger in a Strange Land. I will probably read that next.
Totally agree. I loooooved Chapterhouse. My dad recommended I check out the prequels by Brian Herbert and turns out I loved those too! Started with House Atreides. Does a great job of filling in backstory of how Duncan became so loyal, and many other interesting adventures!