Hacker News Reader

Comment by grecy | Hacker News Reader

I've always wanted to read the Dune books, but have no idea where to start. It seems like there are so many, and so many prequels and so many optional side stories.

Is there an agreed on book to start with and an order to follow?

View on HN

Frank Herbert only wrote six books. You only have to read them in order of publication.

His son's books aren't as good and in the opinion of many aren't worth the trouble of reading.

Herbert only wrote six Dune books - but he wrote many other books…

Jesus Principle / Lazarus Effect / Ascension Factor (trilogy) are very good and very thought provoking.

Fair point. I was only referring to the Dune saga.

> Is there an agreed on book to start with and an order to follow?

No, so I'll get shot for this but ... read the first (Dune) then stop.

This is the correct order. If you need more dune in the future, you can read dune again.

Yes -- Dune. It is the starting point and best book in the series. The next three books in the series are also very, very good.

All of the prequel stuff and the books post Chapterhouse Dune are what happens when children take over the family business and run it into the ground, set it on fire, and grind the wreckage into dust. They are like the Highlander 2 of book sequels. Or imagine if Jar Jar Binks from Episode 1 was the best part of all three prequel movies made by a George Lucas with less talent.

Unpopular opinion but … as a lifelong Dune acolyte, I think Chapterhouse is favorite one after the original…

Chapterhouse was very decent, the whole series with ups and downs are works of art. Sad that Herbert died before closing the cycle.

I'll echo the others' sentiments. Only bother with the Dune books authored by Frank Herbert starting with the first published Dune itself. The "Dune" books written by his son are bad fan-fiction.

Read Dune and it’s three sequels. The rest ranges from decent fan fic to drivel.

Devoured it all though!

Reply on news.ycombinator.com