Dune, a story of a planet of a killer sun, huge sandworms, native Fremen, but most importantly, the priceless spice of mélenage. Your attention will be taken on a journey of endless things like your sweeping over the endless sand dunes of Arrakis or twisting and turning through the seemingly infinite betrayals. This Frank Herbert novel, is a captivating book that captures the story of Paul Atreides, a part of the House Atreides, which obtains the planet Arrakis.

In a future of a galaxy controlled by the Imperium, we see the feuds between houses and the Imperium to control the other and scheming of alliances and betrayals throughout the book. A rollercoaster of triumphs and blights almost leading to the brink of extinction for our antagonists and protagonists. House Harkonnen, archenemies of House Atreides and led by Baron Vladmir, will do anything to obliterate their foe and the plot to take down House Atreides from House Harkonnen is beautifully captured from the perspectives of both good and bad. 

In this book we see a rollercoaster of the protagonists, led by a beautiful ensemble of Paul, Duke, Jessica, Gurney, and Duncan, tell the story of Dune and the actions through their own perspective. Baron Vladmir, the cutthroat yet clever leader, is a perfect antagonist who will do any atrocious act to see their demise. The characters all mesh really nicely and stand alone great except for the main character. He is presented as a perfect individual but we still see the conflict within his head and it leads to a weird dynamic that weakens his character.

Overall, despite the character criticisms, I feel the book is strong. While the book feels very long—and it is—it is also filled with vivid descriptions and intriguing events. A fast pace yet slow journey that allows the reader to absorb the huge amount of information they receive. The way Herbert is able to take the reader and insert them into the story is remarkable. How he can connect and think just like the reader provides a beautiful and intricate story.

The way he can capture so much with the genre of sci-fi from epic duels and mass destruction to heartbreak and betrayal is truly remarkable. The depth Herbert goes into with his own unique style is very captivating and will keep you reading, or listening, till the end.