5 comments about House Atreides (Dune: House Trilogy, Book 1).

1. After reading the original series, I had not interest in reading any of the prequels. Not bothering for years, until recently I picked up The Butlerian Jihad and gave it a try. I have been reading the Dune story from start to finish ever since. I just finished reading House Atreides, and I must say that it was the best work yet from Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson. I saw the plans within plans mixed in with little pearls of wisdom that I longed after from the original series.
   
   The Baron Vladimir Harkonen unleashes his sublte wheels within wheels aproach to life in this fast paced novel. I learned much of the background of many characters from the orinal series. I eagerly look forward to finishing the reast of the 'House' series and will jump back to the original series with gusto.
   
   All in all. This book hit the spot. A satisfying read.



2. This book has good detail and is a great continuation of the Dune saga, but in reverse since it is Prequel in nature. I think this does the magnificent world of Dune justice because it is so rich in detail and the plots//premises are so interesting. This particular installment of the new series is focused on the Atreides family but we still learn a lot about other Dune factors such as the navigators and the witches. Great job on this book.



3. As I'm sure that a lot of Dune fans have for the continued stories of this wonderful sci-fi world. Brian and Kevin work well together and I think it pushes the writing well to a point that is very entertaining.



4. Brian Herbert is the son of Frank Herbert creator of Dune Saga. Brian and Kevin Anderson start with this book a difficult mission: revisit Dune's universe describing the events immediately preceding Dune, the first & unforgettable volume of the famous saga.
   
   Did they succeed? Well, yes and... no. Yes because they deliver an interesting first step with all the elements of this fascinating universe; and no because the story is not as gripping as the original Dune.
   Nevertheless Dune's fans (as me) should not be too disappointed because even Frank Herbert wasn't at the same height when writing Dune Messiah, Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune and he will recover allure only with the last two books of the series.
   So let us hope the same will happen with Brian & Kevin efforts!
   
   The variety of themes touched by the original series is still present in this book: ecology, political-religious interaction, genetic manipulation, longevity drugs and secret sisterhoods and brotherhoods.
   
   The story is as follows.
   The Scenery.
   There is a Galactic Empire ruled by the Emperor. There are powerful Noble Houses that rule different planetary systems and confront each other in endless struggle, yet subject to strict rules. There is a Guild of interstellar Pilots. There is the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood following their eugenic plans and playing in backstage as advisors to all powers. Computers & AI are forbidden and replaced by human-computers called Mentat. Arrakis is Desert Planet inhabited by mysterious desert dwellers: the Fremen.
   
   The Argument.
   Consist of several threads that will mingle and interact thru the present book and the intended continuations.
   A very young Leto heir of Noble House Atreides is being educated by his father Duke Paulus.
   The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood following their eugenic plans is approaching their goal: to produce a male specimen that will surpass all their limitations and fulfill their mission.
   Execrable Baron Vladimir head of Noble House Harkonnen, Atreides' ancestral enemy, is in command of Arrakis and planning mischievous deeds.
   Prince Shaddam, the Emperor's son & heir and his intimate Fenring are getting bored of Emperor Elrood's long life and planning to shorten it.
   Noble House Vernius, masters of point technology, had developed a new cruiser that will cut Emperor's income, incurring in his wrath.
   All these elements and more, much more are deployed skillfully by the authors, giving way to an interesting narration.
   
   I recommend this book to sci-fi lovers and general public too.
   Reviewed by Max Yofre.



5. For those of you that wrote that Brian Herbert is just trying to ride his father's franchise to financial success, maybe you should have read the last pages of the "House Atreides" book. Brian, initially, did not want to resume his father's work because of the enormous shadow Frank Herbert cast with the original Dune. Also, Brian had many of his own projects at the time. Brian had already collaborated with his father and had planed to write part of the Dune series with him before he died.
   
   The only thing the story lacks is the original writing style of the creator, Frank Herbert. Brian succeeds in telling a good story set in the Dune universe, but does not tell it in the exact manner his father would (nor is that possible). Frank probably would have approved of his sons work, had he lived to read it.

5 comments about Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, Book 1).

1. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Read this book and meet Randall 6.



2. I love Koontz' work. There it is, sorry if you don't, but put some nail-bitingly great writing together with a guy who loves dogs, and I am hooked.
   
   This series is among his best works and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the third book in December 08 - I recently re-read the first two (on my new kindle ;) and it just made me want the third installment even more.
   
   Great story telling, funny moments and totally believe-able repartee between the characters. Put that all together with an obvious working knowledge of the setting and you have all the makings of a superb series.
   
   Bravo once again!



3. I'm sure I am one of a select few that do not appreciate a story that develops great characters and great sub-plots and then ends abruptly. It's almost as though the author got bored and quit - Zero resolution on anything. It doesn't leave me wanting more because I know the same feeling of "What the Hell?" will be waiting for me in the next book.



4. This book is amazing on so many levels. It takes the traditional Frankenstein story and weaves a modern tale of secrets, deception, and corruption hidden under a thin veneer of high society. It is creepy how probable some of the things in this book are. It is a sad tale, but it pulls you in and won't let go. I would recommend this book for anyone with a healthily inquisitive mind and a bit of empathy.



5. I admit, the idea is very origonal, yet Dean Koontz (who I'm shocked had anything to do with this book) could have made this book so much better. I've read many of his novels and this is by far the worst.
   The more I read the more outlandish the story got, and I found myself laughing at the end when Johnathon was running from the cops with a baby monster creature hanging half attached to the inside of his belly, as he was giving birth to it.
   I did however think the storyline of the retarded boy who could only move through a series of imaginary crossword boxes was cool, but I will probably not be reading the next one. I dont even think he's going to finish the series anyway. It was scheduled to come out like 2 years ago.
   Dean Koontz has always been one of my favorite authors. I just hope he's not losing his luster for writing.

5 comments about Ground Zero (The X-Files).

1. Now having read 7 books either written or co-written by Kevin J. Anderson,(3 Star Wars, 3 X-Files and 1 Dune) I can say that the man has good ideas, I just don't think that his writing is all that absorbing. As with his Star Wars books, his X-Files books never quite ring true of the characters. As for the cases, they are pretty good, but it isn't Mulder and Scully who are chasing down the monsters. Of all the new X-Files books, Charles Grant's "Whirlwind" nails the characters of Mulder and Scully, but the case isn't particularly involving.



2. I enjoyed this book but i thought i could have been better. While reading this book i felt like Mulder was left out alot. But the book kept my attention. Although i thought it could have been better i reccomend this book.



3. I was excited to know that there was another X-files book make by Kevin Anderson because I love how well he writes his novels.
   
   I was disappointed when I finished the book. Here are the positives and the negatives I found.
   
   On the positive side it was detailed.
   
   On the negative side I found that the main plot of the story seemed a long way away from what was happening. I felt lost and confused at the end.
   
   I really wish that it had not been drawn out so much. I understand that it was meant to build suspense but I didn't understand anything until the last seventy pages.
   
   If you are going to read Kevin J. Anderson's novels read: "The X-files Antibodies



4. This is a review of the audiobook version of Ground Zero by Kevin Anderson read by Gillian Anderson.
   Set against the world of government sponsored nuclear weapons research , Ground Zero has agents Mulder and Scully investigating the death of a researcher who is blown to bits - but the rest of his office is intact. There is no known personal sized nuke- so what happened? The audiobook is read by Gillian Anderson , and the abridgement has the focus on Scully's part of the investigation and the unlikely supernatural conclusion that takes the agents to the south pacific and the site of a planned above ground test of a new super weapon.
   Anderson's reading is great! I got a good chuckle out of her comments about how that Mulder's theories were bound to be way out there and not grounded in science. Well paced, the book moves along with action and theory and some cool supernatural mysticism concerning a lost tribe , wiped out by an above ground nuclear test in the 50s and their long journey to retribution and vengeance from beyond......



5. Of the three X-Files novelizations by Kevin J. Anderson, I think I like this one best. The plot is fast-paced and the story line is mysterious.
   
   It's a shame that there are only a few X-Files novelizations by Anderson and other authors. I loved the show and am just discovering these books.
   
   Now, it's too bad there aren't any "Millennium" novelizations!

5 comments about House Corrino (Dune: House Trilogy, Book 3).

1. The final installment of the "Dune: House Trilogy", this offering rounds it out acceptably and *does* tie up many loose ends that had been created by the previous two books. However I found the final third of the book to be a rush of bring-up-issue, resolve, repeat.
   
   Also disappointing is that the richness of the characters was neither exploited nor acknowledged. Characters folded into single dimensional entities that acted and re-acted to situations in a way that was simply expedient to move the story along to its conclusion rather than with the greater depth and complexity that Dune readers would expect.
   
   If you have read the preceeding two books of this trilogy then you'll definitely want to read this book to wrap up the series. I would not recommend this as a standalone read, but as a cap it is quite adequate. If you're a die-hard Dune fan, then I expect you'll still enjoy this prequel that leads directly to the original "Dune" book. Personally I found the "Legends of Dune" trilogy vastly more epic and entertaining than the "House Trilogy".
   
   My recommendation? Read Dune first, then any of the other post-Dune books, *then* "Legends of Dune". Only read the "House Trilogy" if you find you are so "Dune" mad that you begin suffering withdrawal without some kind of Dune fix.



2. Interesting backstory, but Herbert the younger is no Herbert, by any stretch of the imagination. Books that you only want to buy cheap. However, if you are interested in the history of, surprisingly enough, House Corrino, and how that relates to the story of the Dune Universe as a whole, then you will probably want to read it.



3. House of Corrino was a well done book, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the 1st 2 book of the trilogy, but what I like about it was that it tied everything in. Made everything fall into place. I'm currently on the 2nd Dune book by Frank Herbert and I think that his son Brian certainly is following in his dad's footsteps!



4. This section of the the pre-dune set really ties things together well and keeps you involved in everything leading up to Frank's original book. I couldn't put it down.



5. Brian Herbert is the son of Frank Herbert creator of Dune Saga and a sci-fi writer himself. Kevin Anderson is also a successful sci-fi writer and Dune's Saga fan.
   Brian and Kevin start with this trilogy a difficult mission: revisit Dune's universe describing the events immediately preceding Dune, the first & unforgettable volume of the famous saga.
   
   Did they succeed? Well, yes and... no. Yes because they deliver an interesting first step with all the elements of this fascinating universe; and no because the stories are not as gripping as the original Dune.
   Nevertheless Dune's fans (as me) should not be too disappointed because even Frank Herbert wasn't at the same height when writing Dune Messiah, Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune and he will recover allure only with the two last books of the series.
   So let us hope the same will happen with Brian & Kevin efforts in next trilogies!
   
   The variety of themes touched by the original series is still present in this trilogy: ecology, political-religious interaction, genetic manipulation, longevity drugs and secret sisterhoods and brotherhoods.
   
   The story is as follows.
   The Scenery.
   There is a Galactic Empire ruled by the Emperor. There are powerful Noble Houses that rule different planetary systems and confront each other in endless struggle, yet subject to strict rules. There is a Guild of interstellar Pilots. There is the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood following their eugenic plans and playing in backstage as advisors to all powers. Computers & AI are forbidden and replaced by human-computers called Mentat. Arrakis is Desert Planet producer of a unique substance: the Spice and it is inhabited by mysterious desert dwellers: the Fremen.
   
   The Argument.
   Consist of several threads that are mingled and interact thru the whole triad.
   A Duke Leto Atreides is decided to establish his House in a dominant position at the same time Lady Jessica his concubine is pregnant.
   The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood following their eugenic plans is anxiously waiting for Jessica's child certain that will be the expected girl.
   Baron Vladimir head of Noble House Harkonnen, Atreides' ancestral enemy, continue staging plot after plot against the Atreides.
   The Emperor Shaddam is certain that his secret plan to obtain synthetic Spice is nearing success and start launching imprudent political and military blows without the counsel of his intimate supporter Count Fenring.
   The Bene Tleilax main investigator is planning to profit from "his" Spice and let down Emperor's hopes.
   
   This book is the best of the trilogy and all threads are neatly tied at its conclusion.
   I recommend this book to sci-fi lovers and general public too.
   Reviewed by Max Yofre.

5 comments about House Harkonnen (Dune: House Trilogy, Book 2).

1. Dune: House Harkonnen is a fun read for anyone interested in the origins of the characters that appear in Frank Herbert's Dune. There are also several new characters introduced in this series as well.
   
   While I liked the House Atreides, this second book in the House Trilogy starts to get a little cartoonish. There are some events that occur that are simply not believable, even in a science fiction world. Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson seem to have a habit for overly describing the spectacle and wonder of the Dune universe, multi colored gems, crystals, ren-fair and all. With that, there are several cool classic Dune moments to be found. If you are a Dune acolyte and must read all things Dune, then this book is a must.
   
   Anyone wanting to read this book, does not have to read House Atreides (the preceding book in this trilogy) as Brian and Kevin will catch you up on all events in the prior books with no qualms about telling you, rather than showing you or assuming that you have already read the other books.



2. I think that Brian did an exceptional job on this book. I've reall the entire trilogy and thoroughlly enjoyed it. The 1st 2 were my favourites though.



3. As a longtime Dune follower, I was thrilled to read this new series/prequel. I was not at all disappointed and feel this is a tribute to Brian Herbert's father's genius and amazingly creative world. In the same way the Atreides and Corrino volumes are rich in detail, with great crossover appeal, this novel also fits the bill. My only complaint is with the overly descriptive torture passages. I can usually take a lot of that without being bothered, but this really turned my stomach. Even though the original Dune novels included detailed descriptions of "horrors" this is much worse. I guess I just like some of that to be left to the imagination instead of spelled out so completely.



4. This story takes you into Geidi Prime itself. Both Brian and Kevin are really hitting their stride in working together by this book, and everything that makes up the story is compelling. A home run.



5. Do not buy this book or any book in the Dune series which is not written by Frank Herbert.
   
   To read these books is a waste of time which would be better served by reading something else.

No comments about Sounds Like Murder: Clean American Fun (Sounds Like Murder).

No comments about A Forest of Stars (The Saga of Seven Suns, 2).

No comments about Hidden Empires (Saga of the Seven Sins, 1).

1 comments about The X-Files Audio Collection.

1. In the tradition of this fine television seris,the story was excellent. Set in the jungles of Mexico,the storyline was a bit exotic and interesting. The inclusion of a military commando team and the ensuing firefight was suspense and action mixed in a well writtien AND well read story. This audio series on this show just keeps getting better and better....would love to hear another one read by Gillian Anderson..

5 comments about Scattered Suns (The Saga of Seven Suns, Book 4).

1. I really liked this addition to the series. I agree with other reviewers who've said he could have done more to move the series forward but it didn't bother me enough to cost a star. If you like epic or military sci-fi it's a great read.



2. If you liked the twists and turns of Mr. Andersons previous Seven Sun Saga books....you won't be disappointed. The story comes to a crescendo and when you think everything has been tied up nice and neat, the roller coaster hits a new turn in the track. The way he tells the story from the various charcters prespective is mesmerizing and leaves very little room to get bored. This ones got it all, cataclysmic space battles, a xeno cornicopia of aliens, mystery and plots in every page, triupmhant victories and heart rending defeats. A good read indeed!!



3. Scattered Suns (2005) is the fourth SF novel in the Saga of Seven Suns series, following Horizon Storms. In the previous volume, Bill Stanna stole a Roamer scout ship and fled to the outer Osquivel system; Zhett Kellum had the stolen ship retrieved after the emergency beacon came on and brought back the body to the other EDF prisoners. Admiral Lev Stromo destroyed Rendezvous and imprisoned the surviving Roamers.
   
   Kotto Okiah found a way to open the hydrogue ship and his Analytical compy GU stated that the technology therein was very similar to that of Klikiss robots. King Peter learned that Prince Daniel was exceedingly uncooperative and Queen Estarra discovers that she is pregnant. On Theroc, Celli found a wooden tree figure shaped like her brother Beneto growing in the Worldforest and it soon became animated.
   
   In this novel, Chairman Basil Wenceslas tells King Peter and Queen Estarra that their schedule has been changed; they are going to Ildira to meet with the Mage-Imperator. Queen Estarra smuggles a potted worldtree aboard the transport as a gift to the Mage-Imperator. On Ildira, the Mage-Imperator greets the King and Queen graciously, bur snubs Chairman Wenceslas. He eagerly accepts the potted worldtree and thanks Estarra for the gift that brings back so many good memories.
   
   On Ildira, Mage-Imperator Jora'h faces a rebellion by Designate Rusa'h and Prime Designate Thor'h. He sends Adar Zan'nh and his forty-seven intact ships to rebellious Hyrillka. When the maniple is detected, Prime Designate Thor'h pilots a transport toward them, demanding protection from Rusa'h. Other ships follow the transport, firing wildly. A royal shuttle also launches from the palace and Rusa'h announces that he is coming aboard in accordance with his Imperator's orders. Both vessels are allowed to dock on separate ships, but they prove to be loaded with armed vassals who attack the loyal crew.
   
   Admiral Lev Stromo leads his Earth Defense Force battle group against Roamers in the Hhrenni system. Nikko Chan Tylar has taken time from his delivery of wentals to visit his parents there just before the EDF ships arrive. His parents tell him to leave and, with a combination of violent maneuvers and extreme acceleration, Nikko escapes the pursuing Remoras. But the EDF imprisons his parents and the other Roamers on the asteroids and take them to the prison planet.
   
   On Dobra, Osira'h prepares herself for mental communications with the hydrogues. Designate Udru'h is unaware that Osira'h knows about his treatment of her mother, but she definitely doesn't trust him anymore. On their way to Ildira, Designate Udru'h and Osira'h pass the triple star system of Durris where the fighting between the hydrogues and faeros has fatally damaged the yellow star.
   
   On Ildira, Osira'h is presented to the Mage-Imperator. Although she remembers her mothers love for Jora'h, she is not sure of her own feelings. When she notices a potted treeling next to the throne, she recognizes it as a worldtree from Theroc and yearns to touch it. Later Osira'h meets the Mage-Imperator in private and he allows her to touch the worldtree. Then he explains his relations with Nira to her.
   
   In this story, Basil continues to ignore the political enemies that he is making by his self-centered acts, among whom are Peter and Estarra. He also continues to ignore warnings about the soldier compy programming. The magnitude of this mistake soon becomes apparent.
   
   The Roamers are taking measures against hydrogue attacks, but don't seem to be undertaking any form of self-protection against the EDF. Their cut and run or surrender approach just isn't very believable. The Ildirans, however, are carrying through on their program to contact the hydrogues, with some success.
   
   Of all the characters in this story, the compy DD has the most success so far. Over his objections, the Klikiss robots insist on changing his programming to give him freewill. After the operation, DD exercises this freewill to escape from the black robots and to search for Margaret Colicos. He experiences a certain amount of pleasure in considering how surprised the Klikiss robots will be when they learn the nature of his self-will.
   
   Recommended for Anderson fans and anyone else who enjoys tales of space opera, implacable enemies and untrustworthy allies.
   
   -Arthur W. Jordin



4. Kevin J Anderson is a great writer. This series is so engrossing due to the multiple sub plots and developed characters. I couldn't put it down and I am impatient for the next installment to arrive! His attention to detail, imagery and character development puts you right in the story sometimes so much so that I wonder what it would be like as a movie and who would play some of the key characters... Good reading!



5. The initial book in the series spends almost too much time "taking off", as you are introduced to the complex vastness of characters and history of Anderson's universe; but now that I'm well into the story and many of the plotlines are intersecting, I'm finding each sequel more enjoyable. The complexity is a very positive characteristic of the series now.
   
   Much is revealed in this fourth book, but yet there's still so much more for which I'm dying to find out what's next. Saga of the Seven Suns definitely rates as one of my top five far-future sci-fi series.