Book Review: Dune: House Corrino

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dune: House Corrino     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Brian Herbert , Kevin J. Anderson
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Series: Dune
Bantam, Oct 2001, $27.95, 496 pp.

Emperor Shaddam Corrino sees his plan to become the sole ruler of the Million Worlds nearing fruition on the planet Ix. Shaddam may be a maniac, but his plot is rather simplistic yet with a high probability of success. To achieve his goal, he has researchers using slave labor to invent and subsequently produce Amal, a synthetic spice to replace that found on Dune.

Duke Atreides has his own agenda for Ix. He plans to free the planet's population so as to thwart the plan of the Emperor though how remains a mystery. On the other hand, Duke Harkonnen of Dune has his own concept for Ix in which he becomes the great dictator. As the three forces come closer to a final confrontation, a universe hangs in the balance.

The third Dune novel based on the notes of the late Frank Herbert is an entertaining tale that the diehard fans of the series will enjoy. The story line is action packed and filled with political, social, and military confrontations. At times DUNE HOUSE CORRINO seems forced as if the authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson had to remind the audience (or themselves) that this is a Dune tale. Still, the plot draws to a satisfying conclusion the threads left from the previous two novels (see DUNE HOUSE ATREIDES and DUNE HOUSE HARKONNEN).

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner