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Dune: House Atreides: House Trilogy, Book 1 cover art

Dune: House Atreides: House Trilogy, Book 1

Written by: Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's Summary

Capturing all the complexity and grand themes of the original, this prequel to the Dune series weaves a new tapestry of betrayal, passion, and destiny into a saga that expands the tale written by Frank Herbert more than 30 years ago.

©2001 Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson (P)2009 Tantor

What the critics say

" Dune: House Atreides chronicles the early life of Leto Atreides, prince of a minor House in the galactic Imperium. Leto comes to confront the realities of power when House Vernius is betrayed in an imperial plot involving a quest for an artificial substitute to melange, a substance vital to interstellar trade that is found only on the planet Dune. Meanwhile, House Harkonnen schemes to bring Leto into conflict with the Tleilax, and the Bene Gesserit manipulate Baron Harkonnen as part of a plan stretching back 100 generations. In the Imperial palace, treason is afoot, and on Dune itself, planetologist Pardot Kynes embarks on a secret project to transform the desert world into a paradise." (Amazon.com review)
"Though the plot here is intricate, even readers new to the saga will be able to follow it easily (minute repetitions of important points help immensely), as the narrative weaves among the many interconnected tales. The attendant excitement and myriad revelations not only make this novel a terrific read in its own right but will inspire readers to turn, or return, to its great predecessor." ( Publishers Weekly)

Featured Article: Dune Audiobooks in Chronological Order


Are you looking to get lost in a breathtaking world? Discover our guide to all the audiobooks in the Dune Saga in order. The main protagonists in the trilogy are Paul Atreides and his rival, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. As global war shakes and divides House Atreides, Paul is drawn deeper and deeper into horrifying power struggles. The science fiction saga has been supplemented with numerous novels that tell the history of the battle.

What listeners say about Dune: House Atreides: House Trilogy, Book 1

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so good!

I wasn't sure what to expect since this wasn't written by Frank Herbert but I just want to say that I was pleasantly surprised! this prequel to dune was very well written, I loved the use of familiar places and people to bolster the story of dune and its origins. 5 out of 5 stars hands down.

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Great performance and a great prequel to Dune

The book almost feels like an immediate prequel to Dune, getting to know more about Leto and Paulus Atreides was informative, it indeed kept me within the universe. It made me read more to uncover the mysteries of the known universe.

Also what a great performance!

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    4 out of 5 stars

A nice start to the prequel

Definitely not as complex and detailed as the original series. But nonetheless a fun story that kept me engaged and sets the stage for the original series. Great reading as well.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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I love everything Dune

THE GOOD:
Hearing that the story about where the Baron got his disease was absolutely amazing,. I already kind of knew because of YouTube videos but they have conflicting opinions on there sometimes so I thought it was just someone’s opinion.

*********SPOILER ALERT— After the first time Helena slept with Baron I was so disappointed, thinking oh, it wasn’t even true, but then, after that first baby was born and I realized she had to go back. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to hear it out, I knew that Aaron was going to be pissed about her coming back too lol. **********END OF SPOILER

Some new characters were introduced of course, and we learn about the nature of Count Fenring’s relationship to the emperor, and about Emperor Shaddam IV’s ascendancy, which was cool.

THE BAD:
The dialogue, both in writing and performance, left much to be desired. Luckily, in keeping with Franks legacy, we spent a lot of time in the minds of the characters, which was perfectly narrated and well written. My main gripe is how little time is spent actually diving into the history of house Atreides. I didn’t expect a meticulous 10000 year history, but I mean… it’s the title of the book! Lol. I understand it couldn’t be exclusively Atreides content, and that we need to understand politics of the known universe at the time, but house Harkonen, the Bene Gesserit, Ix, Bene Tleilax and House Corrino were all granted equal attention.

Despite all that, I still loved it, I just can’t help but to love everything Dune. It’s the first book series I’ve ever fallen in love with, and remains the only.

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Amazing Prequel

DUNE is one of the most complex and unique properties out there. It’s weird, filled with machinations, brutal, and complex. That’s why I love it so much.

HOUSE ATREIDES chronicles the beginnings of Duke Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, and Emperor Shaddam. This of course, doesn’t discount the Fremen, Harkonnens, and all the others who occupy this dangerous universe.

If you’re not a fan of politicking, you may find it hard to enjoy this book. So much of the plot and story revolve around power struggles and treachery. Everyone is after their own goal and will do whatever they can to get it.

The characters are an eclectic lot. While some, like Leto and Duncan do have honor on their side, most of the cast is ruthless. No one can truly be trusted and it keeps the tension raised.

Though the plot focuses on schemes and court machinations, there are a few action scenes to make things more entertaining for casual readers.

I’ve always loved the Dune universe and found this to be easier to understand for my style of reading. Highly recommended for new fans and casual readers who want to dive into this complicated and fascinating world.

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Great listen, other secrets uncovered

This is another good insight into the great Dune Universe. Particularly loved to learn what triggered Baron Harkonnen's obesity and the progress of the Bene Gesserit's gene manipulation program

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Deception, betrayal, triumph!

Very exciting to once again hear how house Atreides has once again found itself in the middle of deception, and betrayal. All paths lead to struggle.

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Events leading up to the 1st Dune novel

I am thrilled that this trilogy has been written. While listening through the main Dune Saga it always felt such a shame that we never really get to see Duke Leto in action other than that pilot scene in the 1st Dune. His greatnes was always implied through other characters.

With these novels, we can finally have Duke Leto get the recognition that he deserves.
In addition, we also see the machinations of other prevalent characters to lead up to the eventual 1st book. Othe fan favorites such as Duncan Idaho and Thufir Howart, as well as the villainous Barron Harkkonen, Peitre Devries, and Beast Raban. In addition we witness the workings of Prince Shadam, leading up to, and attaining the Golden Lion Throne.
Lastly, the ecological aspect that Frank Herbert really wanted to explore more promently in the 1st Dune novel is greatly explored in this one. We will see eventually all the work that occured by the Keins' family before the events of Dune 1.
This novel is definitely a set up novel, however, the entire novel was compelling and I want to know more.

I also listened to this one after finishing the entire original Saga as well as the Butlarian Jihad and the Schoolhouses of Dune novels. Therefore the events in those novel provides a bunch of references in this novel. However, you don't really need to read those other prequel novels first.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Quite enjoyable!

While somewhat predictable the writing of Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson keeps the world of Dune alive and interesting.

Recommended for Dune fans!

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My Journey Begins.

I have tried to get into Dune twice now. Twice I just couldn't do it. So it took the recent film and Audible to finally get me into this universe. I freaking love it, the intrigue, the drama, the political machinations and of course the history of these characters that I saw in the film is so engrossing, with such an expansive world building universe that I'm going to enjoy the long haul. Glad that I gave it a third chance.

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