Dune: The Butlerian Jihad

By: Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 23 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Frank Herbert's Dune series is one of the grandest epics in the annals of imaginative literature. Selling millions of copies worldwide, it is science fiction's answer to The Lord of the Rings, a brilliantly imaginative epic of high adventure, unforgettable characters, and immense scope. Decades after Herbert's original novels, the Dune saga was continued by Frank Herbert's son, Brian Herbert, an acclaimed SF novelist in his own right, in collaboration with Kevin J. Anderson. Their New York Times best-selling Prelude to Dune trilogy (House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and House Corrino), formed a prequel to the classic Herbert series that was acclaimed by reviewers and listeners alike.

Now Herbert and Anderson, working from Frank Herbert's own notes, reveal a pivotal epoch in the history of the Dune universe, the chapter of the saga most eagerly anticipated by listeners: The Butlerian Jihad.

Throughout the Dune novels, Frank Herbert frequently referred to the long-ago war in which humans wrested their freedom from "thinking machines." Now, in Dune: Butlerian Jihad, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson bring to life the story of that war, a tale previously seen only in tantalizing hints and clues. Finally, we see how Serena Butler's passionate grief ignites the war that will liberate humans from their machine masters. We learn the circumstances of the betrayal that made mortal enemies of House Atreides and House Harkonnen; and we experience the Battle of Corrin that created a galactic empire that lasted until the reign of Emperor Shaddam IV.

Herein are the foundations of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, the Suk Doctors, the Order of Mentats, and the mysteriously altered Navigators of the Spacing Guild. Here is the amazing tale of the Zensunni Wanderers, who escape bondage to flee to the desert world where they will declare themselves the Free Men of Dune. And here is the backward, nearly forgotten planet of Arrakis, where traders have discovered the remarkable properties of the spice melange....

Ten thousand years before the events of Dune, humans have managed to battle the remorseless Machines to a standstill...but victory may be short-lived. Yet amid shortsighted squabbling between nobles, new leaders have begun to emerge. Among them are Xavier Harkonnen, military leader of the Planet of Salusa Secundus; Xavier's fiancée, Serena Butler, an activist who will become the unwilling leader of millions; and Tio Holtzman, the scientist struggling to devise a weapon that will help the human cause.

Against the brute efficiency of their adversaries, these leaders and the human race have only imagination, compassion, and the capacity for love. It will have to be enough.

©2002 Herbert Limited Partnership (P)2002 Audio Renaissance, a Division of Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Science Fiction, 2003

"Offers the kind of intricate plotting and philosophical musings that would make the elder Herbert proud." (Publishers Weekly)

"Required reading for Dune fans." (Library Journal)

Well done.

Totally engrossing I really cared about the arc and fate of the characters within. I Recommend this book completely.

Music out of place.

The soundtrack added in between chapters was unnecessary and actually a little jarring. Not having the ability to pick a chapter made it difficult to navigate.

Captivating

Started slowly but ramped up and hit hard till the edmnd!!!! Overall it will keep you listening and wanting more

Dune The Butlerian Jihad

Great book. Kept me coming back. Helped me understand alot. The reader was great. About the freemen.

pretty good

I really enjoyed the overall experience, Scott did an excellent job with his narration, and the story was good but at times it was pretty graphic, it goes with the story but I would have preferred that it be toned back a bit. after certain scenes it's like "ok, I get it, let's move on!".

It's fun to see a "beginning."

I'm enjoying the writing style of Brian Herbert more than his father's. Credit to Kevin J Anderson as well. The writing style has a better flow and is easier to follow. They pull you into the story in a way I felt was lacking with Frank Herbert's writing. I really enjoyed this book, and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. It's finally a Dune book worth the hype.

This book may not be as much fun for someone who hasn't read Dune or the books that followed. Having read the first 6 Dune books written by Frank Herbert and the 2 that wrap up Frank's ideas for the series written by Brian and Kevin, it's been a fun adventure to see a "beginning." I feel more invested in Vorian, Xavier, and Selim than I ever did in Paul, Duncan, or Leto II.

Great!

Another masterpiece by Herbert! Absolutely recommended reading for any fans of sci-fi and space operas.

Glorious

Frank’s son has done a remarkable job in these stories. Gripping and compelling. As much a classic as the original Dune.

Don’t believe the haters this story is fire

If i owned HBO this would be in production…3 seasons pre book of this trilogy….

So many interesting dynamics and questions

I loved the unique setting and world building. So many interesting character dynamics and intrigues. Though I did forget names sometimes just because of the sheer number of them, they them selves were memorable and unique.