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Jonathan O'Neill's Reviews > Dune
Dune (Dune, #1)
by
by
Jonathan O'Neill's review
bookshelves: sci-fi, favorites
Sep 10, 2020
bookshelves: sci-fi, favorites
Read 2 times. Last read February 3, 2024 to February 14, 2024.
5 ⭐️
2024 Re-read
I have consumed the Water of Life and felt the spice agony.
It has revealed to me the error of my past ways. But as the Lisan al Gaib teaches us, ways can change.
Original Review
4 ⭐
A word of warning as you venture out to peruse the veritable smorgasbord of delectable reviews for this Sci-Fi/Fantasy Classic!
Be sure to do your Du(n)e diligence. Be wary of key phrases such as “I don’t usually read Fantasy/Sci-Fi”, “Too many made-up words” or “I’m just reading before the movie comes out”. These individuals have come down with a bad case of bandwagonitis and any self-respecting Sci-Fier-er cannot count on their reviews being in any way accurate or beneficial!
As I’m firmly placed in the 3rd category of Blockbuster-hungry fools, I’d advise you to immediately move on to another review, there’s nothing of value here. In fact, I won’t actually be writing a review, I’ll simply address one simple question:
What is Dune?
Dune is sand as far as the eye can see.
Dune is the sphincter opening.... of a desert tent.
Dune is thirst. The distillate esthers of reclaimed waste; the sour effluvia of humanity. It is greedily, no… joyously sipping your overweight Uncle’s recycled knacker sweat in a desperate effort to quell the rapid loss of your own bodily fluid.
Dune is the Water of Life; Molecular Modification; a Transcendental Trinocular Acid Trip. The [Boy] with Kaleidoscope Eyes experiencing a Psychokinesthetic extension of self.
Dune is the middle-aged man who, on hearing praise for his young sons, must always exclaim "I taught them everything they know!"
Dune is defiance of fear.
Dune is an unsettling change in POV turned familiar, insightful friend.
Dune is saying very little with a great many words.
Dune is Pardot Kynes, micro-ecology, patience and long-term goals.
Dune is the Shai-Hulud; the scandalous straddling of a worm.
Dune is religion, planted and shaped to the needs of the latest conquests and heraldic symbols.
Dune is the Ghost Wind of the Jihad
Dune is Alia, is Stewie Griffin.
Dune is Feyd-Rautha, is Commodus playing Gladiator.
Dune is a feint, within a feint, within a feint.
Dune is the house Atreides, is the Greek house Atreus.
Dune is the Kwisatz Haderach; the Messiah; a planet afflicted by a Hero.
Dune is power and wisdom at the cost of humanity; Friendship lost to worship.
”Everything he touched brought death and grief… it was like a disease that could spread across the universe… How little the universe knows about the nature of real cruelty!”
2024 Re-read
I have consumed the Water of Life and felt the spice agony.
It has revealed to me the error of my past ways. But as the Lisan al Gaib teaches us, ways can change.
Original Review
4 ⭐
A word of warning as you venture out to peruse the veritable smorgasbord of delectable reviews for this Sci-Fi/Fantasy Classic!
Be sure to do your Du(n)e diligence. Be wary of key phrases such as “I don’t usually read Fantasy/Sci-Fi”, “Too many made-up words” or “I’m just reading before the movie comes out”. These individuals have come down with a bad case of bandwagonitis and any self-respecting Sci-Fier-er cannot count on their reviews being in any way accurate or beneficial!
As I’m firmly placed in the 3rd category of Blockbuster-hungry fools, I’d advise you to immediately move on to another review, there’s nothing of value here. In fact, I won’t actually be writing a review, I’ll simply address one simple question:
What is Dune?
Dune is sand as far as the eye can see.
Dune is the sphincter opening.... of a desert tent.
Dune is thirst. The distillate esthers of reclaimed waste; the sour effluvia of humanity. It is greedily, no… joyously sipping your overweight Uncle’s recycled knacker sweat in a desperate effort to quell the rapid loss of your own bodily fluid.
Dune is the Water of Life; Molecular Modification; a Transcendental Trinocular Acid Trip. The [Boy] with Kaleidoscope Eyes experiencing a Psychokinesthetic extension of self.
Dune is the middle-aged man who, on hearing praise for his young sons, must always exclaim "I taught them everything they know!"
Dune is defiance of fear.
Dune is an unsettling change in POV turned familiar, insightful friend.
Dune is saying very little with a great many words.
Dune is Pardot Kynes, micro-ecology, patience and long-term goals.
Dune is the Shai-Hulud; the scandalous straddling of a worm.
Dune is religion, planted and shaped to the needs of the latest conquests and heraldic symbols.
Dune is the Ghost Wind of the Jihad
Dune is Alia, is Stewie Griffin.
Dune is Feyd-Rautha, is Commodus playing Gladiator.
Dune is a feint, within a feint, within a feint.
Dune is the house Atreides, is the Greek house Atreus.
Dune is the Kwisatz Haderach; the Messiah; a planet afflicted by a Hero.
Dune is power and wisdom at the cost of humanity; Friendship lost to worship.
”Everything he touched brought death and grief… it was like a disease that could spread across the universe… How little the universe knows about the nature of real cruelty!”
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Reading Progress
May 30, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
May 30, 2019
– Shelved
September 6, 2021
–
Started Reading
September 6, 2021
–
0.14%
"Been reading too mainstream lately, man! Thought I'd go with something no one else seems to be reading atm.
Update #1: Nearly dnf'd it before I started 'cos it was so hard to get the first volume out of the tightly packed box set. Man, they really jammed 'em in there!
Update #2: Anyone know how to stop my non-review from popping up every time I update?"
page
1
Update #1: Nearly dnf'd it before I started 'cos it was so hard to get the first volume out of the tightly packed box set. Man, they really jammed 'em in there!
Update #2: Anyone know how to stop my non-review from popping up every time I update?"
September 9, 2021
–
7.53%
"Intriguing so far.
Something has felt off with the dialogue from the beginning. I think it's the jumping back and forth from POVs in the middle of conversation.
Restricting it to a single POV per chapter would give it a more immersive feel. A feeling of being there, in the moment, whereas this feels more like I'm an outsider looking in.
All good, I've got 600+ pages to get used to it."
page
53
Something has felt off with the dialogue from the beginning. I think it's the jumping back and forth from POVs in the middle of conversation.
Restricting it to a single POV per chapter would give it a more immersive feel. A feeling of being there, in the moment, whereas this feels more like I'm an outsider looking in.
All good, I've got 600+ pages to get used to it."
September 14, 2021
–
36.51%
"1. Pfft, Bene Gesserit mind tricks. Such a Jedi rip-off!.... 🎣
2. "Remember the tooth! The tooth!""
page
257
2. "Remember the tooth! The tooth!""
September 26, 2021
–
50.14%
"The only thing worse than a doting parent who thinks their kid is God's gift to the World is one that knows it!"
page
353
September 27, 2021
–
53.41%
""The Fremen were supreme in that quality the ancients called "spannungsbogen" - which is the self-imposed delay between desire for a thing and the act of reaching out to grasp that thing."
So.... 'The Fremen had impeccable self-restraint'
Word economy is everything."
page
376
So.... 'The Fremen had impeccable self-restraint'
Word economy is everything."
September 29, 2021
–
65.48%
"1. ...the Baron noted the line of [Lady Fenring's] neck - a truly lovely flowing of muscles - like a young boy's.
I really hope this feral dies a slow and painful death!
2. Count Fering turned to his lady, said: "Ah-h-h-um-m-m, a resourceful um-m-m-m young man. Eh, mm-m-m-ah, my dear?"
A whole chapter putting up with this blabbering idiot. How do you even voice that? Painful to read!"
page
461
I really hope this feral dies a slow and painful death!
2. Count Fering turned to his lady, said: "Ah-h-h-um-m-m, a resourceful um-m-m-m young man. Eh, mm-m-m-ah, my dear?"
A whole chapter putting up with this blabbering idiot. How do you even voice that? Painful to read!"
October 1, 2021
–
83.52%
"Baby girl mic drop! Best chapter in the book by a million miles!"
page
588
October 29, 2021
– Shelved as:
sci-fi
February 3, 2024
–
Started Reading
February 5, 2024
–
19.89%
"Loving this on re-read! Probably wouldn't recommend the audio if it's your first time but if you're already familiar with the story, it's great! Trying to fathom why I would've dropped a star last time... At this point, I'm thinking past me must have been a real star-pinching Scrooge!"
page
140
February 10, 2024
–
39.35%
"He tells us "The vision of time is broad, but when you pass through it, time becomes a narrow door." And always, he fought the temptation to choose a clear, safe course, warning "That path leads ever down into stagnation."
Added physical to audio now. It's just too good!"
page
277
Added physical to audio now. It's just too good!"
February 11, 2024
–
50.14%
"This quote is probably overshared at this point but my care factor is minimal. Iconic:
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
page
353
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
February 13, 2024
–
77.56%
"'One of the most terrible moments in a boy's life [...] is when he discovers his father and mother are human beings who share a love that he can never quite taste. It's a loss, an awakening to the fact that the world is here and there and we are in it alone. The moment carries its own truth; you can't evade it.'"
page
546
February 14, 2024
–
Finished Reading
February 14, 2024
–
Finished Reading
February 16, 2024
– Shelved as:
favorites
Comments Showing 101-145 of 145 (145 new)
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You read the book before me. My lack of focus is astonishing.
Tracey wrote: "I've got books 2,3 and 4 however it will be into next year before I get to them. I want to finish up my series reads such as the last Wheel of Time, last 2 Dark Tower, last Greatcoats, the 2nd and ..."Long-term planner! I like it! :)
Mizuki wrote: "Nataliya wrote: "“A bad case of bandwagonitis” 😆 Love it.
“It is greedily, no… joyously sipping your overweight Uncle’s recycled knacker sweat in a desperate effort to quell the rapid loss of yo..."
Right, Mizuki?! He's far too lubricated for my liking! 😁
Milica wrote: "You read the book before me. My lack of focus is astonishing."Get a move on, Milica! It's not going to read itself! 😄
@Johnthan:I guess the Dune movie is a bit like a Chinese ink painting, instead of filling every space with colors and shapes, the painter, in this case, the director decided to use the music and the camerawork to tell the story and set up the mood, the same like a lot of empty spaces are left in an ink painting.
An ink painting I managed to find online
Mizuki wrote: "@Johnthan:I guess the Dune movie is a bit like a Chinese ink painting, instead of filling every space with colors and shapes, the painter, in this case, the director decided to use the music and ..."
I like the ink painting more than the Sting pic! 😁
Another favorite of mine! Woot-woot!
Julie wrote: "Another favorite of mine! Woot-woot!"This one is certainly, what the kids call, a banger isn't it, Jules! I'm gonna read Messiah shortly and I was reflecting on this one to see how much of the worldbuilding and plot has stuck with me and it could definitely be better so just doing an audio re-read to get myself caught up! :)
Hey Jon have you read all.of the books? I'm including Brian's novels. I just finished the first 6 (Franks) and moved on to book 7 (Hunters of Dune) as I intend to read (reread but in order) the entire series..was just curious.
Sud666 wrote: "Hey Jon have you read all.of the books? I'm including Brian's novels. I just finished the first 6 (Franks) and moved on to book 7 (Hunters of Dune) as I intend to read (reread but in order) the ent..."Nah, I haven't, Sud. Only the first. Just rereading this 'cos I'll be reading Messiah next month and then I will most likely read the 3rd book too but no plans beyond that (this year at least).
How'd you like Frank's 6?
I enjoyed them all. Now that I've had a chance to reread the entire series is truly amazing. Working my way through the ostensible 7th Hunters of Dune.
Not my kind of book, methinks, which is the only reason why it's on my Nevers shelf. But I'm completely with you on shunning those pseudo sci-fi reviews. Some people seem to go into a book blindly and then complain that it wasn't what they thought it was. Glad you enjoyed it. I loved all your definitions on Dune. Here's to Du(n)e Diligence! :)
Rosh (is busy; will catch up soon!) wrote: "Not my kind of book, methinks, which is the only reason why it's on my Nevers shelf. But I'm completely with you on shunning those pseudo sci-fi reviews. Some people seem to go into a book blindly ..."Sud666 wrote: "I enjoyed them all. Now that I've had a chance to reread the entire series is truly amazing. Working my way through the ostensible 7th Hunters of Dune."
Sorry guys!! I wasn't notified of these comments but luckily saw them on my home page! :)
Enjoy the extended re-read, Sud! I'm absolutely loving my re-read of the first book so who knows?! If I like the next couple I may just go all the way through! 🤷♂️
Thanks very much, Rosh! Ooh, A 'Nevers' Shelf!! That sounds terribly final! 😁 Although, to be honest, the fact that such a shelf even exists leads me to believe that you may secretly wish to be persuaded to read it at some stage! Or else some particular circumstance has led you to be pre-emptively and vehemently opposed to the very idea of it! 😄 Sometimes we just know when something is not for us, hey! :)
So you liked that last scene, eh? :)
nastya wrote: "So you liked that last scene, eh? :)"I did think the whole ending was a little too "Ok, quick, lets wrap it up!" but I didn't dislike it enough to hurt my overall enjoyment. It's a bit odd considering, I've read, Herbert never intended to continue the series. If I didn't know that the series continued, I would probably feel more negatively about it but as it stands, I just want to know what happens next! 😆 What specifically didn't you like about it?
Jonathan wrote: "nastya wrote: "So you liked that last scene, eh? :)"I did think the whole ending was a little too "Ok, quick, lets wrap it up!" but I didn't dislike it enough to hurt my overall enjoyment. It's a..."
"Ok, quick, lets wrap it up, spell everything out and just get out of the office by 6 p m !"
nastya wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "nastya wrote: "So you liked that last scene, eh? :)"I did think the whole ending was a little too "Ok, quick, lets wrap it up!" but I didn't dislike it enough to hurt my overall ..."
😂 Exactly!
I would go in the category of "I don’t usually read Fantasy/Sci-Fi" and also 'way too many weird names' 😂. Glad you loved the re-read, Jonathan!
Dude, I wanna feel that Spice Agony! Same place, same time?
Jonathan wrote: "I have consumed the Water of Life and felt the spice agony.It has revealed to me the error of my past ways. But as the Lisan al Gaib teaches us, ways can change."
Yep. Adapt or die. It's the sabertoothed tiger's way. ;P Will you watch part 2 in the theater?
Helga wrote: "I would go in the category of "I don’t usually read Fantasy/Sci-Fi" and also 'way too many weird names' 😂. Glad you loved the re-read, Jonathan!"Thanks Helga!
Well, with tongue in cheek, I would be required by Goodreads Law to steer the readers as clear as possible from your review if you ever read and reviewed this; as adamantly as I plead with them to stay away from mine, for you have triggered not one but two of my red flags!! 🤣
Mark wrote: "Dude, I wanna feel that Spice Agony! Same place, same time?"Same as always my friend! On the 7th minute of the 7th hour of the 7th day of the 7th month, we meet near the 7 old water tanks on 7th avenue and play the 7th song from the Spice Girls album 'Spiceworld'. We each take 7 mL of the Water of Life and within approximately 7 seconds, the transcendental trinocular experience will begin and we'll be in 7th heaven!
Trish wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "I have consumed the Water of Life and felt the spice agony.It has revealed to me the error of my past ways. But as the Lisan al Gaib teaches us, ways can change."
Yep. Adapt or d..."
I will indeed! I just rented Part 1 on Amazon Prime last night for like $2 so I'm gonna re-watch that over the weekend! My partner insists she never watched it with me which is absolutely false. I think she's been on the spice again. She's Venezuelan and her eyes seem a bit blue of late. Dead giveaway! 😁
Jonathan wrote: "Helga wrote: "I would go in the category of "I don’t usually read Fantasy/Sci-Fi" and also 'way too many weird names' 😂. Glad you loved the re-read, Jonathan!"Thanks Helga!
Well, with tongue in c..."
Haha!! You will be justified to do that, Jonathan! The first thing I write in my reviews when I read a fantasy or sci-fi is usually 'I'm not a fan of' or 'I rarely read...'. 😁
Helga wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Helga wrote: "I would go in the category of "I don’t usually read Fantasy/Sci-Fi" and also 'way too many weird names' 😂. Glad you loved the re-read, Jonathan!"Thanks Helga!
Well,..."
Haha! No shame in that, Helga! I write the same thing whenever I read biographies about Elton John!
Jonathan wrote: "Mark wrote: "Dude, I wanna feel that Spice Agony! Same place, same time?"Same as always my friend! On the 7th minute of the 7th hour of the 7th day of the 7th month, we meet near the 7 old water ..."
😂😂........brilliant dude, BUT I can't wait until July!!!!!! (that was very funny Jonno) 😂🤗
Jonathan wrote: "Helga wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Helga wrote: "I would go in the category of "I don’t usually read Fantasy/Sci-Fi" and also 'way too many weird names' 😂. Glad you loved the re-read, Jonathan!"Thank..."
Oh, I love Elton John! So, we're even, then. 😂
Helga wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Helga wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Helga wrote: "I would go in the category of "I don’t usually read Fantasy/Sci-Fi" and also 'way too many weird names' 😂. Glad you loved the re-read, ..."Yeah, me too actually! That was unfair to speak of the rocketman like that. I take it back, bad example! 😅
Mark wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Mark wrote: "Dude, I wanna feel that Spice Agony! Same place, same time?"Same as always my friend! On the 7th minute of the 7th hour of the 7th day of the 7th month, we meet near..."
Thanks mate!
But you know the rules. I've already broken rule no.7 by providing the place and time on social media. 😄
Jonathan wrote: "I will indeed! I just rented Part 1 on Amazon Prime last night for like $2 so I'm gonna re-watch that over the weekend! My partner insists she never watched it with me which is absolutely false. I think she's been on the spice again. She's Venezuelan and her eyes seem a bit blue of late. Dead giveaway! 😁"*loool* Always remember: it's better she forgets than if she challenges you to a duel to the death. ;)
Jonathan/Trish - do you two prefer to go watch movies in theater or from home? Especially "epic" movies..
Sud666 wrote: "Jonathan/Trish - do you two prefer to go watch movies in theater or from home? Especially "epic" movies.."It depends. Watching at home has a more relaxed atmosphere, I have exactly what I want right there with me. On the other hand, "big" movies should also be enjoyed on a big-ass screen like a theater has (my TV is big but naturally not THAT big). So stuff like Dune or John Wick has me itching to see it in the theater (IF they show the original version, otherwise I refuse).
I don't go to the theatre very much at all these days (probably once or twice a year) so it's still enough of a novelty that if there's a movie I really want to see, I'd prefer to make a date night of it. Having said that, I agree with Trish, home is a more relaxed experience. You save yourself probably $70-80 AND if you have a partner like mine that asks a million questions during the film, you can always pause! 😆
Oh, you're not supposed, honey! It's a test. Women wanna know who's moreimportant to you and/or if you can multitask (sign of a bigger brain) and/or just how much you love them (aka not strangling them). :D
My ability (or lack thereof) to make my two hands do different things simultaneously at the piano would indicate that I've never been much of a multi-tasker! Ol' pea brain over here! 🤣 I should've known! There's always a test, within a test, within a test with you lot! 😁
Ahh ok I figured as much. I too also rarely go out to movies. But that revolves around the fact I have a really nice tv and home theatre system. Also my brothers and I are stoners we like to get super high and watch movies...so easier and more relaxing to do that at home.
Jonathan wrote: "I should've known! There's always a test, within a test, within a test with you lot! 😁"Of course! You guys choose by looks, we choose by ability.
/>
Anakin should have worn a stillsuit. ;P
Persephone's Pomegranate wrote: "/>"Some of the finest script-writing of our generation! Probably reflective of Lucas' experience chatting to women! 😆
Trish wrote: "Anakin should have worn a stillsuit. ;P"Truuuue! 😁
Jonathan wrote: "Persephone's Pomegranate wrote: "/>"Some of the finest script-writing of our generation! Probably reflective of Lucas' experience chatting to women! 😆"
I kinda like the prequels despite the terrible dialogue, cartoonish visuals, and Padme's questionable fashion sense. lol
Persephone's Pomegranate wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Persephone's Pomegranate wrote: "/>"Some of the finest script-writing of our generation! Probably reflective of Lucas' experience chatting to women! 😆"
I kinda like the prequels..."
Yeah, me too! They're our generation's Star Wars! How can we not love them! :)
😆 Love it.
“It is greedily, no… joyously sipping your overweight Uncle’s recycled knacker sweat in a desperate effort to quell the rapid loss of your own bodily flu..."
This movie photo is killing me...