Foreword
The Dune series encompasses six books written by Frank Herbert and an additional two books written by his son Brian Herbert in conjunction with Kevin J. Anderson. The true waves were made when the initial book was released, however, and while the other books continue storylines and expand the Dune universe, the critical responses below are in regards to the original novel, Dune.
The book was generally well received, even before it had picked up into a commercial success. One anonymous publisher wrote when rejecting the novel that he "may be making the mistake of a decade". After it's release, the book won both a Nebula award and shared the Hugo award with famous science fiction writer Roger Zelazny. Thus, the critical reviews released were mostly of a positive nature, and the reviewers' problems with the novel were overshadowed by how well it stood as a literary piece.
"In both inspiration and execution, Dune masterfully crafts a universe where lesser novels promulgate excuses for sequels. All its rich elements are in balance and plausible -- not the patchwork confederacy of made-up languages, contrived customs, and meaningless histories that are the hallmark of so many other, lesser novels. Dune's well-planned architecture makes a gift of a credible world to the reader, rather than clumsily asking for a leap of faith.
Well-paced throughout, Dune falters only at the end. While Paul is on a human scale, he is interesting and sympathetic, but as he achieves demi-godhood he becomes remote and a shade boring. With near-omnipotence, single-handed combat against his Harkonnen counterpart is no climax, just a turkey shoot. The novel's resolution bows before its spectacle. "
-Tamara I. Hladik
The reception of Dune was, for the most part, favorable. Many critics find it to be Frank Herbert's magnum opus. His in-depth views into the political and hierarchical systems of the Dune world are based in history, giving readers relatable material in an incredibly original setting. The use of religious imagery is often hailed as brilliant as well, with the motifs of holy war and a messiah running through the work. The work follows, to some extent, Campbell's monomyth of the hero, giving it lasting appeal and a wide range of possible readers. The novel makes science fiction accessible to any mature reader, never bogging down in technological details but focusing on the human relationships and actions within the fictional world.