This epic saga delves into the rich history preceding the iconic events of Dune, set decades before the original story unfolds. It meticulously explores the origins of powerful noble houses, the intricate political machinations driving their conflicts, and the deep-seated animosities between them. Witness the formative moments of key characters whose choices irrevocably shape the destiny of the desert planet Arrakis and its vital resource, melange. This series offers a compelling narrative of ambition, betrayal, and the seeds of galactic conflict for devoted fans.
A prequel to Frank Herbert's Dune, written by his son, based on a recently found manuscript. It is the story of a paleontologist sent to study the planet Arrakis, home to spices which give longevity.
Duke Leto Atreides is now the skilful and much-loved ruler of Caladan, served by loyal Duncan Idaho. To his court come Gurney Halleck, despised slave of the Harkonnens - and Jessica, the exquisite, perfectly trained concubine chosen by the Reverend Mothers of the Bene Gesserit to be the mother of Leto's daughter. Meanwhile, on Dune - planet Arrakis - House Harkonnen ruthlessly harvests the precious, mind-enhancing drug called spice. And Baron Vladimir is slowly being consumed by a loathesome disease. Rabban Harkonnen - House Atreides' most implacable enemy - prepares to take over his uncle's empire.
The blood feud between Duke Leto of Caladon and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen reaches its climax, as the emperor Shaddam - leader of House Corrino - is finally forced to curb the powerful Harkonnens or risk losing his own throne. Menawhile, Duke Leto's beautiful concubie, the Bene Gesserit temptress Jessica,- has conceived the boy who become Paul Atreides (the hero of Dune), defying the express orders of her superiors. The book culminates in a war - on Dune, on the oppressed planet Ix, in space - that will alter the balance of power for a generation.