Review of 'The Winds of Dune'

The Winds of Dune by Kevin J. Anderson, and Brian Herbert

This is the direct sequel to Dune Messiah where Muad'Dib has left for the deep desert and presumed dead. Alia takes over as Regent of the Jihad Paul started. A long time friend of the Atreides, Bronso of Ix, is spreading anti-Maud'Dib criticism across the galaxy much to the ire of Alia. The story focuses largely on Paul's mother, Jessica, as we learn the origin of the relationship between Paul and Bronso - Their running away from home as children to join a troupe of face-dancer performers and some-time assasins. We learn of the true purpose behind not only Bronso but also of Paul's Jihad. The sisterhood plays an active part in this tale with intrigue and the terrible “guilt-casters”.

An enlightening tale in the world of Dune filling in blanks and minor elements in the story. Even in this light the story is still often exciting and surprising. As with the rest of Brian and Kevin's Dune books this is not Frank Herbert in style or, seemingly, scope but it is certainly of great interest to those devotees of the Dune franchise.

I did find the novel a bit slow paced at times (particularly the flashbacks within flashbacks that periodically left me confused) but readable nonetheless. The insight into the Dune universe is quite amazing. It does follow not only in the Frank Herbert Dune vein but, of course, in the additional elements brought in by Brian and Kevin. So, a story for a follower of both.

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2011-05-02


Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Tor

Publication Date: 2009


Other reviewed books by Kevin J. Anderson, and Brian Herbert:

Other reviewed books by Kevin J. Anderson, Brian Herbert, and Frank Herbert: