Dune: The Butlerian Jihad

By: Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson

Narrated by: Scott Brick

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)

One of the best yet!!

I LOVE science fiction, Thats my botyom line. It's my escape from the hubbub. What a wonderful escape this story was! I enjoyed every second of it, and I want MORE! A truly well done story, I am waiting (not so) patiently for the next one. There will be a next one I hope!

Awesome prequel!

Definitely leads one to pause, and ponder the humans and where we are heading.

Fun Listen

Would you consider the audio edition of Dune to be better than the print version?

Yes, great reader and I can listen to while driving.

What other book might you compare Dune to and why?

This has much of the flavor of the original dune series.... love it.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is my favorite book reader. No one does Scifi better.

Any additional comments?

I found this book is almost as good as the original series. I truly loved it.

World Building at its Finest

Narrator is awesome using multiple accents and tones for the various characters and situations. The story was fun and it transported me to the Dune Universe. If you like Sci-Fi stories and worlds then this is great!

Fantastic background story

Dune is a great book. Many times have I wondered how did it all start. Just a great beginning to the epic saga. This book with the narration makes it so exciting. Glad I bought this on audible