Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Putnam Pub Group (T) (1985), Edition: 1st, Hardcover, 464 pages
Description
Fiction. Science Fiction. HTML: The desert planet Arrakis, called Dune, has been destroyed. Now, the Bene Gesserit, heirs to Dune's power, have colonized a green world�??and are tuning it into a desert, mile by scorched mile. Chapterhouse Dune is the last book Frank Herbert wrote before his death: A stunning climax to the epic Dune legend that will live on forever.
Media reviews
Chapterhouse: Dune is a worthy addition to this durable and deservedly popular series... Against all odds, the universe of Dune keeps getting richer in texture, more challenging in its moral dilemmas. The only way to appreciate Mr. Herbert's achievement is to start with the first book and work your
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way through, so that when one character says, ''I love you too much, Murbella. That's my Agony,'' you will get the full, shuddery import of that capital A. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member aethercowboy
This, the last real Dune book takes us to a new Dune: the former Bene Gesserit world of Chapterhouse. It's an all-out war between the Bene Gesserits and the Honored Matres, and everybody's rushing in to control spice production.
Did I mention that the Jews, after going into hiding for some
What ends in a very cryptic cliffhanger is the last good book written with the word "Dune" in the title.
Did I mention that the Jews, after going into hiding for some
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millennia, have emerged to become power players in the universe?What ends in a very cryptic cliffhanger is the last good book written with the word "Dune" in the title.
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LibraryThing member Radaghast
I may give this one another chance. I'd read all six in a row, and maybe I was sick of Dune. But this book just did not seem to have the strength of the other five.
LibraryThing member danconsiglio
The last book in the Dune series may very well be the best. Chapterhouse: Dune continues the story of human settlement in the cosmos over three thousand years beyond the original Dune. Herbert demonstrates humanity's capacity to learn and grow, as well as our capacity to lie to ourselves and
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regress. He continues themes of nothing ever actually ending, the struggle for survival, and the constantly shifting definitions of tribe. Herbert takes the ideas and motivations that drove characters from earlier novels and holds them up as flawed. I really enjoy that the history has not at all treated the heroes of the first four novels well. This is a wonderful book that serves as a fine disengaging point for a truly epic story arc. Show Less
LibraryThing member MacDad
This is a book best read immediately after Herbert's preceding volume, Heretics of Dune. This I did not do, which may have been the reason why I did not like it as much as his previous books in the series. Then again, it may have also been the repetitiveness of the book, as it seemed by the point
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that he had run out of interesting ideas and was just recycling the material from his earlier books. This is why reading it for me was like "Blah blah Bene Gesserit, blah blah gholas, blah blah sandworms, blah blah Duncan Idaho." Perhaps at a later point I will return to it and have a more favorable opinion, but at this point I would only recommend reading it to those who want to wrap up the original series. Show Less
LibraryThing member themulhern
One Bene Gesserit sister breaks the fourth wall briefly to observe that "it [all the sex] gets boring after a while". That is certainly true. But the book still manages to make some interesting political observations. The series was continued by others connected w/ the estate, but I'm not going to
There is no reason why Duncan Idaho, who was really not all that significant in "Dune", dead before the book is half done, and absent hanging out with Fremen before that, becomes so important in subsequent books. He has developed a long and storied history of being squashed by Leto II by the time this book begins, of course.
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follow it. I get the feeling that they warped the plot and the characters to fit their many prequels.There is no reason why Duncan Idaho, who was really not all that significant in "Dune", dead before the book is half done, and absent hanging out with Fremen before that, becomes so important in subsequent books. He has developed a long and storied history of being squashed by Leto II by the time this book begins, of course.
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LibraryThing member DCArchitect
The conclusion to Frank Herbert's 'Dune' series.
While better than all the intemediary books, 'Chapterhouse' fails to produce the same awe and fascination that 'Dune' did. If you made it this far, a pleasant reward.
While better than all the intemediary books, 'Chapterhouse' fails to produce the same awe and fascination that 'Dune' did. If you made it this far, a pleasant reward.
LibraryThing member Waianuhea
Probably the hardest book of the series for me to read. I keep trying. One of these days, I'll finish it and understand what the hell it's about!
LibraryThing member santhony
Deep, deep philosophy. So deep that it makes pleasure reading difficult. If you enjoy this, read Dosadi Experiment.
LibraryThing member MSWallack
See my review for Heretics of Dune.
LibraryThing member JeremyPreacher
This is the second half (well, part 2 of 3, really) of the arc started in Heretics. I think it's actually a stronger book than Heretics too - less scattered, more time spent developing the characters, and the stakes are clearly higher.
It also displays its Reagan-era politics pretty obviously, which
This was the book, of all of them, that felt the most like the original. That sense-of-wonder on discovering a fantastic new world isn't there, but the sharp observations on politics and human behavior are back up to par. The Bene Gesserit are nearly as neat a group to examine in depth as the Fremen were. I'm definitely glad I finally picked these last two books up.
It also displays its Reagan-era politics pretty obviously, which
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made me roll my eyes at least once, but there's also some commentary on the all-consuming nature of bureaucracy that are definitely relevant to modern times. The Honored Matres are developed a little further, and become more interesting (marginally, anyway) than the generic boogeymen they were in Heretics. I would have loved to see the arc finished, but I'm not sure I'm willing to stomach Herbert's less-gifted son's attempt at it.This was the book, of all of them, that felt the most like the original. That sense-of-wonder on discovering a fantastic new world isn't there, but the sharp observations on politics and human behavior are back up to par. The Bene Gesserit are nearly as neat a group to examine in depth as the Fremen were. I'm definitely glad I finally picked these last two books up.
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LibraryThing member AuntieClio
I should have stopped at #4. Either that or get sucked into this neverending tale of one upmanship and who knows how to guide/govern/rule humans better. Always one more plot, always one more faction to add the the fray. So many as to lose count. And, what are they fighting for again? At the end of
It's not even that they're poorly written, they're not really but nothing resolves.
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#6 there's no end in sight. Plus, things that were supposed to be a surprise but really, yeah I shoulda seen that coming. Just tedious.It's not even that they're poorly written, they're not really but nothing resolves.
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LibraryThing member VincentDarlage
Engaging book, with the infamous cliff-hanger ending. I liked the characters and their overall development.
LibraryThing member ragwaine
Better than heretics, cool, I appreciated the insight into the human condition more in this one.
LibraryThing member Lukerik
A disappointing end to the Dune series.
LibraryThing member themulhern
One Bene Gesserit sister breaks the fourth wall briefly to observe that "it [all the sex] gets boring after a while". That is certainly true. But the book still manages to make some interesting political observations. The series was continued by others connected w/ the estate, but I'm not going to
There is no reason why Duncan Idaho, who was really not all that significant in "Dune", dead before the book is half done, and absent hanging out with Fremen before that, becomes so important in subsequent books. He has developed a long and storied history of being squashed by Leto II by the time this book begins, of course.
Show More
follow it. I get the feeling that they warped the plot and the characters to fit their many prequels.There is no reason why Duncan Idaho, who was really not all that significant in "Dune", dead before the book is half done, and absent hanging out with Fremen before that, becomes so important in subsequent books. He has developed a long and storied history of being squashed by Leto II by the time this book begins, of course.
Show Less
LibraryThing member High_Enginseer
Chapterhouse: Dune picks up shortly after where Heretics left off. Rakis was destroyed by the Honored Matres, and Miles Teg sacrificed himself so Odrade, Duncan Idaho and Sheeana could escape with a sand worm. They all go to the Bene Gesserit world Chapterhouse, where they hope to get the worm to
Chapterhouse: Dune is fairly inconsistent. The first third of the book is fine, but the second third is a bit of a slog to read through. Nothing really happens aside from dry dialogue and Duncan not liking being confined to a no-ship. The book picks up again towards the end with the final confrontation between the two Sisterhoods. We still get Frank Herbert's world building, but characterization is lacking. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but unfortunately Herbert passed away before he could finish the conclusion.
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continue its life cycle and begin producing the spice. The Honored Matres continue hunting down the Bene Gesserit, and the Chapterhouse planet slowly transforms into desert.Chapterhouse: Dune is fairly inconsistent. The first third of the book is fine, but the second third is a bit of a slog to read through. Nothing really happens aside from dry dialogue and Duncan not liking being confined to a no-ship. The book picks up again towards the end with the final confrontation between the two Sisterhoods. We still get Frank Herbert's world building, but characterization is lacking. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but unfortunately Herbert passed away before he could finish the conclusion.
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LibraryThing member brakketh
I've always found Dune enjoyable though the philosophy of life grabs me only weakly. Glad to have finally finished of the original quintet.
LibraryThing member DarthDeverell
Frank Herbert’s Chapterhouse: Dune begins shortly after the events of Heretics of Dune, with the Bene Gerrerit hiding away from the Honored Matres, who seek their destruction. The Duncan Idaho ghola from the previous novel works to train a ghola of Miles Teg, the Bashar who died when the Honored
Herbert’s ecological focus continues to permeate his science fiction, such as in an interaction in which Dar questions the ghola of Miles Teg about whether people own a planet or whether it owns them (pg. 23). Through the Bene Gesserit and their genetic memory, he also examines the nature of history. For example, continuing the practice of beginning chapters with quotes, Herbert uses a quote he attributes to the Bashar Teg: “The writing of history is largely a process of diversion. Most historical accounts distract attention from the secret influences behind great events” (pg. 80). Further, Herbert cautions about the rise of autocracy, “It was a pattern the Sisterhood had long recognized: the inevitable failure of slavery and peonage. You created a reservoir of hate. Implacable enemies. If you had no hope of exterminating all of these enemies, you dared not try. Temper your efforts by the sure awareness that oppression will make your enemies strong. The oppressed will have their day and heaven help the oppressor when that day comes. It was a two-edged blade. The oppressed always turned, the stage was set for another round of revenge and violence – roles reversed. And reversed and reversed ad nauseam” (pg. 160). And, finally, Odrade says, “Many histories are largely worthless because prejudiced, written to please one powerful group or another” (pg. 232).
As he nears Chapterhouse: Dune’s conclusion, Herbert begins introducing radical changes. The Bene Gesserit successfully transform Chapterhouse into a new Dune, brining back the worms (pg. 290). Their desperation in the face of dwindling numbers from the war with the Honored Matres has, however, lead them to “cyborg” those near death, slowly breaking the proscriptions of the Butlerian Jihad (pgs. 295-296). The Honored Matres employ sophisticated machinery of their own that almost certainly involves thinking machines (395-396). And, through Murbella’s undergoing of the spice agony and killing of the Great Honored Matre, the Bene Gesserit blend their leadership with the Honored Matres. Sheeana, Duncan, and a handful of others do not accept this, though, and depart Chapterhouse. Sheeana’s control of the worms promises to open a new threat to Bene Gesserit order, much like Muad’Dib and Leto II did thousands of years prior.
Herbert intended to write a seventh Dune novel to wrap up these plotlines, but he passed away soon after publishing this book. Twenty years later, Brian Herbert worked with Kevin J. Anderson to adapt his notes for Dune 7 as Hunters of Dune and Sandworms of Dune, but this was Frank Herbert’s final entry in the Dune saga. He concludes the book with thoughts he wrote shortly after his wife’s passing, remarking on life and his appreciation for the happy memories. Even though Frank Herbert never finished the saga, his reflections offer a way to appreciate the six Dune novels he shared with the world rather than miss the one he never completed.
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Matres burned Dune in the previous novel. Under the leadership of Mother Superior Darwi Odrade, the Bene Gesserit plan for war while also scattering as many sisters carrying shared memory as possible in order to preserve their order. The Bene Gesserit also keep Murbella, an Honored Matre, as a captive, working to de-program her as they learn more about their enemy from her. Dar also oversees the transformation of Chapterhouse using sandtrout from Arrakis in order to create a new Dune.Herbert’s ecological focus continues to permeate his science fiction, such as in an interaction in which Dar questions the ghola of Miles Teg about whether people own a planet or whether it owns them (pg. 23). Through the Bene Gesserit and their genetic memory, he also examines the nature of history. For example, continuing the practice of beginning chapters with quotes, Herbert uses a quote he attributes to the Bashar Teg: “The writing of history is largely a process of diversion. Most historical accounts distract attention from the secret influences behind great events” (pg. 80). Further, Herbert cautions about the rise of autocracy, “It was a pattern the Sisterhood had long recognized: the inevitable failure of slavery and peonage. You created a reservoir of hate. Implacable enemies. If you had no hope of exterminating all of these enemies, you dared not try. Temper your efforts by the sure awareness that oppression will make your enemies strong. The oppressed will have their day and heaven help the oppressor when that day comes. It was a two-edged blade. The oppressed always turned, the stage was set for another round of revenge and violence – roles reversed. And reversed and reversed ad nauseam” (pg. 160). And, finally, Odrade says, “Many histories are largely worthless because prejudiced, written to please one powerful group or another” (pg. 232).
As he nears Chapterhouse: Dune’s conclusion, Herbert begins introducing radical changes. The Bene Gesserit successfully transform Chapterhouse into a new Dune, brining back the worms (pg. 290). Their desperation in the face of dwindling numbers from the war with the Honored Matres has, however, lead them to “cyborg” those near death, slowly breaking the proscriptions of the Butlerian Jihad (pgs. 295-296). The Honored Matres employ sophisticated machinery of their own that almost certainly involves thinking machines (395-396). And, through Murbella’s undergoing of the spice agony and killing of the Great Honored Matre, the Bene Gesserit blend their leadership with the Honored Matres. Sheeana, Duncan, and a handful of others do not accept this, though, and depart Chapterhouse. Sheeana’s control of the worms promises to open a new threat to Bene Gesserit order, much like Muad’Dib and Leto II did thousands of years prior.
Herbert intended to write a seventh Dune novel to wrap up these plotlines, but he passed away soon after publishing this book. Twenty years later, Brian Herbert worked with Kevin J. Anderson to adapt his notes for Dune 7 as Hunters of Dune and Sandworms of Dune, but this was Frank Herbert’s final entry in the Dune saga. He concludes the book with thoughts he wrote shortly after his wife’s passing, remarking on life and his appreciation for the happy memories. Even though Frank Herbert never finished the saga, his reflections offer a way to appreciate the six Dune novels he shared with the world rather than miss the one he never completed.
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LibraryThing member jamestomasino
This is the most difficult of the Dune books to review. On the one hand, it's extremely slow owing to the extraordinary amount of Bene Gesserit internal monologues. On the other hand, it finally reveals the inner-workings of some of the biggest mysteries in the series. Finally, it leaves us with an
For what it is, the book is superb. Were there a proper follow up by Frank himself, I'd say this would be one of people's favorites. As a finale to the series, it sucks.
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incredible set of cliffhangers. For what it is, the book is superb. Were there a proper follow up by Frank himself, I'd say this would be one of people's favorites. As a finale to the series, it sucks.
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LibraryThing member timshoe
A must read for Dune fans......can never get enough of the Dune books.
LibraryThing member autumnesf
My least favorite of the Dune books.
LibraryThing member turtlesleap
I loved Dune, but each additional novel in the series seems to fall shorter than the last.
LibraryThing member mackdav
Not the best of Frank Herbert's Dune series; very obviously the second part of a trilogy that was never completed; leaves the series hanging, and (one hopes) was dependant on the missing final book to bring the work into context as a "whole". Poor on its own.
LibraryThing member Neil_Luvs_Books
I found the first 3/4 of this book to be a bit of a grind with all of the unclear (to me at any rate) veiled references of a plan as characters talked to themselves (or other memory). But the last 1/4 of the book or so really picked up the pace and ended… well I have to say. But the last three
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pages, the final section were incredibly cryptic! Who were those two people Duncan occasionally say in his dreams? Apparently real with some control. Like so many others who have read this book I really wish that Frank Herbert lived long enough to write his final 7th volume. I am going to read Brian and Kevin’s take on how this epic might have ended. On to Hunters of Dune. Show Less
Awards
Locus Award (Nominee — Science Fiction Novel — 1986)
Prometheus Award (Nominee — Novel — 1986)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1985-04 (édition en anglais)
1986-09 (édition en français)
Physical description
464 p.; 9.5 inches
ISBN
0399130276 / 9780399130274