• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Monthly Selections - #1 August 1999
  For nearly 35 years, Frank Herbert's Dune has been a favorite of science fiction readers, the kind of novel that is read over and over again, until the characters seem like old friends or, in some cases, old enemies. Herbert talked of going back to explore the lives of the generation preceding that of his hero, Paul Atreides, but died before writing that particular story. He left behind a sheaf of notes on the characters and events of it; however, that was discovered only a few years ago. Now his son Brian has collaborated with experienced sf writer Anderson and filled out those notes. If the results don't quite live up to the blend of politics, philosophy, and action that made Dune a classic, exploring the world of Duke Leto Atreides and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen should fascinate most of Dune's vast fandom. The events behind the Atreides-Harkonnen feud, the secret heritage of Jessica, the world of the fanatical Bene Tleilax, and many other mysteries are revealed, with the promise of more to come. Tendrils of narrative follow the planetologist Pardot Kynes on Arrakis, the young Shaddam Corrino plotting for the emperor's throne, the child Duncan Idaho suffering under the Harkonnen boot heel. Other names and places will be instantly recognizable by Dune devotees. Interest should run very high for this first volume of a planned trilogy of which Herbert pere would be proud. ((Reviewed August 1999)) Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews

Brian Herbert, the son of Frank Herbert, is the author of numerous acclaimed science fiction novels, including Sidney's Comet; Sudanna, Sudanna; Prisoners of Arrion; Race for God; and Man of Two Worlds (written with Frank Herbert). He has also written Dreamer of Dune, a comprehensive biography of his illustrious father.

Kevin J. Anderson has written twenty-five national bestsellers and has been nominated for the Nebula Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and the SFX Reader's Choice Award. He also holds the Guinness world record for "Largest Single-Author Book Signing."