Hunters of Dune
First of two novels concluding Frank Herbert's Dune series.
Hunters of Dune is a science fiction novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, released on August 22, 2006. It is the first of two books written to conclude Frank Herbert's original Dune series, continuing the story left unresolved by his death in 1986.
Quick Facts
- Authors
- Brian Herbert / Kevin J. Anderson
- Audio Read By
- Scott Brick
- Cover Artist
- Stephen Youll
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Series
- Dune series
- Genre
- Science fiction
- Published
- 2006
- Publisher
- Tor Books
- Media Type
- Print (hardcover & paperback)
- Pages
- 528
- Isbn
- 0-7653-1292-1
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Hunters of Dune continues the story of the danger posed to humanity by a remote, unnamed 'great enemy'. The novel is based on notes left behind by Frank Herbert, and represents the authors' version of what Frank Herbert referred to as Dune 7, his own planned seventh novel. The first five chapters were available via free download from the official Dune website, released monthly from March until July in 2006. The plot follows the no-ship Ithaca, carrying clones of Duncan Idaho and Miles Teg, plus other characters, hiding from the 'great enemy' in an alternate universe. On Chapterhouse, Murbella leads the New Sisterhood, merging Honored Matres and Bene Gesserit. The Spacing Guild seeks alternative navigation technology from Ix, while Face Dancers secretly infiltrate many worlds. The novel reveals that the 'great enemy' is thinking machines of Omnius, and that Daniel and Marty are Omnius and the independent robot Erasmus.
Reader's Guide
Hunters of Dune is significant as the first authorized continuation of Frank Herbert's original Dune series after his death, using his notes to resolve the cliffhanger ending of Chapterhouse: Dune. The novel expands the Dune universe by introducing the return of thinking machines as the ultimate threat, and explores themes of cloning, memory, and identity through gholas of historical figures. It sets up the final confrontation in its sequel, Sandworms of Dune. The New York Times noted that the authors 'go through the motions, but they don't often seem to be having much fun with their material' and that by the end they 'have done little more than set the table for Sandworms of Dune.' The novel's legacy is tied to its role in completing the narrative arc Frank Herbert left unfinished, though its reception was mixed.
Did You Know?
- The novel is based on notes left behind by Frank Herbert for his planned seventh novel, Dune 7.
- The Oracle of Time is revealed to be the living consciousness of Norma Cenva, still in existence millennia after the Butlerian Jihad.
- Daniel and Marty are revealed to be Omnius and the independent robot Erasmus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hunters of Dune?
Hunters of Dune is a 2006 science fiction novel that serves as the first of two books completing Frank Herbert's original Dune saga. It picks up the unresolved plot threads left behind when the author died in 1986.
Who wrote Hunters of Dune?
The book was co-authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Brian Herbert is Frank Herbert's son, and he partnered with Anderson to craft the conclusion his father never got to write.
Where does Hunters of Dune fit in the Dune series?
It follows Chapterhouse: Dune (1985) and is immediately followed by Sandworms of Dune (2007). Together, those two books form the final pair of the original Frank Herbert storyline.
Why was Hunters of Dune written?
Frank Herbert passed away in 1986 with his Dune narrative still unfinished, leaving major plot threads unresolved. His son Brian Herbert joined forces with Kevin J. Anderson to deliver the ending, and Hunters of Dune is the first half of that conclusion.
What comes after Hunters of Dune?
The story continues directly in Sandworms of Dune, published in 2007. That second book wraps up the original Dune saga that began with the 1965 novel.
More in Dune novels 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced