Book Review: Dune: The Heir of Caladan (Dune #13)

 

The Heir of Caladan, published in 2022, is (at least for the moment) the final prequel novel to Frank Herbert's original Dune novel. It is the 13th book in the Dune series when read chronologically and is written by the combination of Frank Herbert's son, Brian, and Kevin J. Anderson. It is the third novel in the Caladan trilogy, which sets up the events just before the original book. Specifically, this one sets up Baron Harkonnen being divested of control over the spice production on Arrakis, and what led to Jessica being reunited with Leto and Paul. The book also concludes the storyline about the resistance of some of the Noble houses against Emperor Corrino. 

The hardcover version of the book is almost exactly 400 pages long. It has the same style and tone (and thus reads as quickly or slowly) as the other prequel novels. While the title suggests Paul is the book's focus, he is not. Like the other prequel novels, it jumps from storyline to storyline every 1-2 chapters. While Paul has one of the book's major story arcs, the book alternates between his storyline and the storylines involving Leto, Jessica, the Harkonnens, and Shaddam Corrino. The only group that does not have a major storyline in this book is the Fremen. Since I am reading the books chronologically, I have not yet read the original Dune novel. From what I know of the storyline in the original novel, it seems that this book provides (or at least hints at) the motivations behind the actions of some of the characters in the original book. The book has a good blend of action and suspense and is definitely worth the time to read.