Tony's Review of Mentats of Dune

If you're delving into the expansive Dune universe, Mentats of Dune isn't where you should start. Instead, I strongly recommend beginning with Dune: The Butlerian Jihad to lay a solid foundation and read the main stories out from there. These prequels provide essential context that enriches the experience of Mentats of Dune and enhances your understanding of its intricacies.

Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, the authors of Mentats of Dune, provide intricate details about the Human Schools in the Dune universe. This installment specifically focuses on Mentats, human computers trained in rigorous methods to process information. The narrative not only explores the origins and fate of the Mentat school but also introduces us to the first Mentat, Gilbertus Albans. Albans, with his deep and rich backstory, adds layers of complexity to the story, making it an engaging read for those already familiar with the Dune universe.

The plot is filled with the trademark elements of the Dune series: politics, betrayal, and ideological conflicts. Anderson and Herbert adeptly weave these elements into the narrative. However, for newcomers to the series, diving into Mentats of Dune without prior knowledge may result in a sense of lacking. While the story is compelling on its own, its true depth is best appreciated by readers who are deeply invested in the Dune universe.

It's important to note that Mentats of Dune is not penned by Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert's father, which contributes to a slight difference in writing style compared to the original Dune novels. Despite this, Anderson and Herbert seamlessly integrate their work into the existing Dune universe, maintaining its authenticity and coherence.

Overall, I highly recommend Mentats of Dune to fans who are deeply invested in the Dune universe. I rate it four stars, acknowledging its richness and complexity, but also recognizing that it may be less accessible to readers new to the series. For those who love immersing themselves in the intricate lore and politics of Dune, this book is must-read.