(i received an e-arc from tor and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

i found this short story collection rather dry, much like the sands of the titular dune itself.

Overall another excellent book for fans of the Dune universe. I love getting more history on my favorite characters.

I am not a huge fan of the Dune series, though I did enjoy the first book, but this one was pretty good. The scene is well set and the characters are nicely built up and easy to follow along with. Definitely a good addition the the series.

I was truly hoping for more dense, thoughtful writing. Sands of Dune is the child of Frank E. Herbert's Dune and does not live up to the robust storytelling that Brian Herbert passes off with.

A must read for ALL Dune fans even if you're a fan who doesn't enjoy or appreciate the sons work... this I feel, would have been stories Frank would have loved for the world to have seen. 5/5 Stars A must have for fans of Dune.

A nice look at side characters we didn't get to know very well in the first book and the prequel books. It brings the Dune universe to a more immersive and in depth with these side details and stories.

Absorbing!

Ok, it’s been many years since I’ve read the Dune series (think the 70’s) and I’m still as enamoured as I was then.
These four novellas by Herbert and Anderson shed light on the back story of Gurney Halleck and other major figures of the Dune pantheon. A younger Shadeout Mapes, the relentless training of the Sardaukar represented by Bashar Jopati Koloa (with a curious finale), Willem Atreides and the of the conflict between the Houses of Atreides and Harkonnen.
We follow individual paths for revenge and freedom against the uncaring, debauched, power hungry elite of the Kaitain Empire and the implacable feuding outcomes of the various Houses spanning many worlds. Betrayal, determination, vengeance and the shifts of power balances stalk the pages.
A must read for Dune aficionados. Indeed I enjoyed these novellas so much I’m considering a Dune series reread.

A Macmillan-Tor/Forge ARC
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

SANDS OF DUNE collates four "behind-the-scenes" stories and backstories from the incredibly vast DUNE Universe created by Frank Herbert. Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert have giftedly expanded the DUNE Universe, and here provide readers with side-trip adventures, deepening our understanding of the planetary systems, cultures, socioeconomics, while providing character revelation and bringing these seemingly "alien" species and cultures into vivid and vibrant life. SANDS OF DUNE provides exciting views into the ever-expanding Universe of DUNE.

Giving more background on Shadout Mapes, Gurney Halleck, the Sardaukar, and additional history of the Atreides/Harkonnen feud, this collection of stories is a must-read for any fan of the Dune sagas. I was particularly delighted to read about Mapes' background, and relieved that I had no trouble immersing myself in the stories despite it being years since I've read any of the novels. I'm grateful for this addition.

As a huge fan of the Dune universe, including all of the prequels and sequels, I devoured these 4 novellas in Sands of Dune. The novellas give us insight to some of the side characters of Dune and also takes us back to where it all began.

We get the backstory of the housekeeper, Shadout Mapes, as a young woman and her life as a Fedaykin warrior (my personal favorite of the 4 stories!).

Next is a novella about a Sardaukar bashar which gives us all kinds of insight into what drives the Sardaukar.

Gurney Halleck has a story set about a year after the fall of the Atreides when he’s with the smugglers as he tries to get his revenge on the Harkonnens.

And last, back to the beginning in the imperial court when we find out even more about the blood feud between House Atreides and House Harkonnen.

Since I can never seem to get enough of the Dune books, this book of 4 novellas was perfect to continue feeding my Dune obsession and I enjoyed it immensely.

*Thank you so much to Tor Books and NetGalley for the advance copy!*