When comparing Shadows of the Apt vs Dune, the Slant community recommends Dune for most people. In the question“What are the best sci-fi and fantasy books?” Dune is ranked 2nd while Shadows of the Apt is ranked 21st. The most important reason people chose Dune is:
It's one of the very rare science fiction books (especially ones set in a far away future) that doesn't include robots or computers.
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Pros
Pro Large world
Many different human races are described with each their individual personalities, lots of sub plots and quests. The series is at least 7 books, so it should keep you busy a decent while.
Pro Omits some common genre staples to create a unique world
It's one of the very rare science fiction books (especially ones set in a far away future) that doesn't include robots or computers.
Pro Huge scope
The book covers topics such as ecology, politics, religion, humanism and war and touches on subjects like artificial intelligence, gender dynamics, nuclear weapons, architecture, engineering, heroism and many many more. All of these aspects are intertwined and executed on a grand scale.
Pro Cult book
This is an old series, several video games have been inspired by this book. Dune, Dune 2, dune 2000 and more.
Pro Complex and unique ecology
Dune is one of the first sci-fi books to have as detailed fictional ecology that plays a big part in the overall story.
Cons
Con Simple plot
The plot does not surprise. It's straightforward to the point where you can expect certain situations to unfold a certain way a good while before they actually happen in the book.
Con Later books weren't finished by the original author
The original author, Frank Herbert, died after finishing the first few books. His son Brian Herbert and co author Kevin J. Anderson have since finished the series based on his scribblings, notes, and voice memos. A gargantuan task. The result can be a bit "weird" at times, but they have done an amazing job finishing the books.