[Lurking Libertarian]

THe entire Dune series, which can be adequately reviewed and summed up in three words: Complex Loveless Joyless

I think (one man's opinion) that that's unfair to the very first book in the series. Can't disagree with you after that, though.

[BibChr]

Mm; you're thinking of the love Leto and Jessica shared, and their love for Paul? And his for Chani? And maybe even Kynes' for the planet? If so, you've a good point. No joy, though; gloating, mirthless exultation, but not joy.

But in reflecting, I've thought of a fourth word: calculating.

That's the best single word I can think of to sum up viewing people and events detachedly as objects to be manipulated drily and cold-bloodedly.

Dan