DUNE

There's nothing fancy about this reading of a great classic of modern science fiction, but it's effective nonetheless. Anyone intending to see the confusing movie should listen to this, or read the book, first. The story: Paul Atriedes might be the long-awaited Prophet of the dry planet, Dune; great royal houses are after him to kill him and make it not so. Connor O'Brien reads precisely, his slight tenor rising even higher when he speaks the women's parts. He characterizes almost solely by inflection, but it works. D.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 99]