Genre: Science Fantasy | Writer: Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson | Release Date: 2021
During the chaos of the legendary Battle of Arrakeen, a group of Atreides soldiers get caved in. While Paul Atreides meets his destiny in battle, Sgt. Vitt uses his family’s gift of storytelling as a Jongleur to transport his men from their tomb to their homeworld of Caladan. Can Vitt mentally transport them back to the lushness and vast oceans of Caladan and give them the gift of hope in the darkness?
Writing
Set against the chaos of the Harkonnen assault on Arrakeen, Dune: A Whisper of Caladan Seas centers around a group of House Atreides soldiers trapped during a cave-in. Facing suffocating doom, they cling to memories of Caladan—their lush, sea-filled homeworld—as a way to keep despair at bay. The focus is largely on Sergeant Vitt, a loyal and determined figure whose storytelling keeps morale alive among his men. While the plot carries emotional weight, there’s not much character depth beyond surface-level quirks and traits. Many soldiers remain nameless or indistinct, missing opportunities for richer banter or personal confessions that could have added dramatic tension.
Still, the choice to use Caladan as a thematic contrast to their current situation is strong, giving the story emotional resonance. The unexpected ending involving the Voice is a highlight, demonstrating the raw power of Dune’s unique abilities. Overall, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson deliver a solid, if somewhat thin, short story that feels like a good slice of the wider mythos but doesn’t fully capitalize on its dramatic potential. It’s compelling, but it leaves you wishing for more fleshed-out dialogue and stakes.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Art Style
Jakub Rebelka’s artwork for A Whisper of Caladan Seas is a mixed bag. On the positive side, his expressive character work during conversational scenes captures emotions beautifully. The colors also stand out—deep, shadowy tones for the caves evoke dread, while Caladan scenes burst with life, blues, and greens. Arrakeen’s fiery destruction is vivid and memorable.
However, the chaotic and sometimes overly abstract art style makes the action scenes muddy and confusing. Characters can blur into one another during frantic sequences, pulling the reader out of the experience, similar to the visual problems seen in 30 Days of Night. While the intention seems to be dreamlike and intense, clarity sometimes suffers. The art style isn't bad by any means, and it’s clear Rebelka is talented, but for a story that thrives on tight, emotional stakes, a cleaner approach would have benefited the pacing and reader immersion. It’s creative but polarizing, depending on the scene.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Dune: A Whisper of Caladan Seas is a thoughtful, atmospheric addition to the Dune universe that offers unique emotional beats but struggles with fully realized characters and uneven art clarity. Fans will still find value here. Dune: A Whisper of Caladan Seas earns 3 out of 5.
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