Shamefully I must admit I've read the first 3 Kevin J. Anderson books, as I bought the first one and it takes more than just mediocrity to get me to stop a series once I've started it. The prequel books aren't horrible, but the distance they fall from Herbert's work makes you realize they really shouldn't have been made. It was a sad ploy by Brian to cash in with a writer who isn't even well-respected. Anderson is good at churning out books (I think he does like 6+ a year, insane really), but he doesn't really "get" it -- The original books seem to be at least 50% psychological, whereas Anderson reminds me more of the movies -- Instead of letting the psychology and intrigue simmer, he turns it into a spectacle.