Check It Out:

Some of the best science and fantasy fiction tends to come in twos, threes and even eights. With the release of Brian Herbert’s “Winds of Dune” Brian Herbert’s “Winds of Dune” and the upcoming finale to “The Wheel of Time” by Brandon Sanderson (writing for the late Robert Jordan), this week’s column is all about those novels that tell fantastical stories with widespread conflicts, life-changing events and dramatic character arcs so deep that they could not be contained within a single volume.

“Dune” by Frank Herbert: Herbert’s eight-book series is a masterpiece of science fiction that successfully blends elements of science, religion and ecology.

The saga begins with House Atreides on the eve of its migration to Arrakis, an arid desert of a planet that is the only source of the spice Melange (which powers galactic commerce).

After being caught off-guard by a surprise attack launched by their bitter rivals, Paul Atreides and his mother must brave the wild, deadly desert and ultimately become the prophesized savior of the Fremen, Arrakis’ native inhabitants.

“The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien: Considered by many to be the foundation of modern fantasy literature, Tolkien’s immortal trilogy is a story about the power of friendship and bravery.

Years after the upheaval caused by the evil Sauron’s lust for conquest, the powerful One Ring has fallen into the small hands of Frodo Baggins. Tasked with its destruction by Gandalf, a mighty wizard, Frodo must brave the elements and unrepentant evil in order to carry out the seemingly impossible quest.

Bonus: “The Hobbit” details how Bilbo Baggins (Frodo’s uncle) came into possession of the Ring before handing it off to his nephew.

“Eye of the World” by Robert Jordan: Jordan’s legacy is the epic 13-volume “Wheel of Time” series, one that easily stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Tolkien’s saga. The first book establishes the players in the drama that is the Third Age.

Farm boy Rand al’Thor and his friends Matrim Cauthon and Perrin Aybara discover that the eyes of the Dark One have fallen on them, for reasons they can’t explain or understand.

Guided by Moiraine Sedai, a female user of the One Power, Rand, Mat and Perrin set out on the adventure of their dreams, only to discover that the stories are much more glamorous than the real thing.

“2001” by Arthur C. Clarke: Clarke’s three-book science fiction series is about the progression and evolution of man’s journey into space and beyond. Beginning with a cadre of apes who struggle to survive on a fairly young Earth, the scene transitions to the future where space travel is prevalent and even commercialized.

When a crew of scientists is sent on a mission to Saturn, things quickly go awry as the onboard HAL-9000 malfunctions and the only survivor makes contact with a mysterious object called “Monolith” and its impact on mankind.

“Legacy of the Force: Betrayal” by Aaron Allston: One of the most popular space operas to come out of science fiction has branched off into a multitude of novels involving hundreds of characters from the “Star Wars” universe.

In this nine-book series, the galaxy (under the guidance of Luke Skywalker and the Jedi Order) struggles to rebuild following the aftermath of the devastating Yuuzahn Vong War.

When the beginnings of a civil war shows itself on the planet of Corellia, Jacen Solo and Ben Skywalker are sent in to investigate, which sets off a chain of events that will reveal old enemies, ignite family feuds and cause Jacen’s eventual fall to the Dark Side.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org . For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.