Book excerpt: From a New York Times bestseller, a sci-fi “novel of great charm and freshness, with improbable situations, weird complications, vital characters . . . ” (Kirkus Reviews). What if the entire universe happened to be the creation of alien minds? Dreens are extraordinary storytellers—and they can actually make the worlds they imagine come to life—and this is the origin of Earth and the entire known universe. Even though Dreens live far across the universe, the human race has the technology for interstellar travel and the military power to destroy the aliens’ core planet. But Earth itself is only sustained by the continued existence of the Dreens. If the last Dreen dies, all of humanity will disappear! A science fiction adventure showcasing the imagination that made Frank Herbert famous and the wry wit and satire that brought Brian Herbert critical acclaim.