Novel: Mentats of Dune

Introduction
"Mentats of Dune", the twelfth installation in the Dune series, was co-authored by Brian Herbert, kid of Frank Herbert, along with Kevin J. Anderson. Very first released in 2014, this sci-fi novel belongs of the Dune Expanded series which extends the initial 6 novels of the Duniverse with numerous prequels, sequels, and spin-offs. "Mentats of Dune" acts as a direct follow up to "Sisterhood of Dune" and is set between the time periods of the books, "Dune" and "Dune Messiah".

Plot Overview
The story of "Mentats of Dune" focuses on three crucial groups: the Butlerian enthusiasts, who are against using any type of expert system; the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, a mainly female organization focused on their own deceptive objectives; and the establishing schools of early human super-beings, which would ultimately end up being the Mentats and Swordmasters. The unique occurs in the Imperium, a vast interstellar empire governed by Emperor Salvador Corrino, who remains under the control of his terrible older sibling Roderick Corrino and the Butlerian fanatics led by Manford Torondo.

As the Butlerian fanatics grow increasingly prominent in the Imperium, with Torondo ending up being Salvador's adviser, they start a project to get rid of all human computers, makers, and innovation. This anti-technology fervor threatens to destabilize the empire, bring down interstellar trade, and lead to the injustice of intellectualism. In spite of the risks, the Mentat School, founded by Gilbertus Albans, continues to privately inform people in harnessing their capabilities as human supercomputers while the Swordmasters, trained by the Duke of Ginaz, offer martial competence.

Secret Characters
1. Gilbertus Albans: Founder of the Mentat School, Gilbertus is driven by a personal mission to boost human intelligence, so humanity does not become excessively reliant on devices. Browsing the complex political landscape of the Imperium, Gilbertus is the closest source of guidance and assistance for the future Mentats.

2. Manford Torondo: The charismatic leader of the Butlerians and disable war hero, Torondo utilizes his impact to spur anti-technology sentiment and draw in great deals of fans. As the story unfolds, his charm begins to change into militant extremism, culminating in a reign of fear over anyone who is found guilty of harboring understanding or being related to innovation.

3. Valya Harkonnen: Raised within the secrecy of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, Valya Harkonnen harbors a deep resentment towards Gilbertus Albans. Through her machinations, she seeks to ruin the Mentor School while likewise trying to achieve her race's bigger goals.

4. Emperor Salvador Corrino: As the young, weak-willed ruler of the Imperium, Salvador is overshadowed and controlled by his older sibling Roderick and his Fanatical advisor Manford Torondo. His failure to lead puts the empire at danger, as different factions compete for power and control behind his back.

Styles
"Mentats of Dune" is an unique that explores styles such as the power of ideology and worry, the corrupting impact of fanaticism, and the value of understanding and intellectualism. It raises the concern of humankind's dependence on technology, drawing parallels with modern society. Furthermore, the novel looks into the complex political landscape in the Imperium, featuring several factions with their unique inspirations, ambitions and method operandi.

Conclusion
An exhilarating entry in the Dune Expanded series, "Mentats of Dune" develops on the pre-existing lore and improves it by creating a captivating story, showcasing the rise of essential factions and institutions in the Duniverse. Working as a direct follow up to "Sisterhood of Dune", the novel's significance in our existing age of technological reliance is particularly appealing, providing a relevant story for today's readers. With complex plotting, engaging characters, and a grand scale that only the Dune series can provide, "Mentats of Dune" is a must-read for fans of the series and sci-fi lovers alike.