Who Would Like This Book:
Dune Messiah is a fascinating, introspective sequel that digs deep into the consequences of messianic power and the burdens of leadership. Rather than more epic battles, this book treats you to an intense game of politics and philosophy as Paul grapples with both devotion and opposition on every side. If you love character-driven stories, philosophical dilemmas, and layered political intrigue - and especially if you liked Dune for its ideas as much as its action - this is a must-read. Fans of tragic heroes, big questions about destiny vs free will, and slow-burning, cerebral sci-fi will find a lot to chew on here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you came to Dune for the sandworms, sweeping action, or fast-moving adventure, this sequel might feel like a letdown - there's a lot more talk and intrigue than physical conflict. Some readers find the writing dense, the motivations murky, and the plot hard to follow. The heavy internal monologues and philosophy can slow the pace, and not everyone connects emotionally with these larger-than-life, often distant characters. If you dislike abstract plots or want a self-contained story, this might not be your favorite.
About:
'Dune Messiah' by Frank Herbert is the sequel to the classic 'Dune.' Set twelve years after the events of the first book, it follows Paul Muad'Dib Atreides as he rules as Emperor and deals with the consequences of his actions, including unleashing a jihad that conquered most of the known universe. Readers found the plot to be politically convoluted, with intricate webs of intrigue and backstabbing, and exploring themes of power, religion, and philosophy. The writing style is described as dense, with profound statements regarding political and religious maneuvering, and a focus on analyzing every action and phrase in a philosophical and surreal manner.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content includes themes of violence, political assassination, existential dread, and discussions of historical atrocities, which may be sensitive for some readers.
From The Publisher:
Book Two in the Magnificent Dune Chronicles-the Bestselling Science Fiction Adventure of All Time
Dune Messiah continues the story of Paul Atreides, better known-and feared-as the man christened Muad'Dib. As Emperor of the known universe, he possesses more power than a single man was ever meant to wield. Worshipped as a religious icon by the fanatical Fremen, Paul faces the enmity of the political houses he displaced when he assumed the throne-and a conspiracy conducted within his own sphere of influence.
And even as House Atreides begins to crumble around him from the machinations of his enemies, the true threat to Paul comes to his lover, Chani, and the unborn heir to his family's dynasty…
Ratings (160)
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It Was OK (29) | |
Did Not Like (6) | |
Hated It (1) |
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Currently Reading (4) | |
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8 comment(s)
Audio v en
The sequel had a lot to live up to considering the masterpiece of book named Dune. Dragging a bit at times, but Herbert delivers at the end. If dune monologues are not your usual cup of tea, then just don't bother with this one. The book provides plenty of food for thought throughout its course amid its the dialogs and monologues. Less action packed with only two major turning events.
I'm not sure why I liked this so much more a decade ago.
what
Webs within webs. Lies within lies. Dune is always so complicated. I enjoy reading it, but afterward, I always feel the need to read something that's much more straight forward.
Less action, more philosophy and politics than
Dune. Set 12 years after the end of the first book,
Dune Messiah shows us Paul Atreides, or Muad'dib, extremely conflicted over the effect he has had on the universe. Now that he controls the spice, he basically controls the universe, and has named himself emperor. His Fremen followers go out to other planets on a jihad, either destroying all inhabitants or converting them to Paul's religion/government. There is a lot of discussion about whether a religion can be a government, or vice versa, and Paul feels a lot of guilt over the actions of his maniacal followers. The visions given to him by the spice combined with his Bene Gesserit training make some of his actions inexplicable until the end of the book, when the fullness of the tragedy hits the reader while simultaneously making it clear it couldn't have ended any other way. He is so far ahead of his enemies at all times, all he really has to wrestle with are the difficult decisions he himself has foreseen. So sad. Can't wait to read the next one.
5 stars
RTC
Dnf'd at 60 percent.
What can you read after
Dune Messiah?
About the Author:
Frank Herbert is the bestselling author of the Dune saga. He was born in Tacoma, Washington, and educated at the University of Washington, Seattle. He worked a wide variety of jobs-including TV cameraman, radio commentator, oyster diver, jungle survival instructor, lay…
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