Dune Messiah - Robin Riley's BookWyrm

352 pages

English language

Published May 26, 2019 by Penguin Publishing Group.

ISBN:: 978-0-593-09823-3

(1 review)

The extraordinary sequel to Dune, the greatest science fiction novel of all time. Twelve years after his victory over House Harkonnen, Paul Atreides rules as emperor from the desert planet Arrakis - but his victory has had profound consequences. War has been brought to the entire known universe, and billions have already perished. Despite having become the most powerful emperor known to history, Paul is powerless to bring an end to the fighting. While former allies conspire to dethrone Paul and even his own consort acts against him, Paul accepts a gift from the Tleilaxu, a guild of genetic manipulators, hoping to find a single spark of peace and friendship amidst the betrayal and chaos. But this act undermines Pauls support from the Fremen, his own people. The Fremen are the true source of Pauls power; losing them is the one thing that could truly topple his empire. As matters …

The extraordinary sequel to Dune, the greatest science fiction novel of all time. Twelve years after his victory over House Harkonnen, Paul Atreides rules as emperor from the desert planet Arrakis - but his victory has had profound consequences. War has been brought to the entire known universe, and billions have already perished. Despite having become the most powerful emperor known to history, Paul is powerless to bring an end to the fighting. While former allies conspire to dethrone Paul and even his own consort acts against him, Paul accepts a gift from the Tleilaxu, a guild of genetic manipulators, hoping to find a single spark of peace and friendship amidst the betrayal and chaos. But this act undermines Pauls support from the Fremen, his own people. The Fremen are the true source of Pauls power; losing them is the one thing that could truly topple his empire. As matters escalate, Paul will be forced to chose between his throne, his wife, his people and his future - and the future of the entire universe.

2 editions

Caffeinated Book Dragon reviewed Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert (Dune, #2)

A whole different ride from the first book, but can take you along if you read carefully...

4 stars

I admit, I LOVE the first Dune book... and it took me a couple tries to start and finish this one. The book assumes you've got the gist of the first book under your belt and then throws you into a world of intrigue. Paul is still the main character, but it's mostly about what goes on around him. He's burdened by his power and his status, and constantly beset by enemies on the fringes around the Imperium, waiting for a chance to find a blind spot and attack.

At the start, it felt a bit choppy and like I'd just been thrown into the mix with little preparation... but reading the preface again helped a bit. All the little "asides" hold meaning in Frank Herbert works, so I've learned to read them as well. As the story centers more on Arrakis, you see it slow down and get back …

I admit, I LOVE the first Dune book... and it took me a couple tries to start and finish this one. The book assumes you've got the gist of the first book under your belt and then throws you into a world of intrigue. Paul is still the main character, but it's mostly about what goes on around him. He's burdened by his power and his status, and constantly beset by enemies on the fringes around the Imperium, waiting for a chance to find a blind spot and attack.

At the start, it felt a bit choppy and like I'd just been thrown into the mix with little preparation... but reading the preface again helped a bit. All the little "asides" hold meaning in Frank Herbert works, so I've learned to read them as well. As the story centers more on Arrakis, you see it slow down and get back to life with Paul and Chiani and their family, and the power dynamics of the Princess Irulan in the house trying to ensure the couple has no children. Plots enfold concerning the Guild, the Bene Geserit, the Fremen, & the Tleilaxu Face Dancers. It's a LOT to take in for the shortest book in the series, but it gets us to the next level. And the ending of this book makes it worth the time, the progression of this universe is rather fascinating.

I wanted to say 3.5 stars, but I can't give half ratings on the meter, & it feels a little too hasty and too complex at times. But the philosophies discussed & the ending nudge it to a 4 to me. Can't wait to get to the 3rd one.