Caffeinated Book Dragon reviewed Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
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.