Dune Messiah (The dune saga)

Frank Herbert

It seems that "Dune" is more popular, but I loved "Dune Messiah" just as much as the first. It...more

It seems that "Dune" is more popular, but I loved "Dune Messiah" just as much as the first. It probably appeals to my tastes in different ways. Just as I love "Crime and Punishment" for its psychology, I love "Messiah" exactly for what everyone else seems to dislike - its lack of action. I feel similarly about "That Hideous Strength," the third in C.S. Lewis' space trilogy. Everyone else I've talked to who has read it says that it's their least favorite, but I think it is the works of inaction that reveal the most about what the author is trying to say. Herbert brings up so many delightful questions that follow up on "Dune." What happens to Paul is refreshing, and a testament I think to how good of a writer Herbert is. He could have taken more tried and true routes, but didn't, and I loved it. Now if only they could make good movies out of these books. Maybe they should give them to the Japanese to do an extended series. Just put them in the hands of Hayao Miyazaki or, even better, Toshiki Kudo, the guy who made "Empire Strikes Back" into manga. That would be amazing. I can only hope...   hide

The second book of the series. This book is shorter than the original but just as dense in terms...more

The second book of the series. This book is shorter than the original but just as dense in terms of ideas. It addresses politics, mysticism, religion, social dynamics, ecology, the effects of substances on consiousness, physics, evolution, yoga-mentat-zensunni-gesserit mind training and metacognitive control, and last but not least, how to cook a Totinos pizza. It's a good book say-thankya.    hide

This is the most difficult Dune book to read. Its minimalistic aridity will keep you thirsting for...more

This is the most difficult Dune book to read. Its minimalistic aridity will keep you thirsting for more. It is like a journey thourgh the desert. But anyone who knows something about the desert will also know that it is not as lifeless as it seems, and that the scorching heat and lack of water are not the only things threatening you. There are numerous organisms of all shapes and sizes lurking in its inhospitable uniformity. These organisms are all extremely well adapted to life in the desert and they are all out to get you. So it is with this book.   hide

I didn't like this book as much as the first. It seemed awfully brief after Dune, but it was an...more

I didn't like this book as much as the first. It seemed awfully brief after Dune, but it was an enjoyable 2 day read. But, I agree with the review below. . .any Frank Herbert book is ten times better than a Brian Herbert book.   hide

Interesting to watch how the characters evolve as the universe changes, but honestly? not the best...more

Interesting to watch how the characters evolve as the universe changes, but honestly? not the best book in the series. Still--Frank even on his worst day was 100 times the author his son is on his best.   hide