Dune Messiah (Dune Chronicles, Book 2) by Frank Herbert
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Book Reviews of Dune Messiah (Dune Chronicles, Book 2)
Book Review: Amazing continuation of the Dune saga
Summary: 5 Stars
Twelve years after the defeat of the emperor, the Fremen Jihad has reached the far extant of the galaxy. The imposition of religious rule throughout the galaxy has made a number of enemies who are plotting against Muad'Dib.
There are many themes running through this book. Among them is the lack of children and the rivalry between Chani and Princess Irulan. Another is the notion of the actual amount of control Paul Muad'Dib actually had over the jihad. Another is the sentimentalism among Fremen for the old ways. Herbert does an absolutely masterful job of weaving these and other themes together in a well written, beautiful conceived saga.
This diverges from the themes in the first novel in the saga, however, that in no way diminishes from this volume's contribution to the ongoing storyline. In fact, the changing themes actually is a testimony to the understanding of the author that as the sociopolitical environment changes, the issues change as well. Herbert handles that better than almost any other writer of any genre I have had the joy of reading.
Book Review: The story evolves
Summary: 5 Stars
While this book was panned by the critics when it was first published in 1969, this book is a milestone in the Dune Saga.
The story told in this book takes place 12 years after Paul Atreides usurps the imperial throne from House Corrino. Paul has become Emperor Paul Muad'dib and has unleashed the Freman legions upon the universe, not only to consolidate his control over the imperium, but also to spread a new religion across the known universe.
This book details Pauls struggle to reconcile his desires for a free humanity, while at the same time, his government assumes the mantle of a religious gestalt. To question the government is to question god. To break a law of society is to commit a sin. While Paul acknowledges his own folly, the apparatus of government takes on a life of its own and Paul can no longer control it.
While this book lacks the action adventure of Dune, Dune Messaih makes up for with thought provoking questions and rhetoric about society, government, religion and philosophy.
Well worth the read.
Book Review: Moods Are for Cattle and Love Play, Or Dune Messiah
Summary: 5 Stars
It's been 20 years since I read Dune Messiah and I just finished re-reading it ten minutes ago. I enjoyed it much more now than I did back years ago. Although like other reviews have stated it can be somewhat philosophically verbose and repetitive, and does have a tendency, for me at least, to take away from the characters at times. Paul and Alia are caught in their heads too much with the same philosophical rantings. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy philosophy in its myriad forms, but Frank Herbert does have a habit of being a tiny bit repetitive with the same point, but that's Herbert' view and way of writing and I respect that. I do enjoy reading him.
Another point is, I believe, that you have to be in a specific mood to read Dune, but especially Dune Messiah and the rest that follow. It does at times require a herculean effort to continue, to wade through long passages internal; so if the mood strikes Dune Messiah must not be missed.
Easily 5 stars for a masterwork. Now I'm ready for Children of Dune!
Book Review: A great follow-up for fans of Dune!
Summary: 5 Stars
Dune Messiah is the second book from Frank Herbert in the Dune Series. Paul Atreides is now the Emperor/Duke of Arrakis with his Fremen wife Chani and his Imperial concubine, Irulan. In Dune Messiah, the reader starts to see the internal struggle that Paul battles throughout the book. A battle between trying to prevent the jihad from his fremen followers that he sees so much in his future vision and trying to be a husband to Chani and protecting Alia (his sister) at the same time. As with any Emperor with such a following, there are those out to make Paul's life miserable at every turn. I felt this was a much more personal book than Dune itself. It gives you a glimpse at how life is for an Emperor in such a position and the reader gets to see that Paul is infact a human being that struggles with being the possible messiah that his people and all those around him need.
Overall, an outstanding book in the Dune series and every bit as enjoyable as Dune.
Book Review: The saga continues
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading Dune I was hesitant to get myself caught in a commitment to read the whole series. I know.... I'm just another male who has trouble with commitment. But after reading Dune Messiah I have to admit, i'm hooked. Although many might disagree with me i actually feel that this one was better. This book involved deeper philosophy while incorporating character history that was pre established in the first novel. It's hard to describe the differences without giving anything away. Before reading this book a decided to read some of the reviews to get a better feel for what i was in for. .... and allow me to forewarn you, some of these reviews give away the ending. thoughout the book i thought i'd be disappointed knowing what was going to happen. But as it turns out there are more twists then i thought and the ending was truly appropriate. I look foreward to reading the rest of Herbert's books, now that i'm stuck in the lives of the Atrieds.