God Emperor of Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 4) by Frank Herbert
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Book Reviews of God Emperor of Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 4)
Book Review: A Grand Opus
Summary: 5 Stars
In this book, Frank Herbert returns to what he is best at - Theogenesis - the origin of gods. Here, for the first time since his masterpiece Dune, he dares to attack the foundations of our psyche yet again. And the assault is brutal. What was only subtext in Dune, now becomes explicit. And, he has created a powerful manifestation - capable of doing such a job - the half worm Leto!
Surely no human character - could, or would, even dare to think of such unspeakable, unhuman-like thoughts.
What I like best about this book, is that it allows the reader freedom to disagree. There is less embedded dogma, and far more casual persuasion. In this, God Emperor of Dune distinguishes itself from its original predecessor. We, the reader, become very much involved in the arguments. We participate. Unlike in Dune, we are not there merely to observe.
This is a great work of fiction. But it must not be judged in comparison with the original, because it stands on its own merits. And yet I am certain, that the fans of the original book will find this sequel as compelling as I did.
Book Review: The deepest thoughts aren't seen in the first reading..
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was a teen-ager I read this book. I thought that it was slow and boring. After having re-read this book 20 years later I can see that it is probably the best novel I have ever read.The thought that by becoming the most vile despot the universe has ever seen, Leto can push humanity to finally reject despotism as a political/religious force, and in doing so force individuals to assert their right of freedom above all else, is perhaps the whole point of the Dune series. As we live in a society that has abbrogated much of our freedom due to apathy, fear, and feelings of helplessness, we should all read this book for its insights into where our society could be heading.
This book is probably much too slow to keep some people interested, but if it is read with the realization of the points that Herbert was trying to make, this book truly stands out. After all, if Dune was just about desert maniacs and war, we would never have liked it much in the first place. It is precisely the depth of the thinking in Herbert's work that keeps us coming back.
Book Review: God Emperor is a pinnacle of science fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
God Emperor of Dune has taken the Dune cycle a step further with its brilliant storyline, characters, and plot. Leto II, a god yet a emperor, showed the depth that Herbert could peer into his creations. His worm-like existence was horrible statement to what Arrakis had become. The new planet that once was Dune raised horrible questions to what humanity could accomplish. Those who shaped the planet and its events have long since passed yet they live on for who knows how long. Leto II and Duncan serve as reminders of a past that once was and can never be visited again. Herbert has showed that maybe mankind can be taught not to live his history's mistakes over again. (But at what price?) The Sisterhood's oppression serves as a testament to their survival. The book was deeply philisophical yet had a well constructed storyline. Its consistency to the novels before it flowed smoothly despite the new elements that were incorporated. All in all, Dune's addition ensured the cycle a place in the eternity of literature. (Although nothing lasts forever.)Book Review: Excellent step forward in the series
Summary: 5 Stars
The writing style of Frank Herbert is unique in the extreme, which is what draws me back to his novels time and again. God Emperor Dune is a remarkable novel in that it twists plots into one melting pot designed by Leto II (the God Emperor). His Golden Path will not be denied and Leto knows what he must endure to ensure that humanity does not vanish from the galaxy. Duncan Idaho makes a remarkable return as does the Atreides blood line that Leto II has been manipulating for more than 3000 years. It is this manipulation that allows the Golden Path to continue and bring about certain traits that Leto II knows must thrive in order for humans to continue to exist. It is a startling realization in the extreme, when Leto II decides to take a wife and realizes that his Golden Path will be achieved before his wedding. What a concept! Excellent novel. Also, this novel REQUIRES that you continue on to Heretics of Dune. I can't wait to read that....again!Book Review: Read it more than once!
Summary: 5 Stars
What I believe is that "God Emperor of Dune" is the closest look you can get into the philosophy of Frank Herbert. In his title character "Leto" he has imagined someone with the highest level of awareness that humankind can reach. And rather than let us imagine this "god's" great thoughts with pseudo-profundity or letting us fill in the blanks of hollow dialogue, he actually lets Leto speak his philosophy, giving us insight into a mind that is filled with revelations on the definition of mankind.True--in this book you won't find action as much as intrigue. And some of the passages can seem long-winded. I had to re-read the chapters many times before I came to fully appreciate the value of what Frank Herbert had created. But I see within this book Frank Herbert's treatise on the future of mankind: a glimpse into his vision of what we must evolve into, and more importantly his ideas about what kind of animal we are.