Poor old Dune Messiah. I remember tackling this in my early twenties and it just didn’t hit the heights dune did. I remember giving up about midway through. I loved the genesis of Paul, but I remember being not very keen on the ‘Darth Paul’ empire he built afterwards. I assume that was a satire on ‘true believers’ but it just didn’t resonate. The first Dune I loved so much, however.
Thanks, Will! I agree, the original Dune is much better than the follow-up. This had a lot of potential, but didn't fully deliver. Perhaps it worked better as a magazine story? I'm hopeful that things pick up in 'Children of Dune' since it seems readers really want me to review it!
I’m so glad you reviewed this book because now I know, the Dune series is not my jam. I enjoyed reading your thoughts as always but could barely get through the excerpt from the book at the end lol. Excited to hear what you think of Crying in H-Mart!
Foundation next please!!
Thanks, Mercè! I'll review it soon!
Dune is definitely not for me, but I am looking forward to Crying in H Mart. I have read it!!
Thanks, Kate! I’m looking forward to starting it tonight!
Poor old Dune Messiah. I remember tackling this in my early twenties and it just didn’t hit the heights dune did. I remember giving up about midway through. I loved the genesis of Paul, but I remember being not very keen on the ‘Darth Paul’ empire he built afterwards. I assume that was a satire on ‘true believers’ but it just didn’t resonate. The first Dune I loved so much, however.
Thanks, Will! I agree, the original Dune is much better than the follow-up. This had a lot of potential, but didn't fully deliver. Perhaps it worked better as a magazine story? I'm hopeful that things pick up in 'Children of Dune' since it seems readers really want me to review it!
Enjoyed this. Some other spec fiction novels to consider!
“Red Mars” (Mars Trilogy) by Kim Stanley Robinson
“The Fifth Season” (Broken Earth Trilogy) by NK Jemisin
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Thanks, Daniel! I’ve had my eye on Red Mars and The Fifth Season for a while. I’ll definitely check these out!
This really made me want to reread Dune Messiah! It was my favorite part of the series and reads almost like a Greek tragedy. Good old days!
Thanks, Soumya! I’m glad you enjoyed the novel. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts after a reread. Does it hold up? What new things stood out?
Definitely! I think knowing how things occurred later in the story will surely add a new flavor to a reread. I'm excited to go back to Arrakis 🪐
I’m so glad you reviewed this book because now I know, the Dune series is not my jam. I enjoyed reading your thoughts as always but could barely get through the excerpt from the book at the end lol. Excited to hear what you think of Crying in H-Mart!
Thanks, Rosalynn! Dune isn’t for everyone, that’s for sure. I’m excited to read H Mart! Everyone seems excited about it.
Have you read the first one!? If so, I’d love to read your review. I’m considering it….
Yep! https://booksongif.substack.com/p/dune-by-frank-herbert
Hell yes!!!