Name: Derek Graf's review of Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
Item: Dune Messiah
Rating: 3
Author: Derek Graf

Frank Herbert

Book Two in the Magnificent Dune Chronicles--the Bestselling Science Fiction Adventure of All Time Dune Messiah continues the story of Paul Atreides, better known--and feared--as the man christened Muad'Dib. As Emperor of the known universe, he possesses more power than a single man was ever meant to wield. Worshipped as a religious icon by the fanatical Fremen, Paul faces the enmity of the political houses he displaced when he assumed the throne--and a conspiracy conducted within his own sphere of influence. And even as House Atreides begins to crumble around him from the machinations of his enemies, the true threat to Paul comes to his lover, Chani, and the unborn heir to his family's dynasty...

Dune Messiah

Mattea Marjorie

He had taken his place in a universe he did not want, wearing flesh that did not fit. Every breath he drew bruised his emotions.

paul atreides wouldve loved “losing my religion” by REM

“I was baptized in sand and it cost me the knack of believing. Who trades in faiths anymore? Who’ll buy? Who’ll sell?”

Paul studied her face in this new light. It was a face he knew better in some ways than his own. He had seen this face soft with passion, in the sweetness of sleep, awash in fears and angers and griefs.

DUNE MESSIAH: the extraordinary sequel to Dune, the greatest science fiction novel of all time. Twelve years after his victory over House Harkonnen, Paul Atreides rules as emperor from the desert planet Arrakis - but his victory has had profound consequences. War has been brought to the entire known universe, and billions have already perished. Despite having become the most powerful emperor known to history, Paul is powerless to bring an end to the fighting. While former allies conspire to dethrone Paul and even his own consort acts against him, Paul accepts a gift from the Tleilaxu, a guild of genetic manipulators, hoping to find a single spark of peace and friendship amidst the betrayal and chaos. But this act undermines Paul's support from the Fremen, his own people. The Fremen are the true source of Paul's power; losing them is the one thing that could truly topple his empire. As matters escalate, Paul will be forced to chose between his throne, his wife, his people and his future - and the future of the entire universe. An epic novel of the cost of victory... and the price of war. Brilliant...it is all that Dune was, and maybe a little more. -- Galaxy Magazine

Bart Veldhuijsen 

When a creature has developed into one thing, he will choose death rather than change into his opposite.

fira

"A creature who has spent his life creating one particular representation of his selfdom will die rather than become the antithesis of that representation."

The Muad'Dib's inner Eren Yeager intensifies 

Affan Shikoh

“Stilgar,” Paul said, “you urgently need a sense of balance which can come only from an understanding of long-term effects. What little information we have about the old times, the pittance of data which the Butlerians left us, Korba has brought it for you. Start with the Genghis Khan.”

“Genghis … Khan? Was he of the Sardaukar, m’Lord?”

“Oh, long before that. He killed … perhaps four million.”

“He must’ve had formidable weaponry to kill that many, Sire. Lasbeams, perhaps, or …”

“He didn’t kill them himself, Stil. He killed the way I kill, by sending out his legions. There’s another emperor I want you to note in passing—a Hitler. He killed more than six million. Pretty good for those days.”

“Killed … by his legions?” Stilgar asked.

“Not very impressive statistics, m’Lord.”

“Very good, Stil.” Paul glanced at the reels in Korba’s hands. 

Enjoying Dune Messiah a lot right now. I don't get why people shit on this one so much.

“Constitutions become the ultimate tyranny,” Paul said. “They’re organized power on such a scale as to be overwhelming. The constitution is social power mobilized and it has no conscience. It can crush the highest and the lowest, removing all dignity and individuality. It has an unstable balance point and no limitations. I, however, have limitations. In my desire to provide an ultimate protection for my people, I forbid a constitution. Order in Council, this date, etcetera, etcetera.”

Dune Messiah (Dune Chronicles #2).

margot colville

Anton Stallbörger

Of course it's hard to follow up on the masterpiece that is the first Dune but I would say that Herbert still disappoints in a lot of ways. 

What I did like was the constant subversion of expectations throughout, and the playing off fate and vision. His world also gets much more interesting with every new detail he adds. Much like the first book, I found this book redeemed by the last 80 pages or so but that still leaves a lot of fat (in an already short and well paced book) in the first 200 pages. 

I think that there is really good bones for a story in this novel but I think that Herbert's storytelling stands out as being the weakest link.  

I think that the movie adaptation (fingers crossed) will easily surpass this book in terms of raw quality, and storytelling. 

Derek Graf

Honestly closer to a 2.5 than a 3.5. 

Of course it's hard to follow up on the masterpiece that is the first Dune but I would say that Herbert still disappoints in a lot of ways. 

What I did like was the constant subversion of expectations throughout, and the playing off fate and vision. His world also gets much more interesting with every new detail he adds. Much like the first book, I found this book redeemed by the last 80 pages or so but that still leaves a lot of fat (in an already short and well paced book) in the first 200 pages. 

I think that there is really good bones for a story in this novel but I think that Herbert's storytelling stands out as being the weakest link.  

I think that the movie adaptation (fingers crossed) will easily surpass this book in terms of raw quality, and storytelling. 

Smaller world-building but well-paced. I really don't like Paul. I'm interested to see the movie adaptation.

Susan

Much like the first book, this took me so long to finish only because I got reading slump in the middle of reading it. I just really admire the worldbuilding that Frank Herbert did for Dune, and I think my little brain can understand better now not only because I've read the first book but the movies also helped! Duncan Idaho is my favorite always but Paul's character arc in this is so yummy in a miserable way that I just love. This book is just full of SADNESS and Paul going through all stages and types of griefs fr I feel bad for bro... The weird turn of relationship between Alia and Duncan is straight up my alley btw...

🦌

This is a sequel that generally disappoints, mostly because the expectations are so high following a masterpiece. It is an exploration of the aftermath of placing absolute faith into a leader. While I can understand this as a response to the idolization of Paul and within the context of its release, much of the dialogue is uninteresting. I did not feel like I needed this book in the series; the subtext was present in the first one. I’m interested to see if I feel different after reading the next book!

My highlights: I enjoyed Hayt, I can see the line “A mentat requires data” becoming a meme, more Alia screen time, and the later parts of the novel after Paul is inflicted. 

Jevin Sidhu

This is a sequel that generally disappoints, mostly because the expectations are so high following a masterpiece. It is an exploration of the aftermath of placing absolute faith into a leader. While I can understand this as a response to the idolization of Paul and within the context of its release, much of the dialogue is uninteresting. I did not feel like I needed this book in the series; the subtext was present in the first one. I’m interested to see if I feel different after reading the next book!

My highlights: I enjoyed Hayt, I can see the line “A mentat requires data” becoming a meme, more Alia screen time, and the later parts of the novel after Paul is inflicted. 

He really did Chani dirty in this one NGL

Terra Ganey

Chris Dailey

The sequel to Sci-Fi's "supreme masterpiece" is subtler and more introspective but every bit as moving as the first installment. Focusing on the pitfalls and dangers of Heroes, the novel follows the aftermath of Paul Atriedies's jihad. Devastation of planets by his fanatical Fremen have left billions dead and Muab'did is left to question its necessity and if he could have stopped it. It's full the mind-bending imagery, complex character and simmers until it explodes into a boil. Expanding on the themes of the original, Messiah explores religion, greed, conquest, family, culture and free will (or the lack thereof). A standout of science fiction and the Kid A to Dune's OK Computer.

Frank Herbert's "Dune Messiah," the sequel to the excellent "Dune," disappoints. While it explores interesting themes like Paul Muad'Dib's downfall and his struggle with precognition, the execution is lackluster. The novel suffers from excessive dialogue and introspection, lacking the adventure and world-building that made "Dune" engaging. Despite some intriguing concepts, such as Paul's difficult choices to ensure humanity's survival, the narrative is bogged down by long conversations and political maneuvering. The action only picks up in the final sixth of the book, making for a mostly tedious read compared to its predecessor.

Liana

Jess (the og)

definitely worth it

While not as epic as the first novel in the series, this is still of course written excellently. The character development is superb, and the plot may feel linear but there is a story to be told and a lesson Herbert wants us to learn about religion, government, the ego, love, and sacrifice.

“The Mother of Chaos was born in a sea… He watched me with eyes that knew I had learned something which was denied to him. I had become a sea creature and I frightened him. The sea healed me of the Jihad and I think he saw this.” (pg. 62)

“A touch of prescience came over Idaho then, and he saw that people of the future would speak of Paul in terms of seas. Despite a life soaked in dust, water would follow him. ‘His flesh floundered,’ they would say, ‘but he swam on.’” (pg. 325)

Bailee Strong

“The Mother of Chaos was born in a sea… He watched me with eyes that knew I had learned something which was denied to him. I had become a sea creature and I frightened him. The sea healed me of the Jihad and I think he saw this.” (pg. 62)

“A touch of prescience came over Idaho then, and he saw that people of the future would speak of Paul in terms of seas. Despite a life soaked in dust, water would follow him. ‘His flesh floundered,’ they would say, ‘but he swam on.’” (pg. 325)

Stronger, richer than the first. The title of messiah and all of its implications weigh heavy on just one man, who realizes the burden of what he’s created. Explores the duality of people in power—for those who are in prime positions yet want to be rid of it, and those who will clamor to keep these positions in their grasp. Fantastic, just fantastic.

Honestly think I read about a third of this too late at night and had trouble, in a state of stupid half-consciousness, following the heady language and conspiratorial plot. But damn is 

compelling and tragic. A classic sequel in that it carries on the themes of the first—all of the messianic foreboding and psychedelic weirdness—and turns it all up to eleven. It takes a pivot, though, in genre, trading most of the adventurous action for quieter, political intrigue. Yet it retains much of the excitement and inventiveness of its predecessor. 

I think this one could grew on me even more with a revisit. (I feel the same about the first.) But first, I’m excited to continue on with the next books in the series, even if this does seem to offer a satisfying end to the story of Paul Muad’Dib. 

Michael Klepacki

Honestly think I read about a third of this too late at night and had trouble, in a state of stupid half-consciousness, following the heady language and conspiratorial plot. But damn is Dune Messiah compelling and tragic. A classic sequel in that it carries on the themes of the first—all of the messianic foreboding and psychedelic weirdness—and turns it all up to eleven. It takes a pivot, though, in genre, trading most of the adventurous action for quieter, political intrigue. Yet it retains much of the excitement and inventiveness of its predecessor. 

I think this one could grew on me even more with a revisit. (I feel the same about the first.) But first, I’m excited to continue on with the next books in the series, even if this does seem to offer a satisfying end to the story of Paul Muad’Dib. 

Just like Dune, this is beautifully written. My favorite sections of this book are when the inner lives of the characters are explored, the thoughts processes and turmoil that runs through their minds. 

Rachel Stratton

Aan het begin vond ik het boek wel taai omdat het zo ingewikkeld was. Maar toen ik er halverwege inzat pakte ik goed door. De foreshadowing en worldbuilding is echt heel goed in deze serie. Het einde had ik niet verwacht en in mijn ogen heeft Paul zich redemed(voor nu dan, geen idee wat er nog verder gaat gebeuren) Ik ben vrij benieuwd naar het volgende boek.

ryan carlos tsumire de Guzman

It might just speak to the mythical quality of Herbert's storytelling, but what this long epilogue is able to accomplish is both surprising and unforgiving. My brain and heart hurt.

Paige LeBook

It is definitely an extended epilogue of Dune, but it’s so necessary to the story. A satisfying conclusion to that narrative  

Zachary Roberts

guild navigators are still one of the craziest sci fi inventions ever like wtf lol [i also will now forever see them as they were portrayed in the david lynch movie - mutated and deformed feral tardigrade like creatures in a steampunk sauna of spice - which i think is actually a misunderstood (albeit flawed) film]

mina nayeri

Cody Degen

** spoiler alert **
           mixed feelings on it compared to dune. The scope feels much smaller than previous book. Not sure what to think of the undertones of the book, in which Paul seems to be the only thing keeping the movement that he created from falling off the tracks. it may be hard to separate the book from what I already know of the story and memes surrounding it, because it really does just feel like a way to get more Duncan Idaho, who I wouldn't have considered one of the core characters. Really interesting decision to jump forward 12 years in which a lot of stuff happened that you traditionally would see in the first sequel, I wonder what compelled him to make that choice. In some ways I feel like I've been trained by a lot of media recently to expect to know everything about everything, and so all this stuff happening off page is very weird to me. I guess that's what having a son is for, so they can fill in every single detail you ever would've thought about. Overall 3 1/2 to 4 stars I would think, I put the next sequel on hold, but it won't be available for a month or two

Quinn Tenorio

I found this to be an insanely great follow up to Dune. After the success of our hero in the last book, turning that concept on its head and imposing another point of view was exactly the right direction to take the story. It has been almost a year since reading at the time of this review, so I am struggling to recall all that I enjoyed about the sequel.

[Spoilers below]

One aspect of this novel in particular that I enjoyed was the introduction of the Face Dancers. The concept of such a human is so interesting and I love how Herbert explored it. Additionally, I enjoy his creative nature when it comes to naming/describing particular aspects of this universe (e.g. Face Dancers being used as a name for humans who can change their physical attributes).

The sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit plots to seize control of the galaxy-wide empire of their supernatural leader

Aamna

Picked it up and read it over two days. 

Lacking as much world-depth/building as the first book, Messiah more than makes up for it with complex character development and tense, layered conversations and plot lines. 

From this point onwards the series appears to be taking on a high sci-fi path and I'm loving it.

Geoffrey Froggatt

** spoiler alert **
           This book was just as dense as the first book but was simultaneously easier to read because of my prior knowledge of the Dune mythology and universe. Thankfully this book is half the length of the first book so the story is much more condensed. I said in my review of Dune that that book was meant to be read at a certain time in one’s life and the same is to be said of this book. Dune Messiah was the inversion to Dune. Seeing Paul rise up in the first novel only to watch him fall from grace in this book was powerful to see. The writing style went over my head in certain passages but I understood the gist of the story. This is one of those books that requires multiple readings in order to understand the full scope. Many complaints about the first Dune novel since its publication have been about its use of the white savior trope, but the author addresses this in the second book and subverts the white savior trope by taking a hard left turn that leaves no character unscathed. As with the first Dune novel, I highly recommend watching Dune Club on YouTube for supplementary material and discussions on the novels that help flesh out and fully realize the meaning and themes within the books.

This didn't hold the same magic for me as the first book, but how could it? The first book's strength lied in it's mystique and intricate description of a strange world, but it lifted the veil for further books. Children of Dune does however excell at telling a story of political intrigue with a strong philosophical bent.

Anton Stallbörger &
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

Reviews

Highlights

Join the club

Anton Stallbörger &Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

Reviews

Highlights

Join the club

Anton Stallbörger &
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert