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A review by atoft
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
"He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy!"
The second of the Great Dune Trilogy picks up ten years after the events of the first. A decade into his reign as emperor, Maud'Dib's much foretold jihad rages across the galaxy. Meanwhile on Arrakis, a conspiracy of the Atreides' enemies assemble to bring an end to him and his lineage.
Dune Messiah takes a somewhat interesting approach to the story it depicts. While galaxy-spanning events on an almost unimaginable scale are taking place, the book stays squarely focused on the scheming of a few key figures in the conspiracy, on the increasing despondence of Paul and his spiralling visions of the future, and on his concubine Chani and sister Alia and their uneasy roles within the society and religion that he has built up around them.
The conspiracy plot feels very slow paced. While it's interesting to see the uncomfortable alliance between factions such as the Bene Gesserit and the Tleilaxu, their plans and intentions remain too vague for too long to be really engaging. That said, it is interesting to explore the various ways that they try to prevent Paul's prescience from detecting their plot, including the exploitation of a Guild Steersman with oracular powers that are capable of interfering with his vision. Of note too is the conspiracy's creation of a golem or "ghola" in the form of the late Duncan Idaho, raising questions about the nature of memory and identity.
Perhaps more intriguing is the exploration of the new society being constructed on Arrakis, in which Paul takes the role of a godlike religious figurehead, with Alia as a mysterious prophet. Billions die in a holy war raging far away, which Paul seems at most mildly miffed about, convinced that this is still the best path forward for the galaxy. Despite the things he's willing to do, and his absolute power and influence, he still believes he's doing the right thing, and is still obsessed with steering his way to the best path through the uncertain and bloody future of his visions. The way the Fremen, seen through Chani, Paul's right hand Stilgar, and the general population, are affected by this sweeping new order is effectively ambiguous. Are the people really better off with this path to a green Arrakis, with this new religious zealotry thrust upon them?
The conspiracy comes to a head in a way that is ultimatelyfatal for both Chani and Paul, but in failing to end the family line brings forth the question of what will become of Arrakis, and the empire, in the next generation?
As with the previous book, Dune Messiah certainly has its problematic elements. The female characters remain too often objects to be used by the plot, and are most relevant in their potential to produce offspring. Another example is in the treatment of Paul's wife, the Princess Irulan, who disappears entirely from the book once her purpose in the conspiracy has been served, and mother Jessica, who is barely present at all.
Dune Messiah digs even deeper into the rich, intricate world established by its predecessor. It's filled with moral ambiguity, mysterious premonitions, and vast power struggles. Compared to its predecessor though, it can feel a little sluggish, with less of a strongly defined central plot around which to hang its detailed tapestry. As a result, it's perhaps a less satisfying experience in its own right.
"The flesh surrenders itself, he thought. Eternity takes back its own. Our bodies stirred these waters briefly, danced with a certain intoxication before the love of life and self, dealt with a few strange ideas, then submitted to the instruments of Time. What can we say of this? I occurred. I am not... yet, I occurred."
The second of the Great Dune Trilogy picks up ten years after the events of the first. A decade into his reign as emperor, Maud'Dib's much foretold jihad rages across the galaxy. Meanwhile on Arrakis, a conspiracy of the Atreides' enemies assemble to bring an end to him and his lineage.
Dune Messiah takes a somewhat interesting approach to the story it depicts. While galaxy-spanning events on an almost unimaginable scale are taking place, the book stays squarely focused on the scheming of a few key figures in the conspiracy, on the increasing despondence of Paul and his spiralling visions of the future, and on his concubine Chani and sister Alia and their uneasy roles within the society and religion that he has built up around them.
The conspiracy plot feels very slow paced. While it's interesting to see the uncomfortable alliance between factions such as the Bene Gesserit and the Tleilaxu, their plans and intentions remain too vague for too long to be really engaging. That said, it is interesting to explore the various ways that they try to prevent Paul's prescience from detecting their plot, including the exploitation of a Guild Steersman with oracular powers that are capable of interfering with his vision. Of note too is the conspiracy's creation of a golem or "ghola" in the form of the late Duncan Idaho, raising questions about the nature of memory and identity.
Perhaps more intriguing is the exploration of the new society being constructed on Arrakis, in which Paul takes the role of a godlike religious figurehead, with Alia as a mysterious prophet. Billions die in a holy war raging far away, which Paul seems at most mildly miffed about, convinced that this is still the best path forward for the galaxy. Despite the things he's willing to do, and his absolute power and influence, he still believes he's doing the right thing, and is still obsessed with steering his way to the best path through the uncertain and bloody future of his visions. The way the Fremen, seen through Chani, Paul's right hand Stilgar, and the general population, are affected by this sweeping new order is effectively ambiguous. Are the people really better off with this path to a green Arrakis, with this new religious zealotry thrust upon them?
The conspiracy comes to a head in a way that is ultimately
As with the previous book, Dune Messiah certainly has its problematic elements. The female characters remain too often objects to be used by the plot, and are most relevant in their potential to produce offspring. Another example is in the treatment of Paul's wife, the Princess Irulan, who disappears entirely from the book once her purpose in the conspiracy has been served, and mother Jessica, who is barely present at all.
Dune Messiah digs even deeper into the rich, intricate world established by its predecessor. It's filled with moral ambiguity, mysterious premonitions, and vast power struggles. Compared to its predecessor though, it can feel a little sluggish, with less of a strongly defined central plot around which to hang its detailed tapestry. As a result, it's perhaps a less satisfying experience in its own right.
"The flesh surrenders itself, he thought. Eternity takes back its own. Our bodies stirred these waters briefly, danced with a certain intoxication before the love of life and self, dealt with a few strange ideas, then submitted to the instruments of Time. What can we say of this? I occurred. I am not... yet, I occurred."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, Violence, and Murder