A review by aimeedarsreads
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

3.0

It would be so hard to top Dune, and Herbert has not captured the same wonder of the original novel. Paul, twelve years after becoming emperor, relies not on his Mentat abilities or Bene Gesserit training but on his bleak visions of the future. While Herbert's son, in the preface, notes that his father was concerned about the power of messiahs, I thought the book ruminated less on Pual Muad'dib's all-encompassing power than on being imprisoned by his visions. Both are interesting questions, but neither were explored to my satisfaction. One line that has resonated with me is from a letter Jessica wrote to Paul regarding religious governments and how dangerous it is for a populace when breaking the law becomes tantamount to committing a sin.