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A review by sebastianletts
Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
4.5
4.5 stars (minor spoilers).
I absolutely adored [b:Dune Messiah|44492285|Dune Messiah (Dune, #2)|Frank Herbert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577043824l/44492285._SY75_.jpg|3634570]. More so than a sequel, it very much functions as an epilogue to the story, that delves into the abstract philosophical elements of Dune even more than the first. It was such an intriguing exploration of religion, especially Paul's relationship to it, particularly both through him and Alia. Korba and Stilgar have minor roles, but they still shine in showing what the consequences were of the Holy War, and showing how lost they are when comparing it to Paul's understanding of what he has done. Seeing this through his muddled, unclear visions is very intriguing, and an interesting way to understand the curse that has been bestowed upon him, as much as that curse was something he bestowed upon himself. His arc also closes here beautifully (not knowing if he has a part to play in [b:Children of Dune|44492286|Children of Dune (Dune, #3)|Frank Herbert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564783201l/44492286._SY75_.jpg|3634573]). My only qualm with the book is that I would have loved to see Irulan further explored as an individual subjected to being a political pawn, a chess piece in a greater story. Her motives are profoundly intriguing and I would have loved to see more from her, as some of the chapters where she is present are some of the most interesting. Otherwise, this is a fantastic book that is worth reading after the first. It offers so much insight that I never expected and carries the philosophical messages of the original.
I absolutely adored [b:Dune Messiah|44492285|Dune Messiah (Dune, #2)|Frank Herbert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577043824l/44492285._SY75_.jpg|3634570]. More so than a sequel, it very much functions as an epilogue to the story, that delves into the abstract philosophical elements of Dune even more than the first. It was such an intriguing exploration of religion, especially Paul's relationship to it, particularly both through him and Alia. Korba and Stilgar have minor roles, but they still shine in showing what the consequences were of the Holy War, and showing how lost they are when comparing it to Paul's understanding of what he has done. Seeing this through his muddled, unclear visions is very intriguing, and an interesting way to understand the curse that has been bestowed upon him, as much as that curse was something he bestowed upon himself. His arc also closes here beautifully (not knowing if he has a part to play in [b:Children of Dune|44492286|Children of Dune (Dune, #3)|Frank Herbert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564783201l/44492286._SY75_.jpg|3634573]). My only qualm with the book is that I would have loved to see Irulan further explored as an individual subjected to being a political pawn, a chess piece in a greater story. Her motives are profoundly intriguing and I would have loved to see more from her, as some of the chapters where she is present are some of the most interesting. Otherwise, this is a fantastic book that is worth reading after the first. It offers so much insight that I never expected and carries the philosophical messages of the original.