A review by thealbapoems
Children of Dune by Frank Herbert

adventurous reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The last book of the trilogy. I’m happy with the way it ended, but I am a little disappointed. I know there are more books in the Dune collection but I don’t think I’ll read them. It’s frustrating because some characters deserved better, but I guess this frustration is what Herbert wanted. As always the world building is fantastic, but it feels slightly less calculated than in the first two books. Something that bothered me from the first time I watched the movie is the contradiction between the Fremen and their unity with the dessert, the way they flow with its natural rhythm, and their longing for a green paradise.

I’m happy that the last two books talk about the return to the old ways, and I guess that now that I think about it, the Fremen only wanted this in theory, and once they see the sea off-world they realize it’s not their way. What made me very sad is the way that Herbert treats his female characters, Chani, Jessica, Irulan, Ghanima, but most of all poor Alia. I think all of them are presented as being extremely powerful, but only in theory, and once they face their male counterparts they are overshadowed. I think Alia’s character arc was rushed and a little unjustified, and Ghanima’s development once she and Leto II fakes his death is awful. The justification Herbert gives at the end that Leto II was always the strongest one feels a little on the nose. Part of me wants to believe that Leto II is doing what Paul couldn't and protecting Ghani as Paul would have liked to protect Chani, but I’m unsure.

Overall, I am very happy with the trilogy, and recommend it to everyone; just take somethings with a pinch of salt.