Children of Dune

I continue to make my later-in-life-than-expected trek through Frank Herbert's "Dune" series, and I have to say that the trilogy of "Dune," "Dune Messiah," and "Children of Dune" is an incredibly satisfying, fascinating, and confounding unified tale that entirely exceeds my expectations. While "Dune" gets all the Hollywood fame, or infamy, as novels it is really most appropriate to consider the first three books as a unified trilogy along the lines of "Lord of the Rings," as Herbert's cautionary tale of the risks created by charismatic leaders only bears its full fruit after three all three books. It's safe to say that "Children of Dune" is the craziest of the three books, including a morphing of one of the lead characters into something beyond human as well as demonic possession. I don't want to get into the plot - this book has been summarized and analyzed to death. Just get yourself a copy of the first trilogy and start reading, and you will be inspired for the highly recommended re-read. This Deluxe hardcover edition is a fine edition. Beautiful artwork for the cover and inside covers, and a few hidden gems I won't spoil.

“Power attracts the psychotics. Always. That’s what we have to avoid within ourselves.” In this one we get another time jump and the twins are now nine although in reality they seem much older. I think it was often hard to forget that they were only nine until someone referred to them as a child. Once you read this one I think Dune Messiah makes more sense and can be appreciated just a little bit more. In this one we start to see just how far Paul's religion has failed and how complacent the Fremen are starting to become. The twins have come up with a rather intense plan that I have to admit I didn't understand at all until the very end when it was explained but holy cow. Alia's storyline in this one was interesting I think just because we got to see a bit of what could happen to those who are preborn like the twins. The Preacher was an interesting addition in this story because he went against all of the things that Paul taught. He didn't feel like a super important character for most of the story though in my opinion at least not until the end. We get Lady Jessica back in the story as an active participant this time. She seems to be back to her Bene Gesserit roots in this one and she returns to Arrakis! We also get some new House Corrino members who are wanting the throne back. We also get some old favorites who seem to be a bit different which connects to all the various changes happening around them. I think I really loved how much this one felt like Dune with all the political scheming. I mean like every single character is working some angle. I loved how much we weren't told until the end. I also enjoyed all the plots within plots. We had spies and double agents. I honestly think this one was really engaging. I wish the twins were older characters just because they act older and sometimes it confuses me. I loved that we start to see how a religion can begin to unravel so easily once it's in the wrong hands. I mean without Paul around things have gone so far to the extreme and the Fremen have become so different. The twins have a plot to fix things and I wasn't expecting it to be honest. However, it does make perfect sense once it begins to be explained. I loved seeing just how different Ghani and Leto became as they encountered different journeys in this book. I look forward to seeing how the scheming plays out in the next book. I love that this series has consumed me so completely when it's not something I would normally read. It's been a wild ride and honestly it's an amazing story if you are willing to let yourself get immersed in the characters and the world. It can at times be a bit overwhelming and confusing but it always becomes clear in the end.

I think I just keep reading these books because they offer my mind an exercise. The writing is so poetic and ethereal that it takes me to another world. Frank Herbert's unique voice and one of a kind tone are hypnotizing. The whole experience is like grasping at a dream. Every step gets you closer and yet every step takes you farther away. Toward what? The Golden Path maybe? In this, the third in the epic Dune series, we follow the story of Paul Atreides' twin children Ghanima and Leto Jr. These are not average children. They were conscious inside the womb and have the memories of thousands of people including their mother, father, and grandmother. The key to this is a combination of genetic manipulation from thousands of years of breeding programs and a high dose of melange, the addictive substance that in the right circumstance can unlock the secrets of consciousness and time. Ghanima and Leto are the heirs to the Empire that their father left behind, possibly dead but maybe not. Before Ghanima and Leto can take the throne they have to contend with everyone thinking they are the age they look, as well as their aunt Alia who is the regent in control of the empire and doesn't want to give it up, as well as a growing plot from the Corrino Family who was displaced by Paul Atreides when he took over Arrakis in the first book. To make matters worse the Preacher is running around sowing doubt about the moral authority of Alia and the path that the government is taking the people down. As the fight for the Empire rages on a new threat emerges from the sand. A threat that is destroying the infrastructure that has brought water to the desert planet and is creating a new mythology. Is it a god or just another passing contender? If you like epic sci-fi worlds with fantasy elements and can handle diving into a world with its culture and language then I recommend reading the Dune books. Obviously, you have to start with the first one but once you get into this epic story it does not disappoint. It continues to intrigue and mystify. The series is like the additive melange. While it might be confusing at times its allure is undeniable.

Delivery was prompt however when i received the book, it was in a bad condition. Have requested for a replacement, hopefully this can be resolved.

The Children of Dune is the third book in the Dune series by Frank Herbert. The book focuses on Paul Atriedes children Leto and Ghanima as they find themselves in the midst of power struggles among various factions. This is another engaging book in the Dune Saga. Paul's story more or less ends in the previous book Dune Messiah as this book is about the fate of his children and the empire while laying the groundwork for the next book God Emperor of Dune. Highly recommended for Dune fans and sci-fi fans.

Exactly as advertised and expected

Ótimo