Children of Dune finished just now.
My reading history with this series came to a halt when I first read Dune Messiah back in 1986, finding that book to be a bore with no action and an ending for Paul Atreides that didn't sit well with me. Still, I had a love for Dune, which I re-read prior to the release of Denis Villenueve's two-part movie series. When it was announced that a third movie would be made based upon the sequel novel, I re-read that book. Much older now, I believe I understood better what Herbert was saying with the events of that book, so much so that I will say I enjoyed reading it. And that prompted me to finish Herbert's series (I will not likely read anything beyond Chapterhouse: Dune).
Children of Dune was a much more approachable story for this first read than was Dune Messiah. Some of it was predictable, such as the true identity of the Preacher, while overall it was just compelling reading. As a slow reader over the last 20 years or so, I read this 600+ page book in about three weeks, which is closer to the speed at which I read in my younger years. I found the story of the twins to be the most fascinating part of the story, but also their interaction with their grandmother Jessica and their Aunt, Alia. I am most curious to see where Herbert takes the story of Leto II's evolution beyond human in the next novel.
Up next, God Emperor of Dune.
My reading history with this series came to a halt when I first read Dune Messiah back in 1986, finding that book to be a bore with no action and an ending for Paul Atreides that didn't sit well with me. Still, I had a love for Dune, which I re-read prior to the release of Denis Villenueve's two-part movie series. When it was announced that a third movie would be made based upon the sequel novel, I re-read that book. Much older now, I believe I understood better what Herbert was saying with the events of that book, so much so that I will say I enjoyed reading it. And that prompted me to finish Herbert's series (I will not likely read anything beyond Chapterhouse: Dune).
Children of Dune was a much more approachable story for this first read than was Dune Messiah. Some of it was predictable, such as the true identity of the Preacher, while overall it was just compelling reading. As a slow reader over the last 20 years or so, I read this 600+ page book in about three weeks, which is closer to the speed at which I read in my younger years. I found the story of the twins to be the most fascinating part of the story, but also their interaction with their grandmother Jessica and their Aunt, Alia. I am most curious to see where Herbert takes the story of Leto II's evolution beyond human in the next novel.
Up next, God Emperor of Dune.
