I have been enjoying rereading the Dune series by Frank Herbert. This is definitely not standard science fiction writing.
This book is quite a bit different than the others. Leto II, the son of Paul Muad’Dib is now thousands of years old and is more worm than human. Arrakis is no longer the desert planet Dune, but a planet turned into a lush paradise.
Leto is not just an emperor, he is worshiped as a god. He sees himself that way, at least as the saviour of humanity. While his methods may be cruel, his goal is the continued existence of the human race. This is why he is the God Emperor of Dune.
Is Leto the hero or the villain? It depends on who you ask. He is probably a little of both.
While an important part of the Dune saga, I wouldn’t say that it is as enjoyable as the previous books. It more philosophical than the others (and the others were pretty philosophical!).
It was thought provoking and yet there were times that the confusing pronouncements on the meaning of life got tiresome. The Duncan Idaho ghola was one of the most interesting parts, grounded as he was in the past.
If you enjoy Dune, you need to read this book, but be prepared for something different.
