c_r1996's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
scroggin_cooper's review against another edition
4.0
A much better sequel than Messiah. Honestly, I think Dune Messiah and Children of Dune should've been combined into one book. This story does focus on Paul quite a bit less, but I like the characters it focuses on, Leto, Ghanima, and Farad'n are all great characters. While the returning characters of Jessica, Idaho, and Gurney are all still great. Granted, they're still pretty vanilla in terms of character work, but they all have traits that differentiate them and make me like them. The politics in this book is great. Political intrigue is either really good or so hilariously bad in SFF. This book also has lovely themes on power and religion that anyone who loves these deeper themes is going to love. The only thing I don't really like is that a pair of siblings have to wed, but Herbert makes it tremendously clear that they won't mate. (His words not mine.) Needless to say, I'm psyched to get to God Emperor of Dune.
abogges1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
sourkraus's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
janfic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
goldenspider's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
jeannamarie's review against another edition
3.0
More like 2.5 stars.
So many reviews say how I feel better than I could articulate and maybe I’ll feel more articulate after some time away from the book.
In short, needs more world building, less philosophical thinking and discussion. UNLESS, this is Herbert’s intention for the series, but it’s not very pleasant to read.
The book picked up after the identity of the Preacher was revealed, but to be honest, that happened too late in the book for me to even care.
I only finished because I’m committed to finishing the story and series, not because I necessarily enjoy them anymore. I enjoyed the first two, this one not so much.
So many reviews say how I feel better than I could articulate and maybe I’ll feel more articulate after some time away from the book.
In short, needs more world building, less philosophical thinking and discussion. UNLESS, this is Herbert’s intention for the series, but it’s not very pleasant to read.
The book picked up after the identity of the Preacher was revealed, but to be honest, that happened too late in the book for me to even care.
I only finished because I’m committed to finishing the story and series, not because I necessarily enjoy them anymore. I enjoyed the first two, this one not so much.
jmoravec's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
I wish more sci-fi was like the Dune series (at least the ones I've read). So many interweaving themes and character arcs, with interesting plot and sci-fi elements in the forefront. These have been very conflicting for me to read, as the protagonists are really not "good guys" in the broader sense, but I find myself rooting for them even as I know this is a tale of warning for these types of ideas and character archetypes.
My main critique of this book is that it falls into the fantasy/sci-fi trope of lots jargon/made up words and doesn't explain them, while the characters of the book all know what they mean. Dune had the glossary in the back which was useful, and the book does eventually explain the terms as part of the reading, but it's a frustrating experience to question if you should already know what these words/terms mean when they're introduced.
I'm looking forward to the next books, though, as it's also getting very weird, which is usually always fun in sci-fi!
My main critique of this book is that it falls into the fantasy/sci-fi trope of lots jargon/made up words and doesn't explain them, while the characters of the book all know what they mean. Dune had the glossary in the back which was useful, and the book does eventually explain the terms as part of the reading, but it's a frustrating experience to question if you should already know what these words/terms mean when they're introduced.
I'm looking forward to the next books, though, as it's also getting very weird, which is usually always fun in sci-fi!
100booksyearly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
If you're a fan of exploring expansive science fiction realms teeming with fantastical elements and have the curiosity to immerse yourself in a universe brimming with its own unique cultures, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the Dune series. The captivating journey through this richly crafted world is an experience that I encourage fellow readers to embark upon.