Scan barcode
A review by deimosremus
God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
God Emperor of Dune is the fourth and final entry in the original dune saga/arc that concerns its most iconic characters. Heretics and Chapterhouse largely act as new stories set in the same universe, from what I can tell. At this point, as much as I've enjoyed the series, I think I've gotten as much as I can out of it, and I doubt I'll continue past this one.
Largely focusing on Paul's highly metamorphosed son, Leto II, God Emperor of Dune concerns the aftermath of his 3500 year reign of religious tyranny and a significant change in Arrakis' environment... culminating in the execution of the Golden Path-- a plan built upon precognition and the dismantling of the galactic imperium.
Perhaps the least traditionally exciting entry in the series, as it contains a higher ratio of dialogue and philosophy than any other, with Herbert's always-nuanced understanding of power structures and their pervasive influence. I have no problem with this, and Leto II is perhaps the series most intriguing character, acting as both an antagonist and protagonist... not in a simplistic display of "grey morality" but rather an exploration of how immortality would affect someone's psyche, their relationships and side effects like an increase in complacency, boredom and the perpetuation of myths.
Largely focusing on Paul's highly metamorphosed son, Leto II, God Emperor of Dune concerns the aftermath of his 3500 year reign of religious tyranny and a significant change in Arrakis' environment... culminating in the execution of the Golden Path-- a plan built upon precognition and the dismantling of the galactic imperium.
Perhaps the least traditionally exciting entry in the series, as it contains a higher ratio of dialogue and philosophy than any other, with Herbert's always-nuanced understanding of power structures and their pervasive influence. I have no problem with this, and Leto II is perhaps the series most intriguing character, acting as both an antagonist and protagonist... not in a simplistic display of "grey morality" but rather an exploration of how immortality would affect someone's psyche, their relationships and side effects like an increase in complacency, boredom and the perpetuation of myths.