The religious war to win an intersteller Empire is over and Paul Atreides has won... he now rules 10000 planets from his desert world of Arrakis.
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He controls the spice melange, a quasi mystical substance that allows humans to develop their psychic abilities to a peak of ability. The spice allows Guild Navigators to travel from one part of space to another in an instant. Without the spice humans would revert to isolated groups in the vastness of space.
And Paul Atreides controls it, his armies fling themselves across the universe fighting a religious war that proclaims him Emperor of humanity.
Paul commands armies of terrifying power and his own abilities allow him to predict the future and manipulate time itself for he is the Kwisatz Haderach, the messiah foretold in prophecy.
Paul battles the enemies his success has created. He also battles his own anguish and distaste for the role of religious leader he now plays. Paul must face the terror of betrayal and face his greatest fear. For his enemies seek to destroy him utterly and as the vultures gather they focus on Paul's beloved concubine, Chani.
The review of this Book prepared by marty pardoe
As the second book in the series, the Dune Messiah places us in the middle of the political struggles in running an empire. Within this book we experience a reluctant ruler…Paul Atreides besieged by the plotting of his enemies. The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood has aligned itself with the Guild and some other players including someone very close to the throne. Interestingly, the book gives you the feeling that you are aware of all the plots and counter-plots being presented. Therfore, it refreshing to see that when all these plots come into execution, you find yourself as surprised as the plotters at the unexpected results.
The book is a necessary transition tool and sets a firm foundation for the next book in the series (climax of the original trilogy)The Children of Dune. Although this book it is very dry at times and heavily laced with dialog, it is worth reading if only to see how many webs can be woven in political intrigue. And as mentioned earlier, the ending is quite spectacular and certainly sets up the next book in the series. Overall, a most satisfying read.
The review of this Book prepared by Robert Merced