I REREAD THE DUNE MESSIAH BY FRANK HERBERT (+SPRING STYLING)

Hello there! How are you doing?  Yesterday I went to the library and picked up some books. One of the books I picked out was Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert, a novel that I read (possibly even twice) in the past. I thought I might browse through it again, but I ended up reading it with utmost concentration again. In fact, I read it in what felt as one breath. 

I was reminded why I love the Dune series so much. I do understand why a lot of readers prefer the original book to the sequel. The first novel introduced the world of Dune to us. Moreover, it's more or less a  tale of success. A young Paul is essentially a positive and moral character. Not that Paul is a negative character in the sequel, but leadership places demands on him and you see that things aren't black and white. This time around (rereading Dune Messiah), I was able to concentrate more on the personal aspect of the novel. I sympathized with Paul and his pain. I remember the incredibly touching tribute (that makes me cry every time I read it) Herbert wrote to his wife after losing her to cancer. Paul and Chani's love story remains incredibly touching.

A few words about the outfit and location before I'll get back to talking about Herbert and Dune.This is one of the outfits I wore in April. It's a layered outfit perfect for changeable spring weather. As you can see, I wore the coat off shoulders once the sun got out. The location are vineyards surrounding restaurant Romanca near Mostar.  Being the queen of 'closet shopping' and all, it won't surprise you that I shopped my closet for this outfit. 

SUSTAINABLE OUTFIT INFORMATION

THE OLD GREY (BW HOUNDSTOOTH PATTERN) COAT - WORN IN 2022 HERE, FIVE WAYS TO STYLE AN OVERSIZED COAT HERE

THE VINTAGE WHITE BLAZER- HERE I love this blazer. It was given to me by my sister in law and it's actually a part of s skirt suit, but I usually wear that suit as separates. This blazer is simply perfect for transitional weather. I love to wear it with skirt and dresses, but I also love how it adds elegance to denim outfits.  1) WHITE BLAZER WORN WITH AN ORANGE DRESS AND LEOPARD HEELS 2)WITH A LEOPARD DRESS AND A MAGENTA COAT 3) WITH A VINTAGE PINK DRESS AND PINK SANDALS & SOCKS 4) WITH LEVI'S JEANS, POINTY BOOTS AND FAUX FUR COLLAR 5)WITH  A MIXED PRINT DRESS AND MARY JANE HEELS 6) WITH A GREY SKIRT, DIY NECKLACE AND PEKO BOOTS 7) WITH BLACK FLARED CORD JEANS AND A PASTEL SHIRT 8) WITH  A DENIM SKIRT AND A PASTEL TURTLENECK SWEATER 9) WITH A BLACK DRESS AND STILETTO HEELS 10) WITH A BLUE AMADEUS DRESS AND PINK HEELS 11)  WITH  A BLACK SHIRT, STRAIGHT CUT BLUE JEANS AND A WHITE BLAZER

THE STANKA ZOVKO 'OZZ BRAND' SHIRT- first worn here then WORN HERE and HERE.

THE CORD BLACK JEANS- HERE  & HERE & HERE

THE BROWN HEELED BOOTS- BOUGHT IN 2012 WORN HERE AND HERE IN 2013!

 A DOZEN WAYS TO WEAR  BURGUNDY BAG HERE

Back to the Dune novel!

I UNDERSTAND WHY EVERYONE LOVES THE ORIGINAL BUT I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THE DUNE SEQUELS! WHY? 

Dune Messiah feels anti-climatic because it undermines and questions Paul's success. While some dislike sequels for that reason, I actually admire the author for taking such a bold risk and making the sequels so different from the original book. Some might call the sequels a bit confusing. I actually wouldn't argue with that. Herbert's writing is not mean to be simple. This science fiction series is meant to provoke the reader. If you like your typical black and white, clean cut characters, this is definitely not a series for you. The characters are constantly re-examined and questioned in all of Dune novels. The writing can feel overwhelming at times. In this novel we slowly start to glance at the appearance of the 'golden path', something that will be fully explained only in the sequel to Children of Dune.

ALL DUNE NOVELS REVIEWED! 

I'll do a little recap of my Dune reviews now. 

DUNE 

SOME BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT DUNE

Published in 1965, Dune is a science fiction classical. It won both the Nebula in 1965 and the Hugo award in 1966. This novel achieved a cult status among science fiction fans. Even those who have not read Dune have probably heard about it, for Dune has been adopted a number of times. 

DUNE IS ONE OF THOSE ABSOLUTELY LIFE-CHANGING READS

Dune, the first novel in the Dune series, is (in my view) absolutely one of those life-changing reads. It is unique, that is for sure. The novel is wildly imaginative, set in an unique dystopian future and populated with some of the most memorable characters I have ever come across. Dune takes world building on a whole new level but at the same time, it speaks of our present human society. It offers a future vision of mankind, but our struggles are still the same. Dune is a very relevant novel that raises numerous questions about religion, power, politics and identity. As many science fiction works I admire, Dune asks the question- What does it mean to be human? Some of its characters exhibit or acquire superhuman abilities, but even they are often trapped by the constraints of human society and their own social programming. It is fascinating to observe the conflict between the individual and the society in this book so rich in meaning and philosophical questions. The imagined world of Dune can be seen as a mirror in which we can see our inner selves. Many of the principal characters in this novel find themselves trapped between their duty to the outside world and their duty to themselves. Among the ruling class, often it is hard to remain truthful, even to the loved ones. There is always danger, lurking both outside and inside.

DUNE IS OFTEN CALLED THE BEST SCIENCE FICTION NOVEL FOR  REASON

Dune is the best selling science fiction novel of all times- and deserving so. It wouldn't be far fetched to call it the best science fiction work of all times. When it comes to my personal reading experience, it is certainly one of the best novels I have read, science fiction or otherwise. Besides the absolute fascination the world building presented for me, I was (and still am) deeply fascinated with the individual characters. The psychological portrait of the characters is wonderful. The power structures in Dune are so well presented and an interesting area to study. There are so many fascinating societies within this dystopian world and they are all well presented in the characters themselves. In fact, most important characters almost always present a certain key structure of society.

DUNE PRESENTS  A WORLD WHERE TECHNOLOGY IS TABOO

Dune is a world of the future but one where technology is taboo. Space travel exists, but planets are ruled by feudal houses - all of them united under the rule of a single king. The emperor with the noble houses may seem at the top, but it is the secret societies that hold much power- such as the 'witches', i.e. Bene Gesserit, a sisterhood of women who like to rule from the shadows. They are one of the key figures in the Dune universe, often using religion to manipulate others and achieve their gains.

THE WORLD BUILDING JUST FLOWS WITH THE PLOT

What is so ingenious about Dune is that all of this world building just flows with the plot and the introduction of characters. The plot of the novel starts when a noble family Atreides has to leave a water planet they rule in an exchange for Dune (Rakis), a desert planet where 'spice' (a mysterious substance that elongates life and hold the Empire together) is produced by giant worms. The descriptions of planets are fantastic and many interesting questions are raised in terms of ecology, the effect we have on nature (and vice versa). This planet is really a character in itself. Human influence to the planet they inhabit is a theme much discussed in the novel.

READ MY FULL REVIEW OF DUNE HERE.

DUNE MESSIAH 

 BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT DUNE MESSIAH

Dune Messiah was originally serialized in Galaxy Science Fiction magazine in 1969 and published the same year by Putnam. Whereas critical response was largely positive with many reviewers praising the novel, the sequel didn't achieve the same level of success as Dune. However, that could be said of all the sequels. Dune is, without doubt, the best received novel in all the series. 

ADAPTATION BY SCIENCE FICTION CHANNEL IN 2003

Dune Messiah and its sequel (Children of Dune) were both adapted as a mini series titled Frank Herbert's Children of Dune. It's a while since I saw that mini series, but as far as I recall, in terms of the plot, the mini series followed the book quite closely. Don't watch it before you read the book if you want to avoid spoilers. 

TIME FRAME FOR DUNE MESSIAH- 12 YEARS AFTER THE TRIUMPH

Dune Messiah doesn't start immediately after the end of Dune. Rather, it starts 12 years after Paul's triumph. ( I don't think it's a spoiler to write that Paul wins 'the game of thrones' at the end of the first novel. If you know there is a sequel named after Paul, you can assume he survives. I do try to avoid spoilers in my reviews, but some background information is often necessary, especially when reviewing sequels. ) During this 12 years, Paul's rise to power was cemented by a bloody jihad lead by his elite Fremen fighters. The dark shadow of this is upon Paul as the novel opens.  Why did the author choose to leave the jihad out of the novel? I think it is because was more dramatic to place it into the past. This way the author also created some distance between the Paul of the first book and the one of the second. The reader must asks himself: 'How well do I know Paul?'. In Dune, Paul is a boy that is forced to grow up too quickly. Movie versions typically cast older actors, but Paul of the novel is a teenager. Once Paul acquires his prophetic vision, he is changed forever and it is hard to think of him as being of any age. On the other hand, his young age remains a factor. In the sequel, Paul is not as young. Moreover, during this space of twelve years much has changed. Paul is a man fully grown and a ruler of entire Universe at that. What are the consequences of that? 

DOES DUNE MESSIAH UNDERLINE PAUL'S SUCCESS?

I read that Frank Herbert himself said that Dune was like heroic melody and Dune Messiah its inversion. That was my interpretation as well. In Dune, Paul wins against all odds. He risks his life repeatedly to save his mother and sister as well as to preserve his royal house. At the end of Dune, Paul is a hero. However, the tables have switched in Dune Messiah. Paul is no longer the rebel against the king, now he is the king. Will he past the ultimate test? Will the power corrupt him? 

PAUL SUPERNATURAL ABILITIES CANNOT SOLVE EVERYTHING 

The reader will have to get used to a new Paul. His powers are not an easy way out. Paul is surrounded by complex philosophical and moral problems. The setting may be the same as in the first book, but everything else is different. I actually like how this second novel feels like a completely different work. Instead of recycling Dune, the author created a completely different work for us- a book that often deals with politics and the art of ruling. This book undermines Paul's success, turning him from a victorious to a tragic figure. There is a definite note of bitterness and sadness in this novel. The tone of the book is completely different to that of Dune.

DUNE MESSIAH AS A PHILOSOPHICAL RATHER THAN AN ACTION PACKED NOVEL

The sequel to Dune is less action packed that the original book. There are still conspiracies and plots, murder attempts and murders, but much of the action takes place in the shadows. This novel is more political scheming than plain action. Once again, the mechanisms of Dune universe are examined. The world building continues in just as much detail and splendor, one might say. As the known Universe changes, so does the world building. The Universe describes is still familiar, but the story is less plot driven and feels more philosophical. Some readers might enjoy it, others might feel that the book is slow or anti-climatic. Those who are interested in the social structure and secret societies of Dune will be rewarded by greater insight into them. 

A WARNING AGAINST THE MISUSE OF POWER

Within itself, Dune Messiah carries a warning against the misuse of power. Paul we know from Dune is a moral young man. Is he changed in the sequel? He doesn't seem to be, yet the blood of billions is on his hands. At times you feel like Paul is completely trapped by his powers. Paul seems to be aware of it. His thoughts about the dangers of the misuse of power were quite inspiring. I genuinely enjoyed the way politics was examined in this novel. It made me think of Machiavelli's The Prince. As a reader, I felt that I could see the effort that Frank Herbert put into this book. Many of the quotes from this book still echo through my mind, warning me of the dangers of bad government. For example, the following sentence often makes me think: 'Misuse of power is a fatal sin. ' Isn't is so? How often does the government become corrupt? Does it always happen? How long before the law is abused? Can we ever trust any law or government?  Should we? 

READ MY FULL REVIEW OF THE DUNE MESSIAH HERE!

THE CHILDREN OF DUNE

SOME BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHILDREN OF DUNE

The Children of Dune the third novel in Dune series: Children of Dune.  This novel was published in 1976 and is a sequel to Dune Messiah which in turn is a sequel to original Dune novel. In case you are not familiar with Frank Herbert writing, there are six novels in the Dune series. Moreover, there are more books set in Dune Universe that were written by other writers (Frank Herbert's son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Aderson collaborated to write prequels and sequels for the Dune series).

"Initially selling over 75,000 copies, it became the first hardcover best-seller ever in the science fiction field. The novel was critically well-received for its plot, action, and atmosphere, and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1977. Dune Messiah (1969) and Children of Dune were collectively adapted by the Sci-Fi Channel in 2003 into a miniseries titled Frank Herbert's Children of Dune." cited from wiki. 

THE CHILDREN OF DUNE ARE GROWING UP IN THE ENDLESSLY COMPLEX WORLD

So, what kind of world do we meet in Children of Dune? One thing is obvious from the start. Children of Dune are growing up in an endlessly complex word. It is indeed suitable to call them children of Dune because their destiny is woven with those of this harsh and magical planet. The author is very successful in throwing things upside down and keeping the reader on his toes. 

THERE IS A LOT A READER CAN PRAISE IN THE CHILDREN OF DUNE

I can definitely praise this book.  The plot is great, the characters are masterfully portrayed and the signature Dune atmosphere is there every step of the way. There is a lot of scheming and adventure going on. In that sense it is more fast paced that the second book in the series and more like the original Dune novel. The first book of the series- the legendary Dune was a monumental feat- it is just one of those things you can say a lot about and you have a feeling you'll never get to the core of it. However, it is worth noting that parts of the second and the third book were written before the original Dune was completed. The author didn't write the sequels to cash in on Dune's success. When you read the sequels, you can really feel that they were planned. The sequels feel  different from the original novel- but I think that's actually a good thing.  Herbert wasn't recycling anything, he really had this fantastic vision that spans over the series.Children of Dune is a great novel. Fortunately, the quality of Herbert's writing does not diminish in the sequels. On the contrary,  it can be argued the sequels are just as good as the original. I personally feel that every new book in a series is a whole new world- and what a world it is.  This third book in the series is particularly brilliant.  Highly recommended! Stay tuned for more Dune book reviews and recommendations.

READ MY FULL REVIEW OF THE CHILDREN OF DUNE HERE!

GOD EMPEROR OF DUNE 

GOD EMPEROR OF DUNE, BOOK #4 IN THE DUNE CHRONICLES

I absolutely loved this book even if some see it as a weaker work. God Emperor of Dune is different from others novels in the series, and while I can understand why it might be off putting to some, for me this is the most beautiful and personal narrative in the whole series. I applaud Herbert for trying out something different and going for a book that was so heavily focused on an individual...and what an individual he is! A god who dislikes religion, because: “Religious institutions perpetuate a mortal master-servant relationship,” Leto said. “They create an arena which attracts prideful human power-seekers with all of their nearsighted prejudices!” Leto II is one of my all time favourite characters. I feel that his personal  is truly touching.  GOD EMPEROR IS  A MORE PERSONAL NARRATIVE AND THAT MAKES IT VERY APPEALING I read this book years ago, but so many thoughts from God Emperor of Dune are still with me. I can't tell you how many times my mind has remembered something Leto II has said. If you want to avoid spoilers, now is a good time to stop reading this review. It is impossible to say something coherent about it without referring to the third novel in the series, so if you haven't read that one, there might be spoilers for it here as well. This novel is fourth in Dune's series, and although it is in some ways different from others, I would still recommend you to read the others as well- and best to do in a chronological order. This book is best understood in the context of Dune universe. I suppose that in some ways God Emperor of Dune might be an interesting read on its own, especially since it is a more personal narrative, but as I said, it is best read as a part of a series. THE UNIVERSE OF DUNE HAS UNDERGONE GREAT CHANGES IN GOD EMPEROR This novel is set in a very different universe, one that is thousands of years away from where the third novel left off. Leto II has access to complete historical records, which allow him to study human evolution- an important theme for this book. At the start of this book, Leto II has ruled the known universe for 3, 5000 years, and the son is nothing like the father (even if he has ever been). Leto II has destroyed Paul's Fremen army and their identity, replacing it with his own Fish Eaters, an all female army. Many known powers from the old universe are either destroyed, suppressed or kept on a very tight leash in this world ruled by one power. That's not the only thing that makes God Emperor of Dune different from the books predating it- a large portion of books is written in the form of quotations, monologues and speeches of Leto II. Apparently, Herbert wrote the first draft of the novel as a first person narrative of Leto II. It definitely shows in the writing. I found this personal perspective very appealing, but some readers might struggle with it.

READ MY FULL REVIEW OF GOD EMPEROR HERE!

HERETICS OF DUNE

HERETICS OF DUNE, BOOK #5 IN DUNE CHRONICLES 
Heretics of Dune, the book fifth in the Dune series, is a sequel to God Emperor of Dune but it takes place a long time after the rule of God Emperor Leto II. When I say a long time, I mean one thousand five hundred years after the rule of Leto II Atreides (that also lasted for a rather long time). In that sense, the universe it describes is quite different. As a reader, you need to be aware of that books five and six in the series are somewhat different from the rest.

AGAIN THE WORLD OF DUNE UNDERGOES GREAT CHANGES
The previous novel covered a long period of time (3, 500 years long reign of Leto II) , but it was a time dominated by a single man/god/tyrant so it was pretty monotonous (even if very interesting from some points of view). In contrast, the world of Heretics of Dune is full of unknown. You could even say that this book requires some imagination and patience from its reader. It demands of its reader to understand the Golden Path and its implications. Still, there are many familiar players. You could say that the known world is reverting to its old Dune ways, for example with the spice remaining as important as ever). The Bene Gesserit are stepping on the stage again. The sisterhood is perhaps the only force that is fully aware of the golden path. However, they might struggle with deciding on their role. The sisterhood must evolve or perish.
 

HUMANITY IS SHOWN IN A NEW LIGHT

Heretics of Dune witnesses humanity in a new light, no longer imprisoned by Leto II's rule but rather walking on the Golden Path. Even if nobody is really sure what the future will bring, it seems that emperor Leto's plan to save humanity from destruction has worked out- at least to an extent. By imprisoning the human race under his rule for more than three thousand years, Leto II caused humans to 'go boldly forward where no man has gone before' i.e. the Scattering- his plan all along. 

THE INTRODUCTION OF HONORED MATRES-  A DANGEROUS FORCE

The human kind has scattered into space we are made to see- but we are not shown what it really means, but rather as readers we are invited to ask some questions ourselves. Moreover, as this novel opens some of the scattered are coming back- and they do not hold much love for the Old Empire. The Honored Matres, a violent female organization that enslaves males sexually so it could control them, seek to destroy the sisterhood and just about anyone who opposes them. The Honored Matres are extremely dangerous and violent, so drunk on power that they are willing to turn entire planets into dust on any provocation.

DUNE HERETICS IS  A SURPRISINGLY FAST PACED NOVEL

I found this novel a fascinating and a quick read. The events take place quite quickly and the plot makes sense. Miles Teg, in particular, was a very dynamic and interesting character. However, perhaps I enjoyed the sequel to Heretics of Dune a bit more than this book, just because it was a bit more philosophical. Moreover, in the final book, there is a more detailed analysis of power, government and Bene Gesserit. Still, I would recommend this one just as much. These two novels would be really hard to understand one without the other. It is always best to read the Dune books (I mean the original Frank Herbert series) in the chronological order, that is, the way they were published- and especially so with these two. 

READ MY FULL REVIEW OF DUNE HERETICS HERE!

CHAPTERHOUSE: DUNE 

CHAPTERHOUSE:DUNE, BOOK #6 (FINAL) IN THE DUNE CHRONICLES

In some sense, Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune feel like the same novel to me, perhaps because they feature almost the same set of characters. Apart from those characters that are killed or perish, all the main characters repeat in the sequel Chapterhouse: Dune, so these two novels are definitely closely connected. I recommend taking on the sequel right after you finish Heretics of Dune, or you could forget some important details. 

THIS NOVEL IS QUITE FAST PACED AS WELL

Chapterhouse: Dune opens with Mother Superior Darwi Odrade's excitement over the birth of her father, the legendary Miles Teg or rather- a Teg ghola. With Dar's top advisers by her side: the withdrawn Tam and the violent Bell, the novel doesn't waste any time in setting the scene or showing us the principal characters within the Bene Gesserit. After being suppressed by the Divine Emperor/Tyrant, the Bene Gesserit are ready to take on more responsibility and become the key players in Dune's universe again. The Reverend Mothers and Mother Superior are first to 'take the stage' and this is no accident. The sisterhood is in grave danger, threatened to extinction by blood-thirsty Honored Matres. Upon returning from the Scattering, possibly fleeing from something, the Honored Matres have been casually conducting genocide and war in the Old Empire, sometimes destroying billions without much thought. Can one of the unusual Mother Superiors, the romantic Dar, be a match for such a thread?

THE CHARACTERS FROM DUNE HERETICS ARE FURTHERMORE DEVELOPED
Besides the above mentioned characters (Teg, Dar, Tam and Bell), there are other important characters finding themselves on Chapterhouse: Dune, such as the youngest ever Mother Superior Sheena and an unusual couple: an imprisoned Honored Matre Murbella, now in training to become a Mother Superior and a Duncan Idaho ghola hiding many talents (that sisterhood is suspicious of). There is also the last Tleilaxu Master Scytale, apparently the only one of his kind left alive after the Honored Matres destroyed his native planet and all of the know Tleixahu civilization. He is now imprisoned by the Bene Gesserit and forced to give up his secrets slowly.

THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND IMPORTANT CHARACTERS 

There are many other interesting and powerful characters that emerge as the story evolves. For example, when the sisterhood's Lampadas planet is destroyed by the Honored Matres, we are introduced to a fascinating character of Reverend Mother Lucilla, carrying with herself the minds of millions of Reverend Mothers. Lucilla seeks refuge with the Jews on planet Gamu. The introduction of Jews in Chapterhouse: Dune is an interesting concept as is their connection with the sisterhood. There seems to be mutual respect between the two. Lucilla meets a wild Reverend mother among the Jews- Rebecca. This is another female character that has fascinated me. Is Rebecca Bene Gesserit or not? To what extent does her memory influence Rebecca? Many fascinating questions there, not all of them answered, but that doesn't matter. I feel like this is a novel that calls us to be active readers and ask questions ourselves, not just to observe events. In words of Darwi Odrade:

...“Confine yourself to observing and you always miss the point of your life. The object can be stated this way: Live the best life you can. Life is a game whose rules you learn if you leap into it and play it to the hilt. Otherwise, you are caught off balance, continually surprised by the shifting play. Non-players often whine and complain that luck always passes them by. They refuse to see that they can create some of their own luck.

THE PLANET ITSELF IS ALMOST A CHARACTER
Like in some other Herbert's novels, the planet itself is almost a character. The sisterhood is terraforming the planet Chapterhouse to Dune because they need sandworms (as always the spice must flow). With Dune being destroyed, Chapterhouse must become a new home to sandworms. Sheeana leads this project because of her unique connection with the worms, but she also presents a thread to her sisterhood because of her religious potential.

READ MY FULL REVIEW OF CHAPTERHOUSE: DUNE HERE!

Thank you for reading and stopping by. Take care!