Reviews

Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

feminerdity's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

moodiemari's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The themes explored in this book were really interesting. There was more of a focus on religion and government. I found Paul’s descent interesting, although it was difficult to understand his thoughts at times. I enjoyed that this book felt more mysterious than the first, but it still felt just as slow paced. Overall, it was a good read and had some interesting character development (ie everyone spiraling).

jkraemo's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad medium-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

4.25

leeikia's review against another edition

4.0

90% der zeit dachte ich mir bei den inneren monologen nur „was zum teufel redest du da grade eigentlich“

elliansu's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I read the first one just before this so the story and the world were fresh on my mind. I think that made the experience better and more enjoyable.

Loved the characters and the world but not quite the book if it makes any sense.

esme_d's review against another edition

adventurous challenging medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

feyaraven's review

dark inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Compared to Dune this book definitely had more mystery and suspense. I enjoyed how the treachery plot was handled. I also liked bits of philosophy but I the same time there were time when I thought good old Frank took some spice before writing as some of Paul's thoughts were way too abstract. Still, all in all, I enjoyed it.

annacation's review

challenging reflective slow-paced

3.75

Love knows love 

rbprestage's review

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

xkrow's review

With this dual re-read of Dune and Dune Messiah, I had thought to finally clear my opinions on this book. I thought that going in with hindsight I might be better able to understand what I like and dislike in this. I thought I was going to come out with a clear view. 

The reality is the complete opposite. 

I still scratch my head at how to rate/discuss this. This books feels so much like a "Book 4" to Dune that I cannot just comprehend it as a standalone piece of the series. It relies so much on the set-up of its predecessor to give a short and tight tale of the end of Muad'dib. (Yeah, spoilers I suppose). There is still so much to love here in its themes. It especially expands on the themes of history and religion that are present in the first book - there only its beginning, now playing out in the later stages. But there are also other parts where the book lingers on material and aspects of the world that are not that interesting or comes up with ideas on the fly. 

So yeah, I think this book will - unfortunately - once again remain unscored.