‘God Emperor of Dune’ by Frank Herbert, the fourth book in the Dune series, provides a capstone to the father-son dynamic between Paul and Leto II Atr‘God Emperor of Dune’ by Frank Herbert, the fourth book in the Dune series, provides a capstone to the father-son dynamic between Paul and Leto II Atreides. Where Paul was a beloved messiah, Leto is a terrible tyrant. But, it wouldn’t be a classic book series if these roles were not somehow turned on their heads. Just as the first few books of the Dune series show the dangers of messianic religion, this book shows sympathy for a tyrant.
Of course, Leto is not just any tyrant. He is a 3500 year old, nearly immortal, tyrant who has merged with a sandworm. He has prescient vision and knows nearly everything that goes on in his empire. He is the ultimate oppressive force. But, why did he give up his humanity and lock humankind into a long term stasis? Was it some pure desire for power? Or, is there something deeper going on?
The answer unfolds throughout the story, and by the end we are left with a deeper understanding.
Like all of Herbert’s books, especially the Dune series, this one is as much political and social philosophy as it is science fiction. Herbert has a message to convey, and he does it deftly. But, it is important for readers to know this before venturing into his books, because not everyone will care for it. The book has some action, of course, but most of the book is dialogue. I would even venture to call it dialectic. This is the fourth book, so readers should know this by now. But, ‘God Emperor of Dune’ is where this style reaches its zenith in the series.
As a bit of an aside: I noticed something this time that I hadn’t on previous readings. While I understood that this book, and series, had anti-government leanings, I’m now of the belief that Herbert was a Libertarian, perhaps even rabidly so. He is a masterful writer, and certainly a nuanced thinker, so his work is nothing like the sledgehammer bluntness of Ayn Rand. But, once I was aware of this it can be seen throughout Herbert’s work.
In any case, this book offers a lot for anyone who ventures into it with their eyes open. It is a classic....more
‘Children of Dune’ continues Frank Herbert’s Dune saga, following the Atreides family into the next generation. In this book, Alia Atreides controls t‘Children of Dune’ continues Frank Herbert’s Dune saga, following the Atreides family into the next generation. In this book, Alia Atreides controls the Empire as regent since Ghanima and Leto Atreides are still children, though they have the past memories of the pre-born. In the midst of plots from all sides, the twins seek their own path to the surprise of all.
I first read Children of Dune many years ago and have reread it a few times since. I’ve found that it has held up well over those reads. As with most of Frank Herbert’s books much of the novel occurs as dialogue and interior monologue and significant action occurs off screen, so to speak. For some readers, especially those who are reading for the excitement, this may be disappointing. But, it is also why these books tend to hold up over time. One can only read an action sequence so many times before it becomes boring. But the political, religious and philosophical thoughts expressed by the characters hold up much better.
When I first read the Dune saga in my early teens, the concepts were mind blowing. Now they are less mind blowing (I’ve read a lot of philosophy and religious and political histories over the years, and am a practicing scientist), I still find value in them even after multiple reads.
While not every reader who has liked ‘Dune’ will like Children of Dune, it is less exciting and “heroic,” it will likely be satisfying for those who enjoyed the more cerebral aspects of ‘Dune’ and ‘Dune Messiah’. It also has important set up for the next book in the series, ‘God Emperor of Dune’. This book works very well as a continuation of the series....more
‘Blood Music’ by Greg Bear has perhaps not received the attention it deserves, until recently. It now shows up regularly in booktube top tens. But, ev‘Blood Music’ by Greg Bear has perhaps not received the attention it deserves, until recently. It now shows up regularly in booktube top tens. But, even though it is by a substantial writer, one who has won hugos and nebulas, it took a long time to cross my path. And as someone who has been an avid science fiction reader for well over thirty years, that is saying something.
I am very glad that I picked up on the recent enthusiasm for the book, and that I finally became aquatinted with it. Blood Music truly deserves to be considered among the classics of the genre.
It is hard to say much about the story without going quickly in spoiler territory. It starts with a biological lab leak and goes into very unexpected places. This is not your average pandemic or zombie apocalypse story (the two most common directions this premise takes). For one thing, while telling a great hard sci fi yarn, it also presents interesting and oh so very human characters.
The book is short compared to many of Bear’s tomes and it has a less tidy, more raw, feel (I believe this one was written earlier in his career). But this rawness lends to story itself. The book is a bit messy, much like the lives of its characters, much like the situation that humanity finds itself in.
Again, I must hold myself back from describing anything more of the story, since it is so original. But I will say that its images and concepts will stick with me for a long time. Highly recommended....more
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