Saturday, February 13, 2021

Book Review: Children of Dune by Frank Herbert

I think I just keep reading these books because they offer my mind an exercise. The writing is so poetic and ethereal that it takes me to another world. Frank Herbert's unique voice and one of a kind tone are hypnotizing. The whole experience is like grasping at a dream. Every step gets you closer and yet every step takes you farther away. Toward what? The Golden Path maybe?

In this, the third in the epic Dune series, we follow the story of Paul Atreides' twin children Ghanima and Leto Jr. These are not average children. They were conscious inside the womb and have the memories of thousands of people including their mother, father, and grandmother. The key to this is a combination of genetic manipulation from thousands of years of breeding programs and a high dose of melange, the addictive substance that in the right circumstance can unlock the secrets of consciousness and time. Ghanima and Leto are the heirs to the Empire that their father left behind, possibly dead but maybe not.

Before Ghanima and Leto can take the throne they have to contend with everyone thinking they are the age they look, as well as their aunt Alia who is the regent in control of the empire and doesn't want to give it up, as well as a growing plot from the Corrino Family who was displaced by Paul Atreides when he took over Arrakis in the first book. To make matters worse the Preacher is running around sowing doubt about the moral authority of Alia and the path that the government is taking the people down.

As the fight for the Empire rages on a new threat emerges from the sand. A threat that is destroying the infrastructure that has brought water to the desert planet and is creating a new mythology. Is it a god or just another passing contender?

If you like epic sci-fi worlds with fantasy elements and can handle diving into a world with its culture and language then I recommend reading the Dune books. Obviously, you have to start with the first one but once you get into this epic story it does not disappoint. It continues to intrigue and mystify. The series is like the additive melange. While it might be confusing at times its allure is undeniable.

Read my reviews of the previous books: