Like many others, I have changed my mind about this book from the first time reading it in the late 1980s to over three decades later reading it a second time. In the 1980s I finished God Emperor of Dune and went … huh? what a weird book. This second read decades later I have a better appreciation of Leto as a tyrant ruler who thinks himself benevolent while morphing into something inhuman. This book is worth a close read. ( )

Increíble ( )

Challenging book. Both its narrative and thematic elements are difficult and often times simply not compelling. Yet streaks of Frank Herberts brilliance consistently discuss Dune's best aspect: its politics, philosophy, religion and more; expanding upon the 3 great novels. Poignant, horrifying and simply baffling. Some criticisms but ultimately, the best entry thus far. ( )

This one is really wearing the Jungian BS on its sleeve. ( )

Messiah and Children feel like mostly preparatory reading for this one; their setup pays off and we're given the weirdest and most out there book in the series so far. Leto II's fusion with the worm and genetic memory, trying to steer the future through seemingly random manipulations makes a good fit for the mystical fusion of science and religion Herbert has been developing. The stilted dialogue and awkward characters now fit the mould he's created.
Ultimately as enjoyable and creative as this is I don't think it justifies the 1200 pages of reading beyond Dune itself. Proceed only if enthralled by the universe. ( )