Children of Dune Review ⭐

With an exceptionally fantastic story plot, exceptional characters, and intricate world-building, ‘Children of Dune’ remains one of Frank Herbert’s best novels and the first best-selling science fiction novel in history. ‘Children of Dune’ is the novel that sets the stage for the next chapter of what happens to the padishah empire. The book shows the death of the first hero, Paul Atreides, and launches the story of Leto II Atreides. ‘Children of Dune’ received positive accolades from readers because the novel created an intensely political atmosphere around Arrakis.

Story

After ‘Dune,’ Frank Herbert made a U-turn on his hero, Paul Atreides, and decided to show the world that Paul was nothing but human. His design of ‘Dune Messiah’ made fans and readers shocked at how much he antagonized his hero. ‘Children of Dune’ is a conclusion to Paul’s story, and simultaneously, it starts the story of the next heroes of the Padishah Empire. The story progresses rapidly and places Paul’s infant children in a position where their lives are at stake. However, Paul’s children had enemies within and outside Arrakis.

Frank Herbert used ‘Children of Dune’ to show his thoughts on government, politics, and religion. He did not speak as an author as he spoke through his character, Paul Atreides. Frank Herbert used the blind preacher to show how far down heroes fall. Paul’s attack on religious fanatism and politics reflects the author’s mind, who hated the idea of governments exploiting their citizens through political and religious control.

Characters

The story of ‘Children of Dune’ uses its characters meticulously. With the story plot split among three planets, Frank Herbert ensured to focus the action around a select number of characters. The amount of character control exerted in the book makes it an incredible masterpiece. He used his characters meticulously to remove plot holes in the story. He also used his secondary characters meticulously, leaving the novel with no redundant characters. Between primary and secondary characters, fluidity existed in conversations.

Dialogue

The dialogues in the novel give the reader a picture of the thoughts and feelings of many characters. From Paul as the blind preacher to Leto II, Stilgar, and Duncan, the dialogues in ‘Children of Dune’ creates a bridge linking each character with another. With intricate conversations between characters, Frank Herbert revealed his mind and showed the world what his thoughts on matters like politics, religion, and family were. Frank Herbert’s ideologies got etched into the conversation of his characters, giving them depth. 

Writing Style and Conclusion

‘Children of Dune’ got written with a unique style that paid attention to minute details. Though this was great, it over-explained a scene to the reader. Frank Herbert’s crafty design of ‘Children of Dune’ made his story become one of the greatest novels in science fiction history.

‘Children of Dune’ ends subtly, but its ending introduces curiosity into the reader’s mind. After Leto II becomes the emperor, the reader becomes curious about what happens next in the universe.

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