Several thousand years after the events in God Emperor of Dune, the golden path is quietly running it’s course. Humanity exploded into the universe during the “scattering”, dependents of Siona carry the genetic mutation making them immune to prescience, and the old power bases (bene gesserit, tleilaxu, and the Ixians) are re-emerging. However there is trouble as many of those who went into the “scattering” are returning, either coming to conquer the “old empire” or perhaps fleeing from something horrible.

Once again we see Idaho resurrected (he is in every dune book, get used to him) only this time he becomes a major player. A showdown is looming between the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres (warped dependents of the Bene Gesserit who fled into the scattering thousands of years ago) and Idaho might just hold the key to defeating them.

Thousands of years after Children of Dune, Leto II’s “golden path” is coming to a close. Although nearly invulnerable, long lived, and unquestionably the ruler of the universe, his existence is a tortured one. Isolated for humanity and protecting all from a fate they know nothing about has drained him and leaves him open to a plot from his enemies.

This story becomes much more philosophical than the previous two. Dune was a great mix of philosophy, action, politics, and plots, while Messiah & Children were a little light on the philosophy in favor of action, this one swings far in the other direction. Not to say it is not good, it is very good and makes you think, just don’t expect a fast paced thriller.