For the first time, I am excited to read a book after seeing the movie. I literally could not wait to begin the story of Dune. Frank Herbert introduces us to the dynasties that rule these planetary fiefdoms and their longstanding quest for power. Of course, for the first book, it is normal for the reader to be confronted with the construction of a new world. I am impressed with the landscape of the desert planet. The planet Arrakis is richly described. The way of life of the native population and their beliefs. Everything is revealed down to the smallest detail, so that you can find your way around without any problems.
Book Review: Dune, Dune Messiah
- Author: Frank Herbert
- Series: Dune
- 658 pages, Hardcover F
- First published June 1, 1965

Dune
Arrakis – untold riches are hidden in the sands of this inhospitable planet. The scorching sun, sandworms and raging storms are just some of the dangers of Dune. Water is a luxury and a medium of exchange. The “moisture” of the body is worth killing for. The lives of the indigenous people are closely tied to water. Their beliefs are closely tied to it and their daily lives are centered on preserving the “moisture” of the body. The water belongs to the tribe, and each fallen member gives his moisture for the benefit of all. The Fremen live deep in the desert and have adapted to the harsh climate of the planet.
Constant contact with the spice melange has made them extremely hardy, and their eyes are completely blue, a feature that makes them easily recognizable. The Fremen know how to survive in this harsh desert. They wear moisture-retaining suits that process the fluids released by their bodies and convert them into drinking water. A secret tribe whose numbers the Empire does not even suspect, but who will be the secret ingredient for victory in the upcoming war.
The Empire
The plot focuses on the houses that rule over different planets and are united under the rule of the Emperor. Fights for power and money. Manipulation and bureaucracy can be found in every branch of government. In this galactic world, there is even a monopoly on interplanetary travel. The spice melange is an expensive substance found only on the planet Arrakis. There are several organizations fighting for supremacy. One of them is the Bene Gesserit – a society or school where gifted women are trained.
The entire program prepares them for the intricacies of espionage, political manipulation, and even combat techniques. They are raised to serve their masters. They were used as concubines. Their goal is to unite different houses and isolate certain genes. The Bene Gesserit control the inheritance of dynasties. When the Proctor Superior decrees that there must be no male child in the dynasty, the graduates obey. An organization that also pursues its goals by inculcating religious beliefs and legends. It sounds complicated, I know, but in the pages of “Dune” everything will become clear to you.
The plot on Arrakis
The fate of the Atreides is something that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. They are one of the most influential dynasties in this world. At the head of the dynasty is Duke Leto, who is an extremely kind and brave hero. When I read his story, I unconsciously compared it to that of Ned Stark in Game of Thrones. Leto is a popular ruler, wise and just. But the Duke’s influence on the other dynasties did not please the Emperor much, and the Atreides were involved in a deadly game. The Padishah Emperor Shaddam is looking for a way to eliminate them and secretly joins a conspiracy with the Harkonnen to destroy them.
The key to this is Arrakis. After 80 years of the Harkonnen ruling the planet and extracting the spice from its sands, it is now being handed over to the Atreides. Baron Harkonnen, deprived of his fixed income, has devised a plan to wipe out the house of Duke Leto. But do not think that this will be hidden from the Atreides. They are openly getting involved in this game. They know the price, but they will not give up the plan to conquer the power in the desert.
From the beginning of “Dune,”
the reader is familiar with the Harconnen’s insidious plan and the Emperor’s involvement. Their machinations are a web of deceit, sabotage and intrigue. The insidious games played by the Houses and the mind games of the Lords of Coin as they try to outwit each other keep the reader constantly on edge. Our conspiracy is well known, and so is the traitor. There are many chapters in the book where the plot is told from the point of view of villains and secondary characters. In this way, many different angles and motives are revealed. I think this whole behind-the-scenes game is brilliantly portrayed by Frank Herbert. In all these pages of “Dune” we learn the intricacies of the political games and machinations. We are playing the game for the throne of empire.
Muad’Dib
Paul is the child of Duke Leto and the bucket of Bene Gesserit graduate Jessica. Out of love for her mate, she gives him a son, despite the strict prohibition of the Proctor Superior. Even at a young age, Paul showed enviable abilities and prophetic gifts. And for a boy with these abilities, there is a prophecy. For centuries, the Bene Gesserit have linked different houses to create their Kwisatz Haderach. A powerful lie and a prophet who can see behind the veil of time and for whom there are no secrets.
To prepare for his appearance, the Bene Gesserit spread various legends and instilled religious beliefs in him. One of these legends spreads to Dune. Arrakis waits for his messiah and savior. It is only at the age of 15 that the heir of the Atreides enters this desert world. He is put to the test to master his gift and accept his nature. All his life he was prepared to rule and fight, but now he must do it according to the rules of Dune.
Dune Messiah
Dune is not for everyone. There is no magic here and no happy ending. The pages are a jumble and sweep away the reader’s train of thought like a whirlwind. An extremely rich, multi-layered world. Different planets and systems, complex human relationships. Political alliances and marriages on account. Cuts and conspiracies. All this mixed with genetic mutations, clairvoyance and natural disasters. There is absolutely nothing safe in the pages of Dune. What at first seemed like just another book of intrigue and betrayal turns out to be a much more complex read that will raise your imagination to a higher level.
“Children of Dune” by Frank Herbert Book Review
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, screenplay by Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, based on the novel Dune by Frank Herbert • Starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Léa Seydoux, with Stellan Skarsgård, with Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem
Frank Herbert’s classic masterpiece—a triumph of the imagination and one of the bestselling science fiction novels of all time.
Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of Paul Atreides—who would become known as Muad’Dib—and of a great family’s ambition to bring to fruition mankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream.
A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.