Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Children of Dune

Top positive review

Amazing

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 22, 2023

This book, as well as the entire series up to this point, leaves me both speechless and full of thoughts at the same time. These books are a great observance of power, politics, religion, society, motive, belief, and pretty much every other important aspect of society you can think of. It's amazing that FH could fit so much content within this story, and still actually make it very enthralling with great characters and well as a great story. His prose is fantastic. I've highlighted so many parts of this book and the ones preceding it. I could sit here all day and talk about how great this book and series is. I totally recommend reading it.

Top critical review

All critical reviews›

L. Langstraat

Disappointing

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 27, 2022

I felt a connection with the Atredies, Jessica , and Stillgard in the earlier books. However, the characters in this sequel were shallow and poorly developed. Furthermore, the story itself lost it's power and depth. In the end I didn't care what happened to any of the characters. Very disappointed!

One person found this helpful

Filtered by

5 starClear filter

10,187 total ratings, 411 with reviews

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

Amazon Customer

Amazing

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 22, 2023

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 18, 2023

Verified Purchase

This book was my favorite so far. I would read a few pages before sleeping each night. It transfixed me and the words, images and descriptions seduced me.

Helpful

Alan

Clean copy

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 27, 2023

Verified Purchase

No markings or damage.

Helpful

Joe G.

The writing is so poetic and ethereal that it takes me to another world.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 16, 2021

Verified Purchase

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.

13 people found this helpful

Helpful

Will

Transcendent, Poignant, and Hopeful

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 19, 2020

Verified Purchase

Frank Herbert wrote parts of Children of Dune and Dune Messiah before he’d even finished Dune, he says, in the afterword (the tail end of the e-book). Children of Dune vests the trilogy, pays off the conflicts and themes he wove into one of the best works of literature in the canon, one that ought be taught in schools as much for his attention to the detail of ecology as for his lean grasp of politics and economics. This book was written by someone who really “got it”, whatever that might mean to you. Herbert deftly spins the threads that make up this grand tapestry, through innovative world-building, expert use of language (especially Arabic and the structures of messianic Abrahamic theology), and by giving us characters that are as much magic prophets with superpowers as they are people in extraordinary situations making the best decisions they can with what they have. A particularly exquisite touch is the paragraphs seemingly written by the main characters long after the story concludes about the events of that chapter.

For me, this goes down as one of my favorite books. The issues Frank Herbert identifies - a people trapped in a feudal serfdom, superstition precluding understanding, climate change, the machinations of the political class, and the dependence of an economy, planetary or galactic, on a rare commodity. On that last point, Herbert wrote that he meant for water on Arrakis, and spice galactically, to be a stand-in for oil. The wars and schemes over this most precious commodity, with great powers fearful of changes in its price and instability in its supply, with Machiavellian treachery behind the scenes, should result for us, the people of 2020. To stray back to Dune Messiah, I should hope the so-called populist swept to power to clean up a stagnant ruling class should resonate as well, for all of us. Nonetheless, this book remains vital, and inspiring, a work about people who realize where the greatest food is, what they’ll have to sacrifice to make the world a better place for everyone, and a meditation on the importance of long-term planning in doing so.

10 people found this helpful

Helpful

Kim

Could be your favorite, or 2nd favorite in the series

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 17, 2019

Verified Purchase

Personally, Dune Messiah is my favorite in the series. I took a break between the books so that I could fully digest the great majesty that was Dune Messiah in all its brilliance. But when I picked up Children of Dune, it felt like coming home again. It is Dune and Dune Messiah almost combined elementally.

Nothing compares to Frank Herbert's brilliant writing style. His philosophies sprinkled throughout the plot is always a treat just like in Dune & Dune Messiah. The return of Lady Jessica was one of the most exciting parts for me. That, and the mystery behind The Preacher (even though we all know who it is, it's fun nonetheless when it's confirmed).

After dealing with the tragedy of Paul Muad'Dib in Dune Messiah, we now have to deal with the tragedy that is Alia. Your heart goes out to her. She is left to deal with the consequences of being a Pre-born "Abomination," when the memories of those from the past start to fight for consciousness or control of her awareness (essentially, possession from an ancestor). Alia is all alone since Paul walked blindly into the desert to die, and their mother abandoned them on Arrakis to preserve herself on Caladan. And when Lady Jessica is finally to return, it's far too late, and she is supposedly working with the Bene Gesserit again (the very group of people who condemned Alia as "abomination" and being "possessed" even before she was born)! So Alia can't trust her own mother, the twins and her husband, Duncan Idaho, are powerless to help her. You're practically watching a woman being drowned to death in her thoughts, memories, and despair until she has completely lost her identity. The once-great Alia that you knew in Dune & Dune Messiah, is no more.

Leto is a bit of an oddball, but he's special for that reason because he's about to make a decision that will change the course of human history, and the survival of the human race depends on it. Leto finally sees and understands what his father Paul Muad'Dib was running from. The Golden Path is realized to save humanity, but it will require a sacrifice far greater than anyone could comprehend.

Children of Dune is definitely worth the read in the grand scheme of things. Enjoyable read.

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

Technophobe01

An astounding book of many levels - highly recommended

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 23, 2022

Verified Purchase

Frank Herbert is a rare author, his Dune series is both a beautiful story, a science fiction masterpiece and a deep analysis of the formation, operation of human mass movements. The book Children of Dune has a plethora of levels and each chapter is led by a reference to some specific aspect of human organization, or observation of innate humanity and our incentives. A wonder - highly recommended.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Nicolas G. Hinestrosa

Great ending to the original trilogy

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 25, 2023

Verified Purchase

Where messiah was lacking this final entry made up for. The twists and revelations made it a great send off for the Atreides story. Fully recommend reading the entire trilogy, and truly hope all three get novels get adapted to film.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Rob

phenomenal

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 30, 2023

Verified Purchase

Loved it. All three books I’ve read are amazing. Bravo Frank Herbert. Can’t wait for the second movie to come out so I can see more of it on the big screen.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Nick Rondinella

Exceptkonal.continuation and evolution. A master piece by any measure.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 24, 2022

Verified Purchase

I read several negative reviews thoughts used to continue based on.my own appreciation of the author with no.regret. Frank.certainly created a masterful work of art and fiction. Much can be said of what he has written here and in the first books. This one in particular though at first seems slow and misaligned, evolves relatively quickly and reawakening the "awe" of the first book. A worthy read, accolades ode the author!

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

Need customer service? Click here

‹ See all details for Children of Dune

5 star		69%
4 star		22%
3 star		7%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

Amazon Music Stream millions of songs	Amazon Advertising Find, attract, and engage customers	6pm Score deals on fashion brands	AbeBooks Books, art & collectibles	ACX Audiobook Publishing Made Easy	Sell on Amazon Start a Selling Account

Amazon Business Everything For Your Business	Amazon Fresh Groceries & More Right To Your Door	AmazonGlobal Ship Orders Internationally	Home Services Experienced Pros Happiness Guarantee	Amazon Ignite Sell your original Digital Educational Resources	Amazon Web Services Scalable Cloud Computing Services

Audible Listen to Books & Original Audio Performances	Book Depository Books With Free Delivery Worldwide	Box Office Mojo Find Movie Box Office Data	ComiXology Thousands of Digital Comics	DPReview Digital Photography	Fabric Sewing, Quilting & Knitting

Goodreads Book reviews & recommendations	IMDb Movies, TV & Celebrities	IMDbPro Get Info Entertainment Professionals Need	Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy	Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime	Prime Video Direct Video Distribution Made Easy

Shopbop Designer Fashion Brands	Amazon Warehouse Great Deals on Quality Used Products	Whole Foods Market America’s Healthiest Grocery Store	Woot! Deals and Shenanigans	Zappos Shoes & Clothing	Ring Smart Home Security Systems

eero WiFi Stream 4K Video in Every Room	Blink Smart Security for Every Home	Neighbors App Real-Time Crime & Safety Alerts	Amazon Subscription Boxes Top subscription boxes – right to your door	PillPack Pharmacy Simplified	Amazon Renewed Like-new products you can trust

Children of Dune

›

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Children of Dune

Top positive review

Top critical review

Filtered by

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

Children of Dune › Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Children of Dune

Top positive review

Top critical review

Filtered by

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

Children of Dune

›

Customer reviews