Average Rating: 
Rating:  - The only one equal to the original.
Children of Dune is by far the best of the series (along with the first, of course.) It picks up all the themes that Herbet explores and brings them to the collapse of the known galaxy, revealing in a dazzling explosion the comlexity of all that has been constructed in the series. The political element, the desert ecology, the chases and adventure between emotional characters and philosophical depth, all comes back. I think that Children of Dune is better written than the original, which makes it good to read. It shows the evolution and final collapse of the path that Muad'Dib left behind and points out the dangers of limits--in governement, in thought, in life everywhere--when you are trying to build a truly efficient society, and at the same time illuminates the harm and good that religion has done.
Rating: - A decent effort... but subpar for the Dune series as a whole
This isn't a bad book- just a bit too confusing (always a bit of a problem with the later Dune books).I loved Dune, and was satisfied by Dune Messiah. At this time however, I noticed that Herbert's language was becoming more and more opaque and hard to understand. This trend continues in this book. Herberts language isboth frustrating and delightful; I took pleasure in the clever use of words, but was frustrated and the complexity and mystical quality of half the book. You really have to work to understand some curcial plot elements. Frank Herbert's universe and style are, if nothing else, unique. Unfortunately he begins making them both a bit beyond our reach. The next book is at least equal to Dune, once again (like DPaul in Dune) because of a fascintaing main character, which this book lacks. Leto is not that interesting here, neither is Ghanima; nor Jessica, or Alia, or especially the Preacher who is a mysterious but rather flat figure. Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse Dune, in my opinion, are hardly worth reading.
Rating: - Third in a Great Series
Take Mankind 9000 years into the future (not 100 or even 300 years, like most authors, or even Arthur C. Clarke's somewhat weak attempt at going 1000 years), and what do you have? It leaves the author pretty free to have anything be true. Frank Hebert clearly and premisely and thoroughly creates a truly alien Human society that is also strongly rooted in its past. The worlds and cultures of "Dune" are strongly influenced by Arabic and Islamic culture, along with a hearty dash of medieval European feudalism. Frank Herbet writes so well that it all becomes very believable, as if you are reading history instead of fiction. And, who can say it won't turn out this way?This book picks up where "Dune Messiah" left off and could really be viewed as "Dune, Part 3". In this book, the restoration/salvation of the planet Dune/Arrakis continues, and the entire society is profoundly affected. Meanwhile, the son and daughter and sister of Paul Atreides are getting heavily involved in Imperial politics, with lots of intrigue, back-stabbing, manipulation, coercion, and other pretty things going on. I never call anything a must-read, as I don't know who has the right to dictate to anyone what they "must read". However, you're missing something if you don't read (and later re-read) the entire Dune series. I recommend buying a set when you're a teenager and keeping it to re-read every five years or so. The story will grow as you do, as will your appreciation of it.
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