This is the final book of the outstanding Dune series. There are other books authored by Herbert’s son after his death, but I have not been able to warm to these after the epic creation and fascinating writing of the originals.
The series has enormous scope in space and time. One of the problems when an author chooses to tell a story covering millennia is how to engage the reader with not one major character but a series of characters. Some of the “middle” books of the series start to loose momentum, though Herbert’s imagination never run dry. This book recaptured me and it seemed fitting that it ends with a whole series of unanswered questions. Herbert probably intended one more book but passed away in 1986.
For those unaware of Herbert’s writing, I’ll note that he creates a future universe complete with antagonistic philosophies (e.g. the Bene Gesserit, a secretive order who manipulate human breeding lines, and the reviled Tleilaxu who have mastered the manipulation of genetic material). There are quotes from philosophical and religious writings (created by the author) and dazzlingly complex machinations between power blocks and individuals.
In the first books Duke Leto has been manoeuvred into taking control of an arid world... a world that slowly reveals incredible secrets. In some ways the novels are ecological science fiction, but the themes Herbert touches on are very wide ranging, including ethics, eugenics, politics, warfare, leadership, honour and parenting. In this final, densebook, the terrifying “Honoured Matres” seem intent on enslaving the universe. A small group of Bene Gesserit seek to outwit them and preserve hope for the future of humans.
This is not for younger readers: it is full of political and personal reflection by different characters, and the Honoured Matres enslave males by using sophisticated but soulless sexual practices. These are not dwelt on salaciously but certainly earn the book an “Adult Themes” tag from me. “Dune” is the best book to read for those new to the series, but this is a book to look forward to.
Andrew Lack
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