Classic science-fiction dystopian spy sequel that combines prescience with politics! Paul Muad Dib is Fremen Emperor and Oracle, and is worshipped as a God. He embodies a galactic religious bureaucracy that is perceived as a tyranny. Through his prescience, he is compelled to take an uncomfortable path to avoid more bloodshed and suffering in his name, for the Fremen Jihad sweeps the galaxy; conquering, subjugating and spreading “his” religion.

However, Paul has another potential weakness, for Guild spaceship navigator steersmen may be hidden from his prescient vision because they consume the melange spice. A conspiracy therefore plans to use the “ghola” (resurrected flesh) of Paul’s deceased friend and mentor, Duncan Idaho, to destroy him and distract his sister Alia. Of the conspiracy, an agent of note is Scytale, whose ability to shift his appearance makes him deadly. The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood also has plans for Paul to produce the desired heir for their breeding program, through his nominal wife Princess Irulan.

Overwhelmed by visions and wracked by guilt, Paul’s enemies are close, yet he frequently appears unable to unravel the intricacies of the plot against him. Compared with Dune, Paul is commanding like his father and some of the protagonist focus is now on sister Alia’s undefined abilities. However, the most remarkable character was Duncan Idaho, the stated vehicle of the assassination, whose struggle to come to terms with his past life and his new mechanical “ghola” life were the most exciting chapters. The way Duncan was used to conclude the fates of allies and enemies alike was clever and gave the plot a backbone.

Criticism: Paul’s despairing of his great burden as prescient Emperor did become wearisome. Sometimes I felt the descriptions of visions repeated the general theme of this burden. This gave substance to the problem, but it didn’t enlighten us with any new developments until the end.

Overall: Dune Messiah is a condensed sequel, but is no less exciting for that. It includes familiar deep characters, setting with texture and substance, and sub-plots that raise philosophical questions. Read Dune? Read this as well!