Nick Perzacki’s Reviews > God Emperor of Dune > Status Update

Hwi is so unrelentingly pleasant, it’s such a different character for this universe, and I’m so glad she’s here to hit Leto with a psychic-nuke. Also, despite being the most philosophical yet, this book has also had some surprisingly exciting and effective action sequences - I loved Leto getting his hands dirty to defend Hwi, and his reflections on the effect of his involvement.

Duncan is such a great straight man in the absurdity that is Leto’s empire, him and Leto have been great primary POV characters to bounce between. I particularly liked the start of his friendship with Siona, it starts from a pretty heartbreaking scene with her leading him to his predecessor’s family, but turned to something kinda wholesome.

Damn Herbert, how are you making me feel so sympathetic towards the 3500 year old worm god who tortures people for a “lesson”?

My house’s power went out right after meeting the single most delightful character in this series so far: Hwi Noree. Even her name just makes me giggle, and she was so overwhelmingly wholesome. Hilariously effective strat from Duncan to strip naked when all the Tleilaxu transformed into him for their surprise attack; every incarnation of this man is great. Also, Leto, nobody wants to hear about your phantom cock.

Leto’s philosophical rants go so hard:
“The truth always carries the ambiguity of the words used to express it… I am not a leader nor even a guide. A god… Gods take no responsibility for anything except genesis… Gods do not need a spirit world. My spirits dwell within me… They are MY truth. Beware of THE truth… Myths and reassuring lies are much easier to find and believe

Duncan is so fascinating with every reincarnation. I adored Hayt and was heartbroken when he died, and I really appreciate using him now as essentially audience surrogate, the only other person who remembers Dune rather than Arrakis. I also appreciate the Tleilaxu and Ixians having a more substantial role again - I find them much more interesting than the other Major Houses and the Corrinos.

A small but welcome change with this book is the new chapter formats from time to time. The chapters have always started with excerpts from relevant in-universe writings, but now we have interview transcripts and official assessments of the workings of the universe - I find it all very interesting. I’m also intrigued by the introduction of the Oral & Official Histories - the Oral seems controversial, I wonder why.

Oh baby it’s wormin’ time! Straight away this feels like Herbert at the top of his game. He quickly establishes a completely new Dune universe, unraveling the new characters and their relationships in a really engaging way, plus already some of my favorite of his philosophical musings; I particularly liked Leto’s discussion with Duncan on the historical part played by radicals. Also RIP Duncan #3 (+at least 20)