When this book was published, I did not want to read it because I don't see a point in reading it due to the fact that the two authors are further "milking" from the Dune franchise. Also, the Dune Universe is fine as it is without them adding more "unnecessary stories" in between Frank Herbert's Dune and Dune Messiah novels.Therefore, I did not purchase the novel at all.
Then about a month ago, I decided to borrow it from the library (Singapore's libraries are very comprehensive in their materials and most of them are new!)
And I have finished reading the novel today. Yes, it took me a while, because I have an almost 3 year old son and a pregnant wife to look after.
Anyway, back to my opinion of the novel. Some of those "unnecessary stories" explained why Paul became who he was in Dune Messiah, and how some of the characters like Gurney and Stilgar ended up where they were.
It was a rather good read though, except the part where the novel reverts back to Paul's childhood in every even numbered chapters. These chapters are expanded stories of what happened after the events in the novel House Corrino, which I find is somewhat frivolous. However, they do explain why Leto has no "official" wife.
Oh, the only thing I hate about this novel is the fact that Stilgar was made out to be a helpless Fremen when he was in those water battles. Granted, he is not used to water warfare but he is one tough mother-fucker, and he can adapt!
So please don't ever make Stilgar a wimp!
Publication Date: Sep 16, 2008
