Heretics of Dune: Dune Chronicles, Book 5

Heretics of Dune is further proof that my fifteen year old self was not equipped with the receptivity that the latter Dune books require. Beyond the fact that I remembered very little of it, reading it now is an entirely different, and far more rewarding, experience. For many years I fed off the collective opinion of these latter books, as well as my earlier reading of it, and decided they may not be worth the time. I halted my every whim to return to them. This was a mistake. No, Heretics is not Dune. It's not Dune: Messiah. It's not even God Emperor, but it is one hell of a science-fiction novel. And for mega fans of the series (I will admit to being such) it is more than worthwhile.Heretics takes place some 1,500 years after the brunt of what we read in God Emperor of Dune, and right out of the gate Herbert hits you with a boatload of tantalizing worldbuilding. This is not the universe we knew when Leto ruled, though his shadow hangs over it still... Lost Ones have begun returning from The Scattering of humankind. With this unknown factor of evolution yet to play their cards, the other forces of the universe are on edge. The Tleilaxu here feature their most prominent role in the series thus far, and we take a much deeper look at the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood (especially as they compare to the new thread of the Honored Matres). We round out our main story bits with Miles Teg, the Sisterhood's most reliable weapon, a fresh Duncan Idaho ghola, and Sheeana, a young girl on Rakis with the ability to control the sandworm Shai-hulud (or is it Shaitan...?).In true Frank Herbert fashion, the plot is dense and full of complexities that leave me desiring to start from the beginning as soon as I finish. There is always a feeling of more lying just beneath the surface; a feeling I love. He remains a master at mixing a far-future setting with Eastern mysticism and metaphysical psychedelia. The result is perhaps one of the most believable science-fiction worlds out there, and I think this stems from how seriously Frank takes his work. It is amazing how much thought, how many hidden questions and subtle answers he is still injecting into this story.The Dune universe has a depth and richness that marks Herbert's worldbuilding skills as matched by perhaps only Tolkien himself. The story of Arrakis and the peoples of its universe is one that is endlessly fascinating and complex. In a story that spans millennia, I think back on previous books with a sense of nostalgia bordering on awe; and experience the current story with the sense that there is always more to be revealed. Considering how much I enjoyed God Emperor and Heretics, I am very much looking forward to Chapterhouse after all these years.--------------"We are not looking at a new state of matter but at a newly recognized relationship between consciousness and matter, which provides a more penetrating insight into the workings of prescience. The oracle shapes a projected inner universe to produce new external probabilities out of forces that are not understood. There is no need to understand these forces before using them to shape the physical universe. Ancient metal workers had no need to understand the molecular and submolecular complexities of their steel, bronze, copper, gold, and tin. They invented mystical powers to describe the unknown while they continued to operate their forges and wield their hammers."

Great reading

In Heretics of Dune, Frank Herbert takes us fifteen hundred years after the previous book and well over four thousand years beyond the original trilogy. The God Emperor is gone, the Atreides clan has faded from its former prominence, and, as always, there are a number of groups struggling for dominance.With so many specialized types of humans and prolonged lifespans, it is not overly surprising that civilization has not undergone any truly drastic changes since Leto II's transformation. This book focuses on the Bene Gesserit, the sisterhood who have grand designs for humanity. Among others jockeying for power are the Tleilaxu who have mastered biology in other fashions. More dangerous still are the Honored Matres, a powerful organization that is a dark doppleganger of the Bene Gesserit.Of course, there is another Duncan Idaho who is a pawn in all this scheming, but the most interesting characters are Miles Teg - a master warrior called out of retirement to mentor Duncan - and Sheeanna, a young girl who can command the sand worms of Rakis (the former Arrakis). Sheanna is probably the most refreshing character this series has had in a while; she behaves like a real child, and isn't a grand schemer unlike every other character.This is still good science fiction. Dune/Rakis/Arrakis is not as central as in previous books, and the role of sex is much more important, at times even overshadowing the spice. At first, the story is a bit disorienting - there are no familiar characters until Duncan appears - but things pick up quickly enough. All the Dune books conclude with a new order imposed on the galaxy and this book is no exception. What that new order is, however, is for the reader to find out.The Dune series is not always easy to read, but it is a complex and worthwhile classic of science fiction. For those who have enjoyed the previous books, this book will continue the pleasure.

This book challenges Dune as the best in the series. But ypu must Male it through the prior seven to appreciate it. It's worth the wait.

Hesitant to start following God Emperor but thoroughly enjoyed reading, one of the most fluid books of the series. I will be going straight into Chapter house.

Heretics of Dune" is a captivating dive into the ever-expanding universe created by Frank Herbert. This installment is a refreshing departure, introducing new characters and concepts while maintaining the essence of the Dune series. The narrative is a compelling blend of political intrigue, mysticism, and intricate world-building. Herbert's ability to craft complex societies and explore profound themes shines once again. "Heretics of Dune" is a must-read for fans, offering a unique perspective that adds depth to the overarching saga. Short but powerful, this installment proves the Dune legacy is as dynamic as ever.

As a huge conquest for me to finally get to start reading Heretics of Dune, I was pretty disappointed when I received my paperback copy. As you can see there are scratches, dents, and scuff marks all over the cover. I understand that paperback books are much more vulnerable to getting damaged but I really don’t appreciate seeing what was suppose to be a brand new copy (on one of my fav illustrated cover series) looking like a used version that I paid full price for. With all that being said I’m not going to return it because I did get the dang thing solely for the purpose of reading it, just needed to complain about it like a true Duncan Idaho.

Arrived very quickly on time for a birthday.

Great book, just as good a read as the others. Mesmerising writing and story telling. Very excited for the next

With every page turn, just excitement filled as I read. Amazing story with great in-depth details about the dune universe and its new characters.

The book itself deserves to be a part of this great series; unfortunately, as I opened the package I realised there was nothing in there to protect it... Not even a plastic film... You can see that the book is new but got thrown here and there; I kept it because my main goal was reading it, but if you just want to put it on the shelf in great display, maybe look somewhere else

Great book