This sequel does something most sequels don’t, it doesn’t simply follow on from the previous book, it tells a completely different type of story and it does so beautifully.

The first book is focused on Paul’s rise to power. This book is the opposite, it outlines Paul’s failures and even more than that, it focuses on how Paul’s rise to power impacted the world around him. Billions have died under his reign because of the planets he has conquered. His legacy spirals out of control, neither he nor those he loves can change his destiny, death and chaos follow him wherever he goes. Even with his gift of prescience, he cannot stop it.

Criticisms of this book will focus on the non-action of it, the pacificity of the story and how it lets them down. In my opinion, that is the beauty of this book. Paul has found himself in power, he has already overthrown and obliterated his enemies who use force against him, and what is left? The enemies who scheme and hope to outthink and outmanoeuvre him. This book does that better than any I have read. Throughout the book you almost feel Paul slipping away into his legacy and it is painful and fascinating to read.

If you enjoyed Dune I would highly recommend this book, it sheds a whole new light on the first novel and stands up as a fantastic book on its own.