I haven’t read the full series but the first book isn’t terrible. But I did have to listen to it on audiobook to finish it.
It’s very weird because Herbert is genius at world building but real bad at actual storytelling and pacing. The political landscape of the world and how everything ties in together is so fascinating. But saying at the beginning “hey this guy is gonna betray everyone!!!” And waiting 10 chapters to get there kinda falls flat for me.
And the theme of ‘beware charismatic leaders’ doesn’t work for me when I read about this teenager whose father (a good man from what we are told) is murdered in a game of politics, has prescience, and struggles with what his actions should be and what their consequences might be.
Herbert should’ve refrained from giving him the ability to see the future.
I haven’t read the full series but the first book isn’t terrible. But I did have to listen to it on audiobook to finish it.
It’s very weird because Herbert is genius at world building but real bad at actual storytelling and pacing. The political landscape of the world and how everything ties in together is so fascinating. But saying at the beginning “hey this guy is gonna betray everyone!!!” And waiting 10 chapters to get there kinda falls flat for me.
And the theme of ‘beware charismatic leaders’ doesn’t work for me when I read about this teenager whose father (a good man from what we are told) is murdered in a game of politics, has prescience, and struggles with what his actions should be and what their consequences might be.
Herbert should’ve refrained from giving him the ability to see the future.