I read this book way back when it first came out. I had already read Dune, Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune and I was captivated by all three. Many of my friends had already read those same books and some thought that Dune Messiah was a snore. I didn't understand that characterization or agree with it. Looking back now, even though I have never reread Dune Messiah, I remember liking it, and I think if I read it again I would probably view it as a necessary interlude, like a slow movement in a symphony. But it was God Emperor of Dune that really had the impact on me. The first three books were all just the very necessary setup for this book. Frank Herbert was a master of Science Fiction because he did that which is greatest, in my mind, about Science Fiction which ... MoreI read this book way back when it first came out. I had already read Dune, Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune and I was captivated by all three. Many of my friends had already read those same books and some thought that Dune Messiah was a snore. I didn't understand that characterization or agree with it. Looking back now, even though I have never reread Dune Messiah, I remember liking it, and I think if I read it again I would probably view it as a necessary interlude, like a slow movement in a symphony. But it was God Emperor of Dune that really had the impact on me. The first three books were all just the very necessary setup for this book. Frank Herbert was a master of Science Fiction because he did that which is greatest, in my mind, about Science Fiction which is to use it as a backdrop to tell a much deeper story about who we are as humans. This is a deeply philosophical disscection of human culture over the millennium. I see this as Frank Herbert looking at the cultures we are living in today and pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of them as he sees them and he is inviting us to understand and sympathize with Leto II as to why he made such an incredible sacrifice and why. That is what he wants us to think about. So I could not find my original copy of this book. Sohere it is, 40 years later, and I am rereading it again and with 40 more years of living under my belt I find this book even more meaningful today than I did when I read it as a child.

This is the 4th book in a series written 50 years ago. My words regarding the story are pointless but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. In my opinion, the 2nd book of the series (Messiah) was a little slow. 1st, 3rd and now 4th are extremely compelling. Love the world building. The condition of the book was perfect.

This book serves as a guide to Dune. Through the story Frank Herbert details the effect of stagnation in society and how stress forces adaptation.