Rambling About God Emperor of Dune🪱

Let's talk about God Emperor of Dune!
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[@DanielGreeneReviews]

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[@Nasser851000]

Is the Magic spoon made by a secret society of goblin wizards?

[@nopenadda]

Keep reading, it gets better more action etc.

[@quentontylerdoan]

It's been over a year. I just finished reading Heretics of Dune, and it's definitely worth a read. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it

[@stephenobria4422]

Herbert's writing here goes beyond just improving in prose. Leto as a character is masterful. If you sit back and consider just how you would write an omniscient god-emperor. . . I don't think most writers would even have a good concept, let alone pull it off. This entire book is just one big excuse for lofty monologues and it's magnificent. And yeah, I had the same gut reaction to the end of every Dune book, 1-4. Each one feels like an adequate stopping point and "you get it." I loved Leto and "God Emperor" is my favorite book in the series, but I still didn't come back to read the fifth one until much later. And that's fine.

[@guerrillagorilla6537]

Beautifully put

[@merrittanimation7721]

I was gonna argue about the prose improving but then I remembered I barely notice prose quality in general.

[@MrRjsnowden]

Appreciate your comment and I do agree with what you are saying, but you must admit. In 3500 years no one thought to just throw a ton of water on him like the wicked witch of the west...no one...really???

[@totintug2736]

@@MrRjsnowden it was only after Leto decided his actions were sufficient to keep the golden path underway that he allowed himself to be assassinated. In other words: His death at the end of the book was part of the golden path and he allowed it. He would have never allowed himself to be killed prior since that would end the golden path.

[@MrRjsnowden]

@@totintug2736 Agree, but I think its lazy and contrived.

[@tuumef1799]

God Emperor was a trip. Quinns Ideas himself said that there were new layers every time he read it. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@chrisnotaperson8127]

God Emperor is my favorite of the books.

[@qilorarv4999]

Quins ideas explain the universe so well, after that I needed to read the book, and it helped me to prepare for it for sure

[@aegis_helion]

Exactly, these books and SF in general is deeper than people think. Multiple reading over years is a must..

[@ellugerdelacruz2555]

TBH, the Dune Series should've ended at God-Emperor. What do you guys think??

[@mirceapintelie361]

@@ellugerdelacruz2555 No

[@mattkean1128]

Knowing about the golden path really makes the first Dune more interesting to me. Knowing what Paul saw and was dealing with. You definitely see the bread crumbs there.

[@jeffeliassen]

For sure, and this is what makes David Lynch version so off, it seems like no one on the project had any conception of Paul's terrible purpose or what was to come

[@julianuga]

Facts

[@cringecentral_]

@@jeffeliassen it’s a shame what a bad taste that movie left in a lot of peoples mouths for David Lynch, he really is a great director and there’s a few moments even in that movie that show that, but he clearly just didn’t fully understand Dune and that along with the bombastic weirdness of the movie tainted his legacy quite a bit for some

[@jeremycraft2445]

@@cringecentral_ From what I understand there was considerable meddling from the studio that prevented Lynch from really telling the story as he saw fit. Perhaps that's the source of the less than Lynch-standard quality of the film (which for all it's flaws I still enjoyed).

[@MrBenfranz]

Less than scenes, I have favorite lines from GEOD. Like: "Moneo! Fetch me another Duncan!!"

[@smuckfuzzer]

I love that scene where Leto is monologuing in his head and suddenly realizes the Idaho clone has pulled a lasgun on him lmao.

[@matthewbreytenbach4483]

That reminds me of the episode of 'The Grim adventures of Billy&Mandy' where they parodied this book. That show was wild! XD

[@MrBenfranz]

@@smuckfuzzer definitely sprung instantly to mind.

[@ZemplinTemplar]

@@smuckfuzzer Yeah !

[@njm2699]

@@smuckfuzzer the funniest thing is that he was so bored and cumbersome in his own thoughts that when he realized the law gun he was like “Ugh such a pity” like a mosquito landing on ur arm.

[@ukotoa1639]

God Emperor Dune sounds like an anime power up next is Super God Emperor Dune

[@tictacterminator]

lmao if you read Children of Dune, the ending would not have been out of place in an anime "I love the Terrible Glove, it's so bad" -Leto II, probably

[@merrittanimation7721]

Super God Emperor 2 Dune

[@Naruxos07]

@@tictacterminator Dune Messiah's ending would also make for a good anime ending too. Fist of the North Star/Hokuto no Ken ends in the same way as Dune Messiah.

[@satori2890]

It's the Inspiration for 40ks God Emperor

[@be8420]

Whichever fans told you that you don't need to go forward with the last two books did you a grave disservice. Book 4 really only sets the stage for the universe going forward and the final two books are masterpieces.

[@nathanprime2434]

Exactly what I was thinking. I’d be like stopping after book one, it can be done but shouldn’t

[@jasonlarkin8807]

Agree, but he didnt get why Paul went into the desert so maybe its for the best, for him, to stop.

[@WillhelmLiebniz]

I strongly agree. The 2nd Trilogy is amazing, has great characters and better narratives.

[@yearofthehex]

thanks, you inspired me to pick them up and dive in... was going to stop

[@dennism.2976]

I second this. Personally, Book 5 and 6 are among my favorites of the series. Especially the ideas in Chapterhouse bring some emotional elements back into the story, deepen some of the most interesting ideas in the series and bring the series full circle as you understand how the seeds that play out in Book 1 have been sawn, way before the story on Arrakis began.

[@LordJazzly]

Nooo! Don’t stop at God Emperor! You’ve almost gotten to Darwi and Teg and Ultimate Super Potato Clone and the absolute unravelling of the high mysticism that has been building up over the past four books and it’s sooooo gooooood God Emperor takes the perspective so far above humanity that you don’t even see it properly until the next book, where it’s humans again

[@dominicwhite9855]

the ultimate gigachad miles teg

[@LordJazzly]

@@dominicwhite9855 'So - you're saying my mystical order of sexy ninja nuns is... sexist?' 'Well, put it this way - how would you feel about a _man_ doing all those things?' '...my god, that's a _brilliant_ idea!' 'Wait, no-'

[@michaelmurphree593]

Miles Teg is fantastic. Darwi Odrade (the name is an anagram for "Adored") is Frank Herbert's wife written in to the universe. Spoilers: She saves everyone by making the hard choice.

[@asifsaeedmemon]

No, don't stop at God Emperor. Dar, Tar & Teg; the consequences of Leto II's actions. SO much there to enjoy and to re-evaluate each of the previous entries. Plenty of weird and wonderful twists as well.

[@squamish4244]

I'll be that guy. The last two books are 1) Just too friggin weird 2) Convoluted as hell - I did not understand what was going on half the time 3) Too disconnected from the characters we knew. This is a problem God-Emperor suffers from as well. All but one of the Atreides are long, LONG dead. We get a Duncan Idaho...clone. They are just not engaging.

[@Kwisatz-Chaderach]

Leto II is low key hillarious in this book. Dude is a savage.

[@aerynmusick4548]

The last two are much more fun and actiony than anything but the first one. Miles Teg is one of the coolest characters in sci-fi, IMO. I still recommend them.

[@Gildar76]

More action filled yes. I'm not a huge fan of Chapterhouse for some reason.

[@jabur81]

@Gildar76 I’m less a fan of Chapterhouse too, largely because it doesn’t really end. It’s painfully obvious that Frank Herbert had something else up his sleeve and it was probably going to be mind-blowing, and then he died. And if anybody says “well just read Hunters and Sandworms” I will stab them.

[@LunarGlowMedia]

I think you hit on a very interesting point in that the real draw of the whole series is the concepts, and the paths those concepts take one down. Dune is the sort of series that will, should one actually spend the time to read it and think about it for any real amount of time, leave a person changed. I would even go so far as to say that the concepts in Dune could be hazardous to the mental health of the perennially closed minded. I don't read Dune to be entertained. If I wanted to root for a character, I'd pick up any number of Brando Sando's books and give it another read, but it's always going back over old narratives. There is no twist, and no suspense waiting for me on the next page. When I re-read Dune I'm always left in a pensive, contemplative mood for hours after I put it down. THAT is why Frank is my #1, and always will be. It's a very similar vibe to reading Vonnegut. Kurt might have gone for a much more absurdist style, but both authors wrap large concepts in neat little packages for readers to parse.

[@squamish4244]

You can have your cake and eat it too. The first book was highly entertaining AND thought-provoking. If I wanted only to be educated I would read a non-fiction book. IMO, of course. I'll even commit the heresy of saying that Frank Herbert's narrative skills didn't keep up with his ideas. The books get increasingly bizarre and unrelatable. Weird sex stuff, incest OVERtones (Naked 15-year-olds training? Really, Frank?) and other bizarre and convoluted wtf? stuff. And not wtf in a good way like in the first book. I think he did intend these books to be entertaining as well as thought-provoking but lost the plot. IMO, of course.

[@puxtbuck6731]

@@squamish4244I mean.. just because you’re uncomfortable with the idea doesn’t make it inherently wrong to write about. It makes sense with the character and I don’t think there’s anything in the text to suggest Herbert approved this. “Guilty of thoughtcrime!”

[@squamish4244]

@@puxtbuck6731 No...but it is f*cking creepy and very "furiously left-handed typing" or Herbert. And while Herbert may have wanted to stir the pot around sexuality in the first three books regarding the sexual tension between siblings, okay...but in the next three, the sex stuff just keeps getting weirder and weirder, and like it is just there for titillation. And lesbo stuff was cool and all in the fourth book, but male homosexuality remained off-limits for the entire series unless it was portrayed as deviant. The Baron is a homosexual pedophile - and Herbert very clearly meant that homosexuality itself was inherently deviant, not just pedophilia. Herbert himself was a homophobe who disowned his gay son, so there's no doubt about his intent. So yeah, I don't think sexuality is handled very well in the books, and not just in a "I don't like it, therefore it's bad" manner. I just think it's bad writing.

[@jasonthedave6140]

I highly recommend finishing Frank's Dune books. Heretics and Chapterhouse are wonderful.

[@Sandman8710]

This is my favorite book of the series, that being said I haven't read it in well over a decade and the points you make really frame it differently in my mind. I remember being enthralled with the world, the incredible change that had been brought about made it feel so new yet familiar at the same time. I wasn't a very "critical" reader back in the day so I think I took a lot of things at face value; however looking back with your comments in mind I begin to see some of the same weaknesses that I glossed over back in the day. Very good review as always

[@TheBrotherGrim]

This one is easily my favorite book in the series, and has remained so since I first read it in high school. Happy to see it covered here.

[@stuffbenlikes]

I hated it in high school, then reread it in my 20's and that's when it became my favorite. Same destination, though. What an amazing work!

[@dylangullberg7383]

I don’t know, the tension I felt leading up to the bridge collapse scene and Leto’s final metamorphosis in the river was pretty memorable. That being said, if you are looking for characters that you can connect with on a more emotional level, you’ll find that in “Heretics”. I finished Heretics a few weeks ago after jumping right into it from God Emperor and it’s definately more comparable to the first three novels in terms of narrative structure and world building. And yet, it manages to delve even further into other preexisting themes and motifs set up in previous novels while introducing new things never before seen. Without spoiling anything, some affiliations and classes only lightly touched up on previously are given the spotlight, which I felt was incredibly warranted and well earned. It blows my mind how, with each consecutive novel, Herbert manages to prove me wrong that there is nothing poignant left to say in this universe. I’ll probably start Chapterhouse within the next few weeks once I’m caught up on some other things.

[@mitchellgehman4605]

I agree, God-Emperor is definitely a book that you come away with thinking about the book as a whole, and the large scale swathes of what it’s hitting on, rather than a chapter or scene that really draws you in. I think you’ve earned a break from Herbert for a bit, but I do recommend Heretics and Chapterhouse should you feel the itch again

[@guerrillagorilla6537]

Let your feelings gestate for a bit. Trust me, this is the best one in the series. if you find yourself thinking about this book late at night, months or years later, you're not alone.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Herbert has always been able to worm his way into my head 👀

[@starwarsfan9575]

@@DanielGreeneReviews the philosophy in this book is just on another level. It gives the reader a view of Society on an extremely macro level through Leto's eyes. I don't remember ever experiencing such viewpoint before. That's why its my favourite dune book

[@guerrillagorilla6537]

@@DanielGreeneReviews hahaha lovely wormplay, Daniel

[@squamish4244]

Been 20 years, hasn't happened yet. The first one is still by far the best.

[@Darm0k]

God Emperor is my favorite Dune book. If you ever want to revisit it at some point, I suggest listening to the audiobook. It's narrated by the brilliant Simon Vance. His performance of Leto is excellent.

[@shaunmayne2275]

Heretics and Chapterhouse are still worth a read if you want to come back to the Dune universe. It's been awhile since my last read through but I think I'd say the characters are more interesting in this pair.

[@sernoddicusthegallant6986]

Really appreciating this shift of focus back to much more regular book reviews (or rambles or summaries or whatever). While skits are the most entertaining and fantasy news is the most informative these videos are the foundation of what makes me keep coming back to this channel

[@SultanFilm]

I agree, I do wish he would do more detailed studies and reviews of books. Since they tend to be so short that all he gets to talk about is the surface level at times and leaves out whole characters and plots in the process. I'm sure that the skits and the news rants get more views than the reviews and studies, but he should focus more on the full reviews and narrative and character studies at least in my opinion.

[@mu2900]

I just started reading dune I’ve been entirely spoiled about it by a friend because I didn’t think I’d ever read it really enjoyed watching your reviews they got me more excited to at least finish the first 2 books love your content and I also just found the dnd campaign you’re in so I have some 12 hours of daniel to binge

[@Revanchist]

Check out Media Death Cults reviews, he goes much deeper then Daniel. You might enjoy those as well.

[@danthemanwithaplan]

Really enjoying your thoughts on the Dune books. I would really recommend giving the next book, Heretics a try. It changes things up hugely again, and is much more exciting and action packed.

[@kriplaniankit774]

Ponder, definitely my favorite part of Dune.

[@lukewisner8597]

I really struggled with this book too. I loved all of the concepts and ideas presented but the actual story itself didn’t really do much for me. I will say that the next book in the series actually picks back up and involves a lot more plot. Most of the book is just about the most wanted people trying to escape a planet through any means necessary, which is very interesting. Also, the first two books are about Paul, the second two are about Leto, and the last two are about the Bene Gesserit

[@PeckiePeck]

I was surprised in many places by the quality of writing in the first Dune book. I know people say it's clunkily written, but I actually found it to be concise and understated. It doesn't read as ham-fisted, cliched, or melodramatic, which I find to be too common in genre writing. It's a very trusting style.

[@DuskHollow]

It's been great to go along with you on your dune journey! Similar to what you said, the dune series, for me, was not about emotional ties and payoffs for the characters so much as it was for humanity itself. Having such a clear vision of the human condition and its cycles laid out in each book was what kept me engaged. It's like a handbook on human tendencies and far-reaching consequences that happens to have a storyline. I completely understand taking a break after God emperor or even stopping there. I am looking forward to your thoughts if you do continue in the future. Keep up the great work!

[@LutherE.Bolkart]

The best way to read God Emperor of Dune if you see it as a very dry comedy. It is so funny because it has that Mr Burns/Skinner dialogue to it, Leto has a goofy relationship with Duncan Idaho, and Leto is so incomprehensible to everyone around cuz GOLDEN PATH, its so funny!

[@PedroRodrigues-fh1ku]

that's exactly how I read it. Leto's arguments with Moneo were hilarious, the way his rambles goes on and on while Moneo struggles to understand him and is always afraid of being crushed suddenly by him. Duncan's stupidity being mocked the whole book by multiple characters is also very enjoyable, can't stand his macho attitude, when Moneo puts him on his place it was so satisfying.

[@sebastienmenkes-author6889]

I LOVED this book, but it left my imagination exhausted in a way no other novel ever has. So many mind-boggling concepts. Told myself I'd take a break and recover before reading the final two books in the series. That was 7 years ago... still don't feel quuuite ready for Heretics.

[@PeloquinDavid]

Herbert does give you a lot of stuff to ponder and (notwithstanding its high-concept and relatively narrative/character-light nature) can leave you thinking about Dune for a long time afterwards. Not coincidentally, Denis Villeneuve’s films have the same effect on a lot of moviegoers... A match made in heaven.

[@PaullyRobots]

I'm obsessed with Dune. Tis my fav. that being said, this is absolutely true for me as well. 3:57

[@RagerTheStruggler]

I just finished God Emperor of Dune and my goodness… What a read. Has truly made me gain new perspectives and feel grateful to learn so much at a relatively young age. I will continue to read till Chapter house because GEOD is supposed to be the bridge between what was supposed to be the two trilogies.

[@johnblackham3552]

I'd actually recommend reading Heretics and Chapterhouse because imho they're super interesting and have more "plot" than GEoD, though never quite rising to the philosophical highs of GE. It does build up to a cliffhanger that never really gets resolved because of Frank Herbert's death, but I found them to be very engaging.

[@The116thDoctor]

Herbert, like no other author can nearly bring me to tears out of nowhere through just a few turns of phrase. Like I’ll just be reading and it’s just Y’know standard stuff then a character will say something or think something and I’ll just feel the weight of everything they feel all of a sudden.

[@tictacterminator]

I was burnt out after Children of Dune. While God Emperor was very different (and I did like it)... It wasn't enough to shake that fatigue I feel entirely. I don't know if I'll ever get around to reading Heretics or Chapterhouse. I think the first book is great, there are parts of Dune Messiah and Children of Dune that I think are amazing, but I also have some pretty severe criticisms of them. Especially Children of Dune. And there are just certain types of conversations that I get so tired of reading, and they recur so frequently throughout the series. Frank Herbert was so good at writing adventure. The first book was an adventure. There are moments where you have that in Messiah and Children, but those are not the point of the books. The point of the books, is exactly what you touched on in this video, maturity as a species. And I'm sorry, I'm just burnt out on it. If the books focused more on what was happening, instead of like... waxing philosophically, I think I would like them a lot more. Maybe that makes me not a real Dune fan, but I'm fine with that. (It is strange that I liked God Emperor more than Messiah and Children though, because it's by far the worst about that. I guess the change in setting, or maybe Frank Herbert growing as an author, did something to alleviate that feeling of fatigue that I had, but unfortunately, it did not alleviate it enough for me to feel a desire to continue reading at this time.) I do want to read the Butlerian Jihad at some point, so maybe before I do that I'll just make myself read Heretics and Chapterhouse first, but we'll see I guess. I feel the same way as you do, for now I am good. I need a break, even if it is for different reasons. I'm not the biggest fan of how serious and grandiose the message in Dune is, even if I do like a lot of other stuff about the books. Apologies in advance to any die hard fans, lol

[@TheBrotherGrim]

Heretics and Chapterhouse actually get better about balancing the adventure and the philosophy, if you ever do get around to checking them out I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the butlerian jihad books too. They're completely different, but fun in their own way.

[@ryanmoore3200]

I feel exactly the same. Just binged 1-4 in a month and I need a very long break from frank Herbert😭😭

[@jaweel6205]

I just finished God Emperor tonight, read it in less than 48 hours. Needless to say my brain is absolute mashed potatoes after taking in so much so quickly. I really enjoy this universe but I can agree with a lot of what you’re saying. The adventure parts and world building are so exciting, but the philosophical monologues and dense dialogue can be exhausting to make sense of. I’m committed to reading chapterhouse and heretics within the next two weeks, but after than I will need a break from any serious reading for awhile. Last year I read every game of thrones book in like 3-4 weeks and that was 10x the reading but it was just so much easier on my brain.

[@bigblueshoe777]

Suuuuper glad you made it through to (and can appreciate) God Emperor. I think this is where you can look at Herbert's work from a distance and say, "yeah, ok, I totally get why this is one of the biggest sci-fi classics." Like you said in the review, there's now plenty of sci-fi out there that does similar things better, but that can be said about Tolkien and fantasy as well.

[@damionmurray8244]

I'm glad you stuck with the series to see how Herbert's story plays out. I know you weren't a fan of the first book, but I wonder where it ranks for you now, given that you are aware of the true scope of the series as a whole.

[@hakunadamatta]

Enjoyed the commentary. I would add that my fist pumping moment in this book was Moneo’s brief fight scene with Duncan. “You’re just an older model,” made me giddy and I think the implications of that line on a character like Duncan who gets to continue his story past the events of the book is really interesting.

[@TheGeekyHippie]

Been waiting for this one. I love God Emperor of Dune each time I read it. The #2 Dune novel for me, behind the original.

[@theelvenwtich]

This is my favorite of the Dune series.

[@titojdavis8374]

They're all good on audiobook, but I think this one enhances the most. I will forever have Leto saying Moneo's name burned into my brain

[@megatron8490]

I want to hear it now. Is there some way I can hear it for free? Is it on KZbin or Spotify perhaps?

[@syedaiman5705]

​@@megatron8490audiobook on KZbin or Ultimate guide to God emperor of dune

[@TheCalicojane]

It would be awesome to hear you and Quinn's Ideas discussing GEoD for an hour or two.

[@greygander]

that would be awesome

[@ISmith-ye4ff]

I agree with your assessment of God Emperor. I was also in the same boat thinking that I would stop reading the series after this one. And after reading the last 2 books in the series, I think you can stop reading the series. Glad you liked the series so far

[@jonrosenberg4324]

I have to admit I'm surprised to hear that there's no one out there telling you to read books five and six. Personally I'd argue they're some of the strongest and best written volumes in the entire series. Particularly if you were having difficulties with God Emperor (and I can see why, it's a book without any really likable characters, crushingly important themes, motifs and ideas, but... yeah, nobody to actually like, which yes, is kind of the point). Heretics of Dune is such an important step forward for the series. Herbert brings in so many new elements while thoroughly exploring the ramifications of the old one in the wake of the actions already taken. It also has a raft of fascinating and compelling characters. Chapterhouse is not quite as strong and it is here that we can most strongly the absence of a proper conclusion to the series. Yet it too is a magnificent dive into the underlying problems of the setting. Herbert demonstrates that he is aware of them and that he is determined to address them and we as readers get more in the way of answers than at any other point. So yes, sorry this went on a bit. But I'm quite certain that reading Heretics and Chapterhouse will not only be worth your time but they both are fun and exciting novels as well as important ones.

[@lenadoerrer9256]

When I first read Dune at age twelve I absolutely adored it, but I was confused by the sequels and never got past children of Dune. But when I came back as and reread them a few years later, I really appreciated the way it reflected reality, and it’s portrayals of humans. All I can say is Frank Herbert is a total genius!!

[@vacmatt2604]

Man I feel ya. I was bitching the audiobooks at work and after book 5 I just had to take a break. But after a couple of months, I just got back in to book 6.

[@ralphvigil6307]

I would highly recommend the next two books. Fantastic characters, a description of what happened after the scattering, the rise of the Bene Gessirit and their battle with Honored Matres, and how the golden path endured. It’s a different story without the physical presence of a Kwisatz Haderach or God Emperor; and it’s action packed!

[@sirrichard77]

Yes agreed. Heretics of Dune was actually my favorite.

[@Ecusu]

While I agree that there are books that mix the deeper themes and entertainment, something that the earlier Dunes managed to pull off (tho some better than others), I really believe that this book is fully intended to be clinical, cynical and jaded. Fully detached. Just like its major namesake.

[@jbfromaz]

So glad you have gotten into Dune (my favorite series). You got me into and obsessed with the Wheel of Time and I’m halfway through my re-read. You gotta read Heretics though. It’s so much fun and Miles Teg is one of the best characters. It’s actually one of my favorite books.

[@oneoftheorder]

Particularly if moment-to-moment action is an issue, I think continuing on to Heretics of Dune is more than worthwhile. Heretics is one of my top 2 Dune novels probably because it is a contender for most action-packed, while delivering a host of new ideas if not so much thematic discourse. Heretics also refocusses on character quite a bit more (on par with Messiah imo.) If you need a break, that's perfectly understandable, but God Emperor is Dune's slog -- wrong time to stop I think.

[@mikeg5025]

It also introduces Miles freaking Teg

[@oneoftheorder]

Teg is a favorite for me. "Mentat calculation [MFer!]"

[@mikeg5025]

@@oneoftheorder *SPOILER* I loved his awakening, not so much the first, extremely uncomfortable part, but afterwards when he’s berating everyone for what they did and the Duncan reminds him he did the same thing. To which Miles essentially responds with, “Alright. Fair point, we’re cool”

[@oneoftheorder]

I want Villeneuve to get that far with his Dune franchise not to see that scene, but to see the behind the scenes footage where he's trying to explain to the cast how this is going to work, and they are looking professionally uncomfortable.

[@merrittanimation7721]

@@oneoftheorder Or that other scene with Murbella and Duncan, if they can even consider filming that one.

[@qilorarv4999]

This was the book which intrigued me the most, after watching lits of videos about the universe I found it and it enveloped me. I expected philosophy and itdelivered, I could reread one line multiple times and keep pondering. The book is fantastic, but you need to be in the mood for it. Love God emperor and his sacrifice, dislike Siona, but she was bred to be this way, and have joy for Moneo to finally understand. Sayanoiq!

[@liamr6761]

Just went through a great debate about the first Dune book with my Uni English teacher. It's thanks to you (and the film) that I picked it up and I don't regret it :-)

[@jeremyhiggins2970]

I stopped after this one as well. I loved it. I don't know anyone else that has read them and it is hard to try and explain them.

[@MrGlenbw]

3:54 - 4:00 That's the TRUE brilliance of GEOD; you don't treat it like a typical Marvel or any IP-branded blockbuster movies with lists of 'Best Moments' published online these days. For me, the whole book IS the BEST moment.

[@quentontylerdoan]

It's been over 2 years! Please read and review "Heretics of Dune" and "Chapterhouse: Dune"

[@abigailjacob4043]

Thank you for dropping a recommendation for The Green Bones trilogy in one of your previous recommendation videos - I just finished the series and enjoyed it more than any fantasy/sci-fi I have read in a very long time!

[@kevincraigmile7340]

The cliffhanger at the end of book 6 has kept my mind reeling for nigh on thirty years now. Please, let book 4 settle. Six months. Maybe a year. You won’t regret finishing the sextet.

[@ryanmoore3200]

Yeah that’s my plan. I binged 1-4 in a month and I desperately need a break from Frank Herbert 😭 maybe some Harry Potter to lighten the mood lol

[@FrancisFabricates]

Been super enjoyable watching you break this all down. Thank you for explaining this

[@julianuga]

Just finished it a couple days ago. It was awesome. Dune Messiah is still my favorite but GEOD was epic!!!

[@ljc6181]

You need to go forward from here. There is a depth to the entire series is wonderful to return to drive your brain to ponder the issues Herbert presents.

[@stevenrae3841]

Book 5 jumps the shark, stopping after book 4 is the right call.

[@wujo4443]

It doesn't just jump the shark. It jumps intergalactic, telepathic reincarnation of the shark.

[@AnsamblGulici]

Your review is very honest and true for a person of your age. If it's not too much to ask and if you have some To Read list for the future please put the God Emperor on it and read it again when you are 60. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be around to hear that review, but I think it will be very different from this one. Anyway, as you are my main modern fantasy/SF literature informant, I'd like to thank you for your efforts. Keep the good work!

[@deanryanmartin]

The Magic Spoon review makes my mouth water. Looking yummy!

[@nathanprime2434]

Actually I think it’s a real shame that you’re not gonna read the next book, because Heretiks is absolutely nuts in the best ways possible. I think it’s actually my favourite of the series. And there is lots of fist pumping moments.

[@merrittanimation7721]

I found Heretics kinda boring so I’m wondering what I missed

[@be8420]

@@merrittanimation7721 Sounds like it's time to dust off the ole bookshelf!

[@merrittanimation7721]

@@be8420 I read it five months ago. It feels a bit soon for that

[@michaelvcelentano]

I hope you decide to go on to the last two books. If you want blockbuster action, you’ll read the last two books and wonder why they haven’t been made into a TV series

[@djulianerenbourgh4969]

Daniel: Rambling About God Emperor of Dune Me: G O B L I N

[@sandkang827]

dune is the the first novel ive ever read (not done yet). and damn im just awed by franks ability to not only convay so much theough my own imagination but like the range and scale he was able to do so is just mind blowing to me. from the first book where i was so excited to the point i physically gittery over the atriedes dinner on dune and how jessica was analysing every one of the guests, thinkung to my self this is like game of theones but so much better. to now having allllll of that feel so so small and insignifcant compared to where i am now in book 4. as much as i miss that struggle for power and family fudes of book one im just blown away and enthralled by whats moved from the story of a boy, to a family, to planet to a world

[@travisfretwell3302]

Please continue the series. Heretics and Chapterhouse go together. They have way more action and Chapterhouse finishes Frank’s original six beautifully. I couldn’t imagine only reading the first four and missing the last two. They are excellent. Especially Chapterhouse! Personally I didn’t love God Emperor like most people seem to. I wasn’t as invested, but all that changes again. Keep going!!! You will NOT regret it!

[@sernoddicusthegallant6986]

God Emperor is a tricky one, some say its where the series landed its thematic message and cemented the series as a masterpiece Others say its where the series flew off the rails never to return. But to me its the book where I became 100% certain that Frank Herbert got pegged by his wife

[@kendyllmcgowan]

I totally understand needing a break, especially after the slower pace of God Emperor. But I am halfway through Heretics right now… and WOW! It’s absolutely amazing.

[@hrbacon]

This is the most accurate review of God Emperor. Such a great conceptual, thought-provoking work, without emotional character arcs to relate to. It's one of those books that you love, but hesitate to recommend just because it doesn't have those emotional moments or suspense that draw readers in.

[@gatling216]

As a Dune fan: you can absolutely stop here and be fine. There are further ideas to be explored and further worlds to see, and maybe one day you'll get to them. But if you don't? No biggie. When I reread, I personally stop at Children of Dune, because for me, that feels like the story's natural conclusion. Everything after that just gets weird, and I say this as someone who also enjoys Kafka. They're not bad books, but they don't feel like necessary additions so much as an intellectual exercise in pushing the themes of the first three books to their (occasionally il)logical conclusions.

[@staciesbookcase]

Totally respect the decision to stop, though I am bummed. Heretics of Dune is my favorite of the series and it's so rare someone gets that far. There is a character introduced that is my favorite of the series. I get it though! I got through the series mostly because of a buddy read, and I'm likely only to reread the last two books if I pick up the series again.

[@maxsoundandmusic]

Absolutely insane book. So so so good.

[@vertildr3305]

The scene that sticks out to me from God Emperor is his recollection of the past scenes. All the past lives of his family, him experiencing them. "This morning I was born in a yurt at the edge of a horse-plain in a land of a planet which no longer exists. Tomorrow I will be born someone else in another place. II have not yet chosen. This morning, though-ahhh, this life! When my eyes had learned to focus, I looked out at sunshine on trampled grass and I saw vigorous people going about the sweet activities of their lives. Where... oh where has all of that vigor gone?" This is only a small excerpt from the amazing passage.

[@hydorgol]

The God Emperor is the pivot point of Frank Herberts Dune Series. Give the last two books a go. It feels more like near future and opens up to a more indepentent from one soure world ...

[@genmaicha.lapsang]

Oh as a Dune fan you should totally read the 5-6th books! Heretics is actually my favorite and the ending of the series is very thought provoking (yes the 6th book is the definitive ending)

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

Just finished it, I was not looking forward to this one when I heard the premise but actually enjoyed it the most out of the series so far.

[@JazzAK6969]

The first time I read God Emperor I was bored and thought it wasn't a very good book especially after Children of Dune which is maybe my favorite book. However, after reading the rest of the series (original) I found I really enjoyed this book. It's crazy how far ahead Herbert was thinking about this series and how this book shows how Leto did setup humanity to achieve the golden path. I really think you'd like the next two books. They're awesome.

[@brookegalyon5022]

definitely finish heretics and chapterhouse when you can! i totally agree that the lack of emotional draw to the characters in the first 4 made it hard to get through, but i genuinely loved several of the characters introduced in the last two. heretics and chapterhouse are the heart of the dune series, certainly worth the read, and MUCH easier to get through.

[@Taveren]

You know how the 1st dune book can't just feel like it slowly builds up to the final scene that's how this book felt with instead of interesting scenes tying everything together to that epic scene there is interesting concepts and philosophy. The splitting of his consciousness was the most interesting idea discussed

[@ryantoth676]

Straight up thought the ad at the end was some kind of bit about people trying to get you to read the next Dune book and Daniel saying "no thanks" Literally until he revealed the product

[@DrunkenCoward1]

One thing I absolutely love about God Emperor more than the other books it's its dry and sometimes weird humor. I mean, how many novels are there where a character has an orgasm while watching someone climb a cliff? Also, I haven't read the books after God Emperor yet (for similar reasons as you), but a friend told me that if I don't continue I'll miss out on something BIG. Bit of a spoiler, in later books a character finds Leto's spice hoard under sietch Tabr. And along the spice hoard there is a message. To the exact person who finds the hoard. Which was written BY Leto - *In Children of Dune.* The man plans ahead. Frank Herbert, not Leto II (although he does too).

[@redvalkyrie84]

Here we go. Daniel's views on my favourite of the original 4 books.

[@Adrizzle]

I thought Leto was hilarious at points, always making Moneo thinking he was on the verge of getting squished lol

[@necronhex]

Why is this so hard to report on ? A series that baffles stills to this day. Thank God all I have to do is read it.

[@KBTibbs]

I think you're fine stopping (or pausing) here. I love Dune 1-4 more than is reasonable but struggle with liking Heretics or Chapterhouse. Herbert has given us a lot of ideas to play around with in our heads late at night when we can't sleep and that's enough. Bless the Maker and His water. Bless the coming and going of Him. May His passage cleanse the world. May He keep the world for His people.

[@danielholt1984]

You turned into the Paul of reviews. Getting so far and then deciding you don't want to put yourself through anymore 😂. Really enjoy your content though dude. Well done

[@HasteWriting]

Heckin solid review of God Emperor. Super fascinating. Makes you ponder. No particular good scenes and not much emotional investment in the characters. Yep, guess I agree. Suppose I'll move on now...

[@Adamwofford]

you can't judge Frank's Dune to other writers of his time, you don't really see the full version of the golden path, until book 6, the last book Frank wrote before he died, where humanity must not know Utopia, it will lead us to ruin, like it did before, when humanity related on robots for everything, we must always know struggle, but always trying to find new ways for survival and not to relate on one way, but many

[@playbookshowme484]

Im glad you to a good plunge but the pull out left you feeling more than fulfilled

[@hrvojegrgic-akovic5552]

This though provoking aspect is to me the best part of the series. While you can go on, it is only to see the specific results of the Golden path from now on. You do not really need to do this, and it isn't really finished in a consistent way because the next 2 books done by Herbert are not a rounded out story, and his son took it in another direction with his and Anderson's finish. It will still be a good read, and I've read them twice, but it is not necessary.

[@bcoalwriter8337]

Best book of all time. accepting book recommendations to prove me wrong.

[@Mschiller815]

Understandable to tap out after book 4. Personally took me a year or two to want to continue but I’m glad I did. A good way to look at it is that Dune and Dune Messiah are Paul’s story and Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune are Leto’s story. Herbert intended book 5 to be the start of a new trilogy and it has all the elements you might feel were lacking in book 4 while at the same time containing the classic Herbert Dune themes. Hopefully you continue but thanks for your review!

[@nailin18]

I would say take a break if you must but then push forward, only 2 more to go and things are about to take a turn.

[@jabur81]

I’d like to recommend the criminally underrated Pandora Sequence trilogy that Frank Herbert wrote with Bill Ransom: The Jesus Incident, The Lazarus Effect, and The Ascension Factor. The White Plague is excellent too.

[@adrianozuna2941]

You should try Heretics just to see what happens next. It is my favorite book of the series.

[@zindayn]

I also took a break after god emperor. I'm ready to pick up heretics and chapterhouse someday maybe, but not very soon.

[@awkrewen]

The Dune series by Frank feels like it is a trilogy followed by a bridge then two thirds of another trilogy. The second trilogy felt it was going to be stronger than the first.

[@awkrewen]

I do think Chapterhouse and Heretics are among the better books but I feel like because of the abrupt ending I can never recommend anyone start them.

[@SteveNBrule-ol8tm]

I have a lot of agreement here, but I found myself starved for more after God Emperor of Dune, I'm currently reading Heretics of Dune and find it far more compelling a read compared to the lofty (but great) ponderings of book 4. Herbert is crazy

[@tmntaddict]

I'm on my 2nd delivery of Magic Spoon. 😊