Dune is a landmark science fiction novel first published in 1965 and the first in a 6-book saga penned by author Frank Herbert. Widely considered one of the greatest works within the sci-fi genre, Dune has been the subject of various film and TV adaptations, including the Academy Award winning 2021 film Dune directed by Denis Villeneuve. Dune: Part Two opened on March 1, 2024.
[deleted]
General Discussion: Tag All Spoilers
I started reading it for the movie and now am addicted to the lore and everything! So: should I read Messiah? Is it worth it or will it ruin my experience? Is it recommended to read Messiah for Denis’s movie?
Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.
Sort by:
Best
Open comment sort options
Best
Top
New
Controversial
Old
Q&A
Comment deleted by user
Thanks mate! I am giving it a shot, the first book amazed me!
I think the main point of the first book will not be fully understood unless you read Messiah. Many people don't like it as much but imo it is a necessary read for everyone who liked Dune. just prepare to have your heart broken
That’s good to know. I read Dune this summer and would love to further explore the themes offered in the first book.
As others have said, power through Messiah to truly wrap Paul’s journey.
That said, the first book is my favorite, and I found messiah to be far from that experience. Children of Dune scratches the itch pretty well, but none of Frank’s other OG 5 Dune books truly capture what made the first so special, imo.
There are those for which God Emperor is the pinnacle, and those in favor of Heretics’ return to the Dune/CoD adventuring formula. All are right.
Each book is different and each is worth exploring if you’re as taken with the story as you seem to be.
No comment on any books after the first 6.
children of dune was amazing.
[children of dune]leto looked at the mess his father was made and chose to be the hero his father had fled from being!. that scene at the end where ghanima is talking to farad'n is chilling when it brings home the unbelievable depth of the sacrifice leto made.
I actually enjoyed Messiah more than Dune. It’s obviously not a better book, but it was such an enjoyable conclusion to Dune. Honestly God Emperor is my favorite though, so I would recommend reading that far if you can. Children of Dune is excellent as well in my opinion. Wraps up the story of Alia quite well.
Villeneuve's Dune will only cover right the first half of the book, with a possible sequel coming to finish it. You won't be spoiling anything about the movie if that's what you mean.
Thanks mate! Actually I don’t mind movie spoilers, I’ve just finished Dune so I know most things. Putting aside Denis’s movie, is Dune Messiah worth it? Is it as good as Dune?
It is a continuation and expansion on the themes of Dune, so yes, if you enjoyed Dune you will likely enjoy Messiah.
Ok, thanks! I’ll probably give it a shot!
I love Dune Messiah. IMO the last third of the book is some of the finest writing I've ever read.
It’s in the same timeframe when Paul ruled. Then Children/God Emperor brings Leto II.
Definitely read Dune Messiah so you can get to Children of Dune. That was my favorite in the series because of its depth a reality of the Golden Path
Yes
I don’t know if it’s necessary to read it to see the movie but the short answer to your question is: yes. The long answer is: yes.
Definitely read Messiah! It’s a short book, but it acts as a great epilogue to the first book!
Dune Messiah is actually my favorite book so far (I’m currently reading 5). The themes come out a lot more and I feel that it’s an important time in history to read a book such as this
If you liked it so far I'd at least go as far as reading to the end of GEOD as those four are more closely related than parts 5-6.
I found GEOD a bit of a slog but I think it's now my favourite of the series. It's odd it's probably the worst written of the bunch but I just find the idea of Leto II utterly fascinating.