We get another massive time skip, this time 1500 years since events of “God Emperor of Dune”. Probably biggest merit of this book is that it is very different than previous books from the cycle, but it is recognizably taking place in Dune universe. Maybe there is not that much elements common with original “Dune”, but the main ingredients from previous books of the cycle are here. Main players currently are Bene Gesserit, which are point of view now, genetic engineer Tleilaxu and technologically superior Ixans. The whole intrigue come about as a consequence of Leto’s Golden Path.
We can see inner workings of Bene Gesserit sisterhood as most of our protagonists are part of it. Mother Superior Taraza, her pupil-friend reverend mother Darwi Odrade, her lookalike “imprinter” Lucilla, retired military general of Bene Gesserit, Bashar Miles Teg. Funny thing is that most of the above are Atrydes, as it seems genes of Atrydes are still of special interest for the sisterhood. Beyond them we meet yet again another Duncan Idaho ghola, universe just can’t have enough of Duncan Idaho. I would understand perhaps some sentimental value for Leto II, but here it doesn’t feel to have enough justification. At least we see him as kid and teenager before he regain his memories and then a little bit too early awakening in too young body.
On the Rakis (former Arrakis, titular Dune) we see that desert returned to bigger sizes, even if not to full glory. Sandworms returned, which has significance for larger scheme of politics. Big influence here, but very small beyond the planet, has dwindling cult of Leto. They believe that sandworms contains pieces of God Emperor consciousness. Our main point of view at Rakis is little girl, Sheeana, who lost her family and whole village to sandworm appetite. She discovers that she could communicate with sandworms and due to that, she is taken by the cult as sort of prophetess.
The main conflict arises naturally out of Golden Path. Humanity spread out during Scattering, without spice disconnected from each other. But now, they reconnect and various people and forces return to “Old Empire” core. The biggest returning force and natural adversary for Bene Gesserit are so-called Honored Matres. Their origin are not known, but they seem to be like corrupted version of Bene Gesserit. They used sexuality to completely subjugate people and are absolute tyrants. The whole story revolves exactly around the conflict between Bene Gesserit and Honored Matres.
I feel like the author used sexuality more explicitly and unabashedly more and more with each next book. We are shown “imprinter” role in Bene Gesserit, which means using sexuality by specially trained reverend mother to gain loyalty of someone. Honored Matres are speculated to use perfected, overused and also depraved version of that ability as their modus operandi to gain power. Not only on the side of that, but also Duncan Idaho, another Frank Herbert’s obsession is sign of this. He is raised by Bene Gesserit exactly for his potential to sway over the girl who can communicate with sandworms.
Big cast of colorful characters and extension of the setting is entertaining. It is very different than original “Dune”, which could feel like disappointment for some, but for me it was only strength. The plot in this novel only reinforces that Frank Herbert construct plots in very specific way. Events are slow for the big part of the story, but they prepare ground for tumultuous short final when the whole intrigue untangle.