Rambling About God Emperor of Dune🪱 

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

Ponder, definitely my favorite part of Dune.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

This is my favorite of the Dune series.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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 :-)

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

Absolutely insane book. So so so good.

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

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

Sick Quake 2 tatoo

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

I’ve been waiting for this lol

Just finished it yesterday and it's amazing!!!!!!

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.

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

This is where I got off the dune series too.

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.

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.

Thanks for doing these reviews. They coincided nicely with my own first read through of the dune series. I also decided to take a break after finishing “God Emperor” for similar reasons.

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

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

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

Continue for Miles Teg and the Honored Matres!

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

Heretics & Chapterhouse are worth reading. You're almost there!

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 ...

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

I liked books 5-6. Especially 5.

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

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.

I keep wishing that the movies would quit restarting and go on from the Heretics to the end.... space fantasy with battles of space ninjas!

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.

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.

Heretics is good. So is Chapterhouse. They are the "Bene Geserit" (sp??) books in the series... they are really spectacular and amazing and at their fullest power and abilities, almost 1500 years into the future.

Still can't wait for Heretics & Chapterhouse. 😅

God Emperor is a good stopping point. Glad to see you appreciate it!

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!

Thank you 👍👍

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.

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

I'd love to see you react to the honored matre shenanigan'

It was definitely a mind trip reading this book. The full breakdown video by Quinn Ideas helps a LOT in understanding wtf is going on.

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.

"WEEEEELCOME WELC-" oh wait. that's on friday now