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Children of Dune

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976

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Book Brief

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Frank Herbert

Children of Dune

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976
Book Details
Pages

609

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Arrakis • Futuristic

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

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Super Short Summary

Children of Dune by Frank Herbert follows Alia Atreides as she rules the Imperium after her brother Paul Muad'Dib's departure, while struggling with internal and external threats. Paul's children, Leto II and Ghanima, navigate political intrigue and the peril of Abomination, using their powers to chart a future divergent from their past. They contend with familial, ecological, and political crises to shape their destiny. Sensitive topics include discussions of mental health, familial conflict, and political manipulation.

Mysterious

Dark

Fantastical

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

228,666 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune is praised for its rich world-building and complex political intrigue, continuing the saga with a focus on character development and philosophical depth. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the plot convoluted. Overall, the book is a compelling, though occasionally dense, addition to the Dune series.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Children of Dune?

An ideal reader for Frank Herbert's Children of Dune is a fan of intricate science fiction epics with political intrigue and rich world-building. They likely enjoyed Dune and Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, appreciating complex character development and detailed, speculative universes.

4.3

228,666 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Alia Atreides

Alia Atreides is the 24-year-old regent of the Atreides empire, navigating the challenges of her unique "pre-born" condition and the political threats that come with her position. Despite her power, she struggles with internal conflicts and external pressures that define her turbulent journey.

Lady Jessica, mother of Paul and Alia Atreides, is a figure of stoicism and complexity due to her Bene Gesserit training. She grapples with her loyalties and the impact of her past decisions on her family’s legacy.

Leto II is the nine-year-old son of Paul Atreides, destined for a major transformative role. His journey is marked by solitude and the weight of future responsibilities necessary for the preservation of the Atreides legacy.

Ghanima is Leto’s twin sister, known for her strength in self-control and compassion. She exhibits the ability to manage the challenges of her pre-born condition and plays a vital role in supporting her brother's path.

Farad’n is the son of Princess Wensicia, caught between his scholarly pursuits and his role within the political sphere of the Corrino lineage. His path involves mentorship and a quest for understanding beyond immediate power struggles.

Stilgar is the Fremen leader bound by tradition and loyalty, who faces the dilemma of acculturation and the consequences of aligning with the Atreides. He embodies the tension between change and cultural preservation.

The Preacher is a blind, enigmatic figure who challenges the religious structures erected around the figure of Paul Muad'Dib. He rejects his past identity for a mission of revealing truths and combatting corruption within the system.

Book Details
Pages

609

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Arrakis • Futuristic

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

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