Dune Messiah

I had tried reading this years ago and had a hard time with it - this time I read it in three days :) This sequel to Dune takes place not long after that seminal work, with Paul and Alia at the head of the new Imperium. I was surprised when reading this how tight Herbert's writing was. It was a quick read because Herbert didn't waste time on details that weren't germaine to the moment, which might put off some readers. If Kyle MacLachlan pops in your head when you think Paul Atreides, approach with caution. This Maud'Dib is a ruler, stuck with all of the problems and dilemmas a super powered emperor with a wife, mistress, and a back from the dead friend would expect to face.