• criss_cross@lemmy.world
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    19 hours ago

    I haven’t read the full series but the first book isn’t terrible. But I did have to listen to it on audiobook to finish it.

    It’s very weird because Herbert is genius at world building but real bad at actual storytelling and pacing. The political landscape of the world and how everything ties in together is so fascinating. But saying at the beginning “hey this guy is gonna betray everyone!!!” And waiting 10 chapters to get there kinda falls flat for me.

    • StillAlive@piefed.world
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      18 hours ago

      And the theme of ‘beware charismatic leaders’ doesn’t work for me when I read about this teenager whose father (a good man from what we are told) is murdered in a game of politics, has prescience, and struggles with what his actions should be and what their consequences might be.

      Herbert should’ve refrained from giving him the ability to see the future.

      • canthangmightstain@lemmy.today
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        12 hours ago

        When you miss all the nuance of a story, of course it doesn’t make any sense lol.

        Paul having prescience is a central axiom of the entire novel. They’re his golden chains and the true antagonist of the entire story. Not having it means a very mundane Dune imo.

        • StillAlive@piefed.world
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          11 hours ago

          When you miss all the nuance of a story, of course it doesn’t make any sense lol.

          Sure buddy.