When I watched the first Dune by Denis Villeneuve, it really hooked me. I realized it wasn't just a film, but a gateway into Frank Herbert's vast universe. It felt like Game of Thrones, only on a much larger timeline and cosmic scale. That's when I decided: I need to read everything.
By the time the second film came out, I'd already read Dune, Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune. I generally liked the second film, although without knowing the books, some moments seem odd. I was most disappointed that Alia wasn't fully developed as a character. But overall, it was a good read.
God Emperor of Dune was a tough read: the book is complex and philosophical, and you have to digest every thought for a long time. But Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse Dune are a completely different story, with a different depth and a different scale.
The ending leaves a feeling of ambiguity, especially because of the facial dancers and Duncan's line with Sheeana. But over time, you realize: Herbert did this deliberately. He doesn't give simple answers or explain everything completely. He leaves room for reflection.
I sincerely wish good luck to the directors who decide to adapt all of this into films. Conveying such intricacies, ideas, and scale on screen is an incredibly difficult task. But if anyone has a chance, it's those who understand that Dune isn't about action, but about choice, power, and responsibility.
