That I went out and bought Dune Messiah, is a tribute to the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed Dune. Obviously anyone else considering Dune Messiah should also have read Dune and enjoyed it (if you didn't, don't bother with Messiah). Even if you did, take care. I confess to being disappointed by this book. Dune is an epic set in a new and interesting world, keeping you reading to uncover the revelations in the story and the universe. Dune Messiah is essentially a short story set in the Dune universe. It feels like it was rushed out, an outline for one thread of a greater book. The book carries one, rather basic when it's boiled down, storyline which frankly fails to keep the interest or impress. It lacks the depth of character of Dune and also lacks much in the way of further development of the world of Dune. Because it doesn't explore the characters, their motivations and aims are far from clear. If you loved Dune you may enjoy Dune Messiah, but don't expect to feel the same as you did when reading Dune.