Review of 'Dune: The Machine Crusade'

Dune: The Machine Crusade by Kevin J. Anderson, and Brian Herbert
2nd book in the 'Legends of Dune' series

Things are really starting to heat up with the Serena Butler's Jihad. Thirty years have past since her child was killed by the thinking machine Erasmus beginning the Jihad and many battles have been won and lost since. A ship that can fold space may be just what is needed to tilt the balance. The stories of the characters introduced in the first novel are continued in a satisfying way with the obvious beginnings of the sisterhood (Bene Geserit), the Spacing Guild and the Fremen of Arrakis (Dune). The characters are believable with human foibles with various shades of “good” and “bad”. The violence of the first novel continues with further vivid mutilations and murders (this time not on the side you might expect). There is a massive amount of story to be told in this rather large (thick) book and the action comes thick and fast. Interesting background information for the Dune universe. A good read.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2004-10-23


Genre: Science Fiction

Publication Date: 2003


Other reviewed books in the 'Legends of Dune' series:

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