All 6 Dune books by Frank Herbert, ranked worst to best

4. Heretics of Dune (1984)

Heretics of Dune takes place 1,500 years after God Emperor of Dune, when the Bene Gesserit have regained their influence and face new challenges from the Tleilaxu, the revived sandworms of Arrakis, and new groups returning after the Scattering. The book introduces some memorable characters, such as Miles Teg, Darwi Odrade, Sheeana, and Taraza, and features some exciting scenes, such as the escape from Gammu and the battle of Rakis. The book also sets the stage for the final confrontation between the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres. The book is a return to form after the controversial and divisive God Emperor of Dune.

Beware SPOILERS AHEAD!

One of the main themes of Heretics of Dune is the concept of evolution and adaptation. The Bene Gesserit, who have been secretly breeding humans for millennia to produce a superbeing, are faced with a new challenge: the return of the Lost Ones, the descendants of those who fled the tyranny of Leto II. Among them are the Honored Matres, who have developed powerful abilities such as sexual imprinting and nerve-burning. The Bene Gesserit realize that they must evolve or perish in this new environment. They also discover that some of their own members have undergone hidden mutations, such as Teg's speed and Odrade's prescience.

Another theme is the idea of heresy and orthodoxy. The title of the book refers to both the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres, each considered heretics by the other. The Bene Gesserit have deviated from their original mission to serve humanity and have become obsessed with their breeding program and their secret agenda. The Honored Matres have abandoned their roots as a branch of the Bene Gesserit, and have become corrupted by their lust for power and pleasure. Both factions are also opposed by other groups, such as the Tleilaxu, who have their own religious beliefs and priorities; and the Bene Tleilax, who are a splinter group that follows a different version of their faith.

My favorite moment from the book is when Teg escapes from his Honored Matre captors using his enhanced speed. He manages to kill dozens of them in a matter of seconds, while also rescuing his companions and stealing a no-ship. This scene showcases Teg's incredible abilities and his loyalty to his friends. It also demonstrates Herbert's skill in writing action scenes that are both thrilling and realistic.

Heretics of Dune is a brilliant sequel that explores the limits of humanity and the consequences of long-term planning. It is full of philosophical concepts and political intrigue that will make you think and question your own assumptions.