Another novel in the Dune franchise. Paul of Dune is an interquel, largely taking place in the decade between the events of Dune and of Dune Messiah.

Paul Atreides has become the Emperor of the known galaxy. A vicious jihad has burst across the empire in his name. His prescience tells him that it’s absolutely necessary so that mankind can break out of the course that leads to stagnation and de­struc­tion. But billions have died and many more are yet to die. He is feared and hated. A rebellion has broken out and must be suppressed. Attempts are made upon his life.

The main story is woven with extended flashbacks to Paul’s first formative, experience of war, a few years before Dune. The War of Assassins took a toll on Paul’s father, Duke Leto, but showed Paul what it is to lead.

The last book written by BH & KJA, Sandworms of Dune, was a sequel to the entire series. It was greatly weakened by multiple deus ex machina endings. Here, they are con­strained by having to fit in between two previous books. This book works better.