Scott answers “Why does the first book has so many more...”

Guilherme Lima asked this question about Dune Messiah (Dune #2):

Why does the first book has so many more rating than this one? Don't people care about this book?

Scott It also could be that Dune Messiah is a downer at the end. Despite everything I've read and heard about Frank Herbert's stated thesis that we should "…moreIt also could be that Dune Messiah is a downer at the end. Despite everything I've read and heard about Frank Herbert's stated thesis that we should "beware charismatic leaders," it's very easy to read "Dune" (mild spoiler here) as a traditional hero's journey where Paul - the ultimate charismatic leader - avenges the wrongs done to his house and topples a corrupt system. (It sure seemed to have fooled David Lynch in his film version, based on how he rewrote the ending.) But there is a lot in "Dune" that undermines our confidence in Pauls' victory. Herbert makes the hollowness of Paul's victory much more explicit in the next two books. So many find Messiah and Children interesting but unsettling, and many give up along the way. (less)

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