This book feels like old scifi. It was an enjoyable read, but the style made it feel plodding. I'm not sure what his point is, characters make comments on the nature of government and religion but none felt cohesive enough to really understand Herbert's views. I'm hoping this was a necessary but slow interlude between Dune and Children of Dune. 
 We're given narration from most character's perspectives, but still withheld information about their plots and plans. This is a weird feeling, we get Paul thinking things will be bad and he's on a path that leads... somewhere but are never told where. The payoff felt lacking, many of Paul's actions aren't justified, either by himself or those around him. 
 I didn't mind reading it, and I'll still continue reading the series, but I did not enjoy it that much.