Well if you can make it through the first book this one is much easier to digest. Not only is it shorter but it seems a little more direct and to the point. Of course, this book is almost half the size of Dune and Herbert had to establish this entire universe of people in the first book. Still, the life of Arrakis seems easier and more difficult but far easier to understand in this book. 
 The series is very intriguing and I can't help be drawn into even if I continue to walk away unsure about what I just listened too (I'm listening to audio files). 
 The most intriguing character so far is Duncan Idaho. In the first book, you don't really get to know him but in this one there is a different twist on his existence and I can't help but like him. 
 I'm very much looking forward to starting Children of the Dune.