Heretics of Dune

Synopsis

What The Lord of the Rings is to fantasy, Dune is to science fiction. Presenting Heretics of Dune, the fifth book in one of the most influential series of all time, which has inspired countless other stories for more than half a century, this is an awe-inspiring world, and a story of truly epic scope.

From Dune to Rakis to Dune, the wheel turns full circle. From burning desert to green and fertile land and on again to burning desert ... the cycle is complete.

The people of the Scattering are returning. Amongst them, mysterious and threatening, are the women who call themselves the Honoured Matres, adepts of an ecstatic cult.

And on Rakis, become Dune, an ancient prophecy is fulfilled with the coming of the she-sheer, Sheeana ...

Read the series which inspired the Academy Award-winning and jaw-dropping cinematic events Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024). A science fiction spectacular like no other, this is a deeply climate conscious novel, and a compelling family saga for the ages.

Dune reading order:

Dune
Dune Messiah
Children of Dune
God Emperor of Dune
Heretics of Dune
Chapterhouse Dune

Summary

Chapter 1

* Introduces new characters: Murbella, a Bene Gesserit turned Honored Matre; Odrade, the Reverend Mother of the Bene Gesserit; and Duncan Idaho, a ghola of the original Idaho.
* The Honored Matres invade Chapterhouse, the Bene Gesserit's home planet.
* Murbella and Odrade clash over the path of the Bene Gesserit, with Murbella advocating for a more aggressive approach.
* Example: Murbella says to Odrade, "We have become too soft, too passive. We need to embrace our power and use it to shape the future."

Chapter 2

* The Honored Matres capture Sheeana, the Kwisatz Haderach daughter of Leto II.
* Duncan Idaho helps Sheeana escape, demonstrating his advanced combat abilities.
* The Bene Gesserit plan to use Sheeana as a weapon against the Honored Matres.
* Example: Duncan Idaho says to Sheeana, "I am here to protect you. We will not let them harm you."

Chapter 3

* Murbella and her Honored Matres continue their invasion of Chapterhouse.
* Odrade and the Bene Gesserit retreat to the Scattering and set a trap for the Honored Matres.
* The Honored Matres are drawn into the trap and defeated.
* Example: Odrade says to Bene Gesserit, "We have underestimated their strength, but we will not let them destroy us."

Chapter 4

* Duncan Idaho and Sheeana form a bond during their escape.
* The Honored Matres learn of the Bene Gesserit's plans and launch a counterattack.
* Duncan Idaho and Sheeana must return to Chapterhouse to help the Bene Gesserit.
* Example: Sheeana says to Duncan, "I don't know why you're helping me, but thank you."

Chapter 5

* Murbella and Odrade engage in a final confrontation.
* Odrade reveals that the Bene Gesserit have developed a new plan to defeat the Honored Matres.
* Murbella is defeated and the Honored Matres are forced to retreat.
* Example: Odrade says to Murbella, "You have lost. Our path is the true path."

Epilogue

* The Bene Gesserit scattering resumes.
* Sheeana and Duncan Idaho are sent on a mission to find a new home for the Sisterhood.
* The fate of the Imperium remains uncertain, but the Bene Gesserit have survived and will continue their efforts to shape the galaxy's future.
* Example: Sheeana says to Duncan, "We have a long journey ahead of us, but I know we will succeed."