[DixieGal]

I just wanted to pop in quickly and mention that while it is true that Dune Messiah is a drag, it's worth the trouble to skim on through so that the rest of the books in the original 6 make sense. In my humble opinion, Chapterhouse Dune was as good as or better than Dune.

Spoiler:

Chapterhouse Dune tells the story of the Atreides and Harkonnans, et al, through the eyes of the witchy high priestess. While the boys are off warring and having their fun blasting each other across Arrakis, the religious caste was working behind the scenes to regain the political power they lost to Paul.

If you didn't read it, then I suggest you give it a try.