Book 4 of the Dune chronicles. I must admit this was a bit of a chore to read, and I only really read it because I like to go through my chronicles in order and I really want to read Book 5 (which apparently is more interesting).
Leto II has transformed into a human-sandworm hybrid. He is now 3500 years old, so must be bored to death with his surroundings. Despite that, he keeps requesting for Duncan Idaho gholas from the Bene Tleilaxu, although there doesn't seem to be much going on with Duncan except his popularity with the ladies and a role as a human stud.
Being such an ancient being, Leto is something of a philosopher and teacher to his majordomo, Moneo - who happens to be on of the Idaho ghola's descendants and previously a rebel against the Leto administration. Moneo's daughter, Siona, is plotting rebellion against the God Emperor. And there is also the recurring theme of the Golden Path, which frankly I cannot recall its true meaning as it has been several years in between this book and the preceding ones. Best to let Wikipedia explain the plot.
SPOILER ALERT!
A bit of a surprise (even to the seemingly prescient God Emperor himself) is the appearance of Hwi Noree, an ambassador from Ix, who manufacture gadgets under strict control. Leto is taken in by Hwi, both by the her seemingly perfect form as well as the fact that he cannot figure her out. Hwi, likewise, is in awe of Leto and pledges to serve him. In the meantime, Idaho becomes embittered, as he has also fallen for Hwi and begins to distrust Leto. Together with Siona, Idaho decides to kill the Emperor.
The novel is written in a very philosophical style. At times, it appears as a philosophical discourse of human history. This is expected, as the premise of this series is that all this takes place in the future, so their history at some point is the same as our history. Some impressive quotes from the book (and good lessons for management and government):
"All rebellions are ordinary and an ultimate bore. They are copied out of the same pattern, one much like another. The driving force is adrenaline addiction and the desire to gain personal power. All rebels are closet aristocrats."
"Radicals are only to be feared when you try to suppress them. You must demonstrate that you will use the best of what they offer."
"...the beginning of knowledge - the discovery of something we do not understand."
"The problem of leadership is inevitably: Who will play god?"
"Ignorance thrives on hysteria...The undeserving maintain power by promoting hysteria. the Atreides art is the art of ruling without hysteria, the art of being responsible for the uses of power."
"A leader tries to perpetuate the conditions which demand his leadership. Thus, the leader requires the outsider."
"Some believe that you must compromise integrity with a certain amount of dirty work before you can put genius to work. They say the compromise begins when you come out of your sanctus intending to realise your ideals. Moneo says my solution is to stay within my sanctus, sending others to do my dirty work."
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