I assume many of you here have read Frank Herbert’s Dune books, so I’d like to know: Are they worth reading?
It is my understanding that the Dune saga, particularly the first book, influenced Star Wars, among others of course (Flash Gordon, etc), the biggest difference being that while SW is morally very black and white, Dune is filled with moral complexity. I’ve also read that the first first book is arguably the only feel-good one, with the following books deconstructing the Messiah image built up around Paul, and the story growing progressively more cynical with each passing book. The only reason I’m a bit hesitant because I know Frank Herbert died before wrapping up the saga and his son and some other writer wrote the latter books based on notes left by Frank, and that kinda turns me away.

The reason I’m asking is because I want a space opera akin to Star Wars with more adult themes, and according to movie director Denis Villeneuve that’s exactly what Dune is, Star Wars for adults, which is why my interest is piqued.