The second volume in the epic Caladan Trilogy
In the year before DUNE, House Atreides is torn apart, caught in power plays among the Imperium, the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, the CHOAM Company, and House Harkonnen.
Lady Jessica, mother of Paul and consort to Leto Atreides, is torn from her home and her family. Her choices will shape an empire, but first the Lady of Caladan must reckon with her own betrayal of the Bene Gesserit. Refusing to become a pawn, she must decide if her loyalty to the Sisterhood is more important than the love of her own family.
Duke Leto must stand up to corruption and disgrace, refusing to become a pawn in a violent uprising bent on bringing down Emperor Shaddam IV.
Paul, the heir to Caladan, stands with his friends and protectors-Duncan Idaho, Gurney Halleck, and Thufir Hawat-and he must learn to become a true leader before House Atreides spirals out of control.
Meanwhile, complex schemes in the sprawling, corrupt Imperium are accelerating, pulling Lady Jessica, Duke Leto, and Paul on a collision course with destiny.