Solutions of the Questions On Magnetism and Electricity Set at the Intermediate Science and ... Book

It's strange that the sequel to this novel is my favorite book of all time and yet I only gave this one two stars. Part of the problem is that most of this book is really just a philosophical dialog about the nature of consciousness and an attempt to mathematically define it. There's a some unnecessary intrigue where every character knows some secret about the other characters that they themselves don't know. The point of view is changed many times on a page (which Herbert admits he did for clarity of all things) which makes things even more confusing. But mostly the book just made me feel stupid. Metaphysics in college was simplistic compared to parts of this book. There were many places I had to re-read several times to get what he was trying to say. At points I just didn't bother.

The redeeming factor is the final chapter where the whole point is made and which sets up the next book in the series, The Jesus Incident which is an examination of the nature and definition of God among other things. But where that book provides a full story to surround the discussion and lots of showing with action and character development, Destination: Void just fumbles. Which is too bad as the idea of what is consciousness is such a fascinating topic.

This book is only for die-hard Herbert fans and those who like convoluted discussions about the nature of consciousness.