The book describes the events between the action of the novels "House of Corrino" and "Messiah of Dune" and the chronicles of the war between the Great Houses of Ikats and Moritany. Jihad is in full swing. Paul's army wins one victory after another. But Muad'Dib's enemies stay awake, plotting betrayal. And Paul himself begins to doubt: is his war getting out of his control? Are those whom he loves and trusts the most up against him? Will he be able to keep a clear mind?