Fifty-six difficult years have passed since the events described in The Machine Crusade. After the death of Serena Butler, the bloodiest decades of jihad begin. The planets of the Synchronized Worlds are liberated one after another, and people have hope that the end of the monstrous oppression of cruel machines is already near. Meanwhile, the worldwide computer intelligence Omnius is preparing a new trap for humanity. A deadly epidemic is rapidly spreading across the Universe, capable of killing all living things. The terrible Battle of Corrin is coming, in which the Jihad Army will no longer have room for error. In this decisive battle, man and machine will clash for the last time... And on the desert planet Arrakis, the legendary Fremen gather their forces, who many years later are destined to find their Messiah.