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This is a very late response.... But.
The dune sequels are brilliant, way more intricate and complex because they don't need as much world building faff. They develop much deeper into the plot and subjects that the first book tackled. Maybe avoid the none Frank Herbert stuff though, it just doesn't sit as well. Children of Dune is perhaps the best in the series and Chapter House probably the worst.
I did exactly the same and started the first sequel. It was guff. It's now sitting, partially read, on my kindle, and has been since May. Really annoying.