Ever since Frank Herbert released his seminal sci-fi novel Dune in 1965, readers have been captivated by the intricate and expansive political machinations of his influential universe. While Herbert himself wrote six novels during his lifetime, his son Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J. Anderson have significantly expanded the series. As of now, the Dune saga boasts an impressive total of 23 novels, covering a vast timeline of 15,000 years. If you're eager to delve into this epic series but unsure where to begin, we've got you covered.
With the anticipation building for Dune: Messiah, now is the perfect time to explore the novels that ignited this phenomenon. Below, we've outlined the complete Dune book timeline to help you navigate the series.
How Many Dune Books Are There?
The Dune franchise encompasses 23 books, with the original six penned by Frank Herbert himself. The rest of the canon, crafted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, fits seamlessly into the Dune timeline, enriching the universe with their additions.
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How to Read the Original Series in Order
To experience the core saga as intended by Frank Herbert, follow this sequence:
- Dune
- Dune Messiah
- Children of Dune
- God Emperor of Dune
- Heretics of Dune
- Chapterhouse: Dune
All Dune Books: Chronological Reading Order
Warning: Each of the blurbs in this piece contains spoilers for the Dune book series.
The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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This prequel, the first in a trilogy, sets the stage for the Dune universe, occurring about 10,000 years before the original novel. It explores the origins of the feudal, technology-restricted world through a brutal war between humans and their creations, artificial intelligence and robotics.
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The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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The second book in the trilogy introduces key characters from Houses Atreides and Harkonnen, delving deeper into the ongoing war against the sentient computer overlord Ominus. It's filled with dense worldbuilding and intricate plotting, setting up an epic final confrontation.
The Battle of Corrin by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Dune: The Battle of Corrin
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Set 100 years after the start of The Butlerian Jihad, this novel sees Ominus' plan for universal domination nearing fruition. It marks a critical point in the war, introducing the battle-ready Fremen encountered by Paul in Dune.
Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Sisterhood of Dune
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This novel, part of the "Schools of Dune" trilogy, jumps 83 years forward, exploring a world without "thinking machines" and its effects on the universe. It follows various characters, unveiling the rise of the Butlerian movement and the ensuing violence.
Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Mentats of Dune
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With the thinking machines nearly eradicated, schools are established to train "Mentats," humans of exceptional intellect. This book also introduces a new school of the sisterhood and a vengeful young woman who could threaten everything.
Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Navigators of Dune
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The final book in the "Schools of Dune" trilogy focuses on the growing threat of anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad, questioning whether reason can prevail against rising fanaticism.
House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Atreides
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Set 35 years before the original Dune, this first book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy introduces major characters and sets the stage for the epic conflicts that will shape the universe.
House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Harkonnen
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Continuing the "Prelude" trilogy, this novel delves deeper into the political machinations and the Bene Gesserit's plans to create the Kwisatz Haderach, providing context for the events in Dune.
House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Corrino
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The final book in the "Prelude" trilogy focuses on Leto, Jessica, and the impending birth of Paul, setting the stage for the events that will unfold in Dune.
Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Princess of Dune
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This companion novel explores the lives of Irulan and Chani, offering a deeper look at the women surrounding Paul Atreides and their pivotal roles in his life.
The Duke of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Duke of Caladan
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The "Caldan" trilogy focuses on Leto Atreides' rise to power, illustrating how his integrity and actions shape the galaxy's political landscape.
The Lady of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Lady of Caladan
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This novel examines the consequences of Lady Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit, exploring the ripple effects of her choices on the universe.
The Heir of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Heir of Caladan
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The final book in the "Caldan" trilogy centers on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership, leading directly into the events of the original Dune.
Frank Herbert's Dune
### Frank Herbert's Dune
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The cornerstone of the saga, Dune introduces readers to the Atreides family and their quest to control the spice trade on Arrakis, weaving a rich tapestry of interplanetary politics and ecological intricacies.
Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Paul of Dune
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Serving as both a prequel and sequel to Dune, this novel explores Paul Atreides' early life and his time with the Fremen, adding depth to his character and the universe.
Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
### Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
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In this sequel, Paul Atreides, now Emperor, faces the consequences of his actions as he attempts to navigate the future he has foreseen.
The Winds of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Winds of Dune
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Set between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this novel follows Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho, enriching the narrative with additional context and lore.
Frank Herbert's Children of Dune
### Children of Dune
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As Arrakis undergoes ecological transformation, Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, confront their father's legacy and the threats to the spice trade.
Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune
### Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune
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Set 3500 years after Children of Dune, this novel follows Leto II, now merged with a sandworm, as he rules the universe with an iron grip.
Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
### Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
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Taking place 1500 years after the death of Leto II, this novel explores a universe where humanity and sandworms are resurgent, and the Bene Gesserit face a critical decision.
Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune
In this final book by Frank Herbert, the Bene Gesserit are embroiled in a war with the Honored Matres, ending on a cliffhanger that Herbert never resolved.
Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Hunters of Dune
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The first of a duology that picks up where Chapterhouse: Dune left off, exploring the aftermath of the Bene Gesserit-Honored Matres war and the return of scattered human descendants.
Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Sandworms of Dune
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This climactic novel ties together the loose ends of the series, featuring shocking returns and a major reveal about the series' antagonists.
Will There Be More Dune?
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While it's uncertain if Brian Herbert will write more Dune books, the franchise's success in film and television suggests that the universe will continue to expand on screen. Dune: Prophecy on Max delves into the Bene Gesserit's origins, and Denis Villeneuve is set to release an adaptation of Dune Messiah in late 2026. Additionally, a new video game, Dune: Awakening, is slated for early 2025, promising an immersive experience on Arrakis.
