Dune Books: Chronological Reading Order

Frank Herbert's 1965 sci-fi masterpiece, Dune, ignited a passion for its intricate political landscape and sprawling narrative. While Herbert penned six novels, his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have expanded the canon to an astonishing 23 novels, spanning 15,000 years. Navigating this expansive series can be daunting, so we've created a comprehensive reading order to guide you.

With Dune: Messiah adaptations on the horizon, now's the perfect time to explore the Dune universe. Below is the complete Dune book timeline, detailing each entry and its place within the larger saga.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

Technically, the Dune franchise boasts 23 novels. However, only six were written by Frank Herbert himself. All books listed below are canon and fit within the Dune timeline, though many were authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

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How to Read the Original Series in Order

Dune
Dune Messiah
Children of Dune
God Emperor of Dune
Heretics of Dune
Chapterhouse: Dune

All Dune Books: Chronological Reading Order

Warning: The following descriptions contain spoilers for the Dune series.

The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This prequel trilogy opener, written decades after the original Dune, expands upon the series' lore and world-building. Set approximately 10,000 years before the events of Herbert's original novel, it depicts the brutal war between humanity and the artificial intelligence they created. This sets the stage for the technologically-limited feudal world of the later books.

The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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The second installment introduces key figures from the Dune universe. The war continues, and readers encounter ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen as humanity battles the sentient computer overlord, Ominus. Intricate plotting and world-building set the stage for the epic final battle.

The Battle of Corrin by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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Set 100 years after The Butlerian Jihad, Ominus's plan for domination nears fruition. The most brutal phase of the war begins, shaping the status quo of the original Dune and introducing the Fremen warriors Paul encounters.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This "Schools of Dune" entry jumps forward 83 years, focusing on a world without thinking machines. The story follows various characters, revealing details about the Butlerian movement and the rising violence across the galaxy.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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With thinking machines destroyed, Mentats—humans of exceptional intelligence—are trained to replace them. The story follows the establishment of various academies, including the Sisterhood, and a young woman seeking revenge who could unravel everything.

Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This final "Schools of Dune" novel focuses on the growing threat of anti-technology forces fueled by the Butlerian Jihad. The central question is whether reason can prevail against the spreading fanaticism.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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The first "Prelude to Dune" novel, set 35 years before the original Dune, introduces Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. Political maneuvering, shifting loyalties, and the setting of an epic battle are central themes.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This "Prelude to Dune" novel continues the power struggle between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides, and the Bene Gesserit's plan to create the Kwisatz Haderach.

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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The final "Prelude to Dune" novel centers on Leto, Jessica, and their unborn son, Paul, as the Bene Gesserit eagerly await the arrival of their chosen one.

Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This companion novel tells the stories of Irulan and Chani, the two women in Paul Atreides' life, offering insight into their experiences and relationships with Paul.

The Duke of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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The first "Caldan" trilogy novel focuses on Leto Atreides' rise to power, his integrity, and the dangerous path it leads him down.

The Lady of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This novel explores Lady Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and the consequences of her choices.

The Heir of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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The final "Caldan" novel centers on Paul Atreides' journey of self-discovery before he becomes Muad'Dib.

Frank Herbert's Dune

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Herbert's original novel introduces House Atreides and their son Paul as they strive to control the spice trade on Arrakis. This seminal work explores complex interplanetary politics and a unique planetary landscape.

Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This prequel/sequel follows Paul Atreides before and after the events of the original Dune, detailing his childhood and his life with Chani after becoming Emperor.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

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A decade after becoming Emperor, Paul Atreides faces the consequences of his actions and attempts to avert a disastrous future.

The Winds of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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Set between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this novel follows Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho as they navigate the aftermath of Paul's actions.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

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Paul Atreides' children, Leto and Ghanima, grapple with their father's legacy as the ecological landscape of Arrakis and the universe changes.

Frank Herbert's God-Emperor of Dune

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Thousands of years after the events of Children of Dune, Leto II's reign and its impact on the universe are explored.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

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Set 1500 years after Leto II's death, humanity flourishes once more, and the Bene Gesserit face a crucial decision.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

The Bene Gesserit engage in a war for survival against the Honored Matres, concluding with a cliffhanger.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This duology opener continues the story from Chapterhouse: Dune, exploring the aftermath of the war and the return of humanity's scattered descendants.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This concluding novel brings together loose threads, featuring clones, shocking returns, and a major revelation about the antagonists.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While further Dune books are possible, the success of the film adaptations ensures the continued presence of Arrakis on screen. Dune: Prophecy streams on Max, and Denis Villeneuve is developing further film adaptations. A Dune video game, Dune: Awakening, is also in development.