How to Read the Dune Books in Chronological Order

Since Frank Herbert's groundbreaking sci-fi novel *Dune* was released in 1965, fans have been captivated by its intricate political landscape and expansive universe. Herbert himself authored six novels in the series before his passing, but the saga has continued to grow thanks to his son Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J. Anderson. Together, they have expanded the *Dune* universe to an impressive total of 23 novels, covering a timeline that spans 15,000 years. If you're eager to explore this vast saga, we've got you covered with a comprehensive guide on where to start and how to read them in order.

With *Dune: Messiah* on the horizon, now is the perfect time to delve into the novels that ignited this epic series. Below, we've outlined the entire *Dune* book timeline to help you navigate through this complex universe.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

The *Dune* franchise currently boasts 23 books, with the original six penned by Frank Herbert himself. The rest, while considered canon, were written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, adding depth and breadth to the *Dune* timeline.

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How to Read the Original Series in Order

To experience the core of the *Dune* saga as envisioned 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 by exploring the origins of the Butlerian Jihad, a war against artificial intelligence and robotics. It takes place 10,000 years before the events of the original *Dune*, laying the groundwork for the feudal and technologically-limited world that follows.

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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 figures from the *Dune* universe, including ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen. As the war against the sentient computer overlord Ominus continues, this novel deepens the lore and sets the stage for the 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 chronicles the climax of the war and the establishment of the universe's status quo as seen in the original *Dune*. It introduces the battle-ready Fremen that Paul Atreides encounters in the first book.

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 forward 83 years and explores the universe's transition away from "thinking machines." It delves into the rise of the Butlerian movement and the ensuing violence across the galaxy.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Mentats of Dune

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With the thinking machines nearly eradicated, this book focuses on the establishment of schools to train Mentats, humans with exceptional intelligence. It also introduces a vengeful young woman within the sisterhood who threatens the universe's stability.

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 examines the growing threat of anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad. It questions whether reason can prevail against the rising tide of fanaticism.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Atreides

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Set 35 years before the original *Dune*, this novel introduces key characters like Leto Atreides and Baron Harkonnen, setting the stage for the political machinations that lead to the events of the first book.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Harkonnen

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Continuing the Prelude trilogy, this book delves deeper into the power struggles between Houses Atreides and Harkonnen, while the Bene Gesserit plot to create the Kwisatz Haderach through Leto and Jessica.

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 their soon-to-be-born son Paul, as the Bene Gesserit eagerly anticipate the arrival of their chosen one.

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, the two women in Paul Atreides' life, providing a deeper look into their experiences and how they shaped Paul's journey.

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

The Duke of Caladan

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The first book in the Caladan trilogy follows Leto Atreides' rise to power, highlighting his integrity and the dangerous path it sets him on.

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

The Lady of Caladan

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This novel explores Lady Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and its far-reaching consequences, as she navigates the challenges posed by the ancient order.

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

The Heir of Caladan

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The final book in the Caladan trilogy focuses on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership, setting the stage for the original *Dune* novel.

Frank Herbert's Dune

Frank Herbert's Dune

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The seminal work that started it all, *Dune* introduces readers to the Atreides family and their quest to control the Spice trade on Arrakis, setting the stage for the epic saga.

Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Paul of Dune

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This novel serves as both a prequel and sequel to *Dune*, exploring Paul Atreides' life before and after the events of the first book, adding depth to his character and the universe.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

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Set a decade after *Dune*, this novel follows Paul Atreides as he grapples with the consequences of his rise to power and his attempts to alter the future he foresees.

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 the adventures of Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho, adding context and expanding the universe's lore.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

Children of Dune

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This novel follows Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, as they navigate their father's legacy and the changing landscape of Arrakis.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

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Set 3,500 years after *Children of Dune*, this novel explores Leto II's rule as the God Emperor and his impact on the universe.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

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Set 1,500 years after Leto II's death, this novel examines the resurgence of humanity and the power struggles among new civilizations, including the Bene Gesserit.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

The final book in Frank Herbert's series, *Chapterhouse: Dune*, follows the Bene Gesserit's battle against the Honored Matres, ending on a cliffhanger that was later resolved by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Hunters of Dune

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The first book in a duology that continues the story from *Chapterhouse: Dune*, exploring the aftermath of the war and the return of humanity's descendants.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sandworms of Dune

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The concluding novel of the series, *Sandworms of Dune*, ties together the many threads left by the original books, culminating in an epic final battle.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While Brian Herbert may continue to expand the *Dune* universe with more novels, the success of the *Dune* and *Dune Part 2* films ensures that the saga will continue on screen. *Dune: Prophecy*, streaming on Max, explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit, while Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of *Dune Messiah* is slated for release in late 2026. Additionally, a new video game, *Dune: Awakening*, an open-world survival MMO, is set to launch in early 2025 on PC, with console releases to follow.