Dune Books: Chronological Reading Order

Frank Herbert's Dune, published in 1965, ignited a sci-fi phenomenon, captivating readers with its intricate political landscape. While Herbert penned six novels, his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have expanded the canon to an astounding 23 novels, spanning 15,000 years. Navigating this expansive series can be daunting, so let's chart a course through the Dune timeline.

With Dune: Messiah adaptations on the horizon, now's the ideal time to explore this epic saga. The guide below details the complete Dune book timeline, offering clarity on reading order.

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 are 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 blurbs 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, establishes crucial world-building and lore. Set approximately 10,000 years before Herbert's original novel, it depicts the devastating war between humanity and the artificial intelligence they created, shaping the technologically-sparse 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 in the Dune universe. The war continues, featuring 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 climactic 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. This book depicts a brutal era of the war, culminating in a pivotal battle that establishes the Fremen's strength and sets the stage for Paul's encounter in Dune.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This "Schools of Dune" entry, 83 years after The Battle of Corrin, focuses on a world without thinking machines and its impact. The story follows various characters, revealing details about the Butlerian movement and the escalating conflict.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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With thinking machines destroyed, the Mentat schools train humans to replace them. Other academies, including a new Sisterhood school, are established. However, a vengeful individual threatens to unravel everything.

Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This final "Schools of Dune" book focuses on the growing threat of anti-technology forces. The central question revolves around the triumph of reason over fanaticism.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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The first "Prelude to Dune" novel, set 35 years before Dune, introduces Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. Political intrigue, loyalty, and the setting of a pivotal battle are central themes.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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The final "Prelude to Dune" book centers around Leto, Jessica, and their unborn son, Paul. The Bene Gesserit eagerly anticipate the arrival of their chosen one.

Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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

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

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The "Caldan" trilogy begins with Leto Atreides' rise to power. His integrity and actions lead him down a dangerous path.

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

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This installment examines Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and its consequences. It explores her choices and the lengths she goes to protect her family.

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

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This concludes the "Caldan" trilogy, focusing on Paul Atreides' journey of self-discovery and leadership.

Frank Herbert's Dune

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Herbert's seminal work introduces House Atreides and their son Paul, as they navigate the complexities of the spice trade on Arrakis.

Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This serves as both a prequel and sequel to Dune, following Paul before and after the events of the original novel.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

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A decade after becoming Emperor, Paul Atreides grapples with 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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Bridging the gap between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this book follows Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

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Paul Atreides' children, Leto and Ghanima, confront their father's legacy and the threats to the spice trade.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

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Thousands of years later, Leto II's rule and its impact on the universe are explored.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

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Humanity flourishes anew, and the Bene Gesserit face a critical choice.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

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

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This continues the story from Chapterhouse: Dune, exploring the aftermath of the war and the return of scattered humanity.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This concludes the series with clones, shocking returns, and a major revelation about the antagonists.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While further books are possible, the success of the Dune films ensures continued exploration of Arrakis on screen. Dune: Prophecy streams on Max, and Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Dune Messiah is anticipated. A new open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, is also in development.