"Reading Dune Books: Chronological Order Guide"

Ever since Frank Herbert released his groundbreaking sci-fi novel *Dune* in 1965, readers have been captivated by the intricate and expansive political landscape of his universe. Herbert originally penned six novels during his lifetime, but since his passing, his son Brian Herbert and acclaimed author Kevin J. Anderson have expanded the series significantly. Today, the Dune saga boasts an impressive 23 novels, covering a timeline spanning 15,000 years. If you're eager to embark on this literary journey but unsure of where to start, we've got you covered.

With *Dune: Messiah* on the horizon, now is the perfect time to delve into the saga that started it all. Below, we've outlined the complete Dune book timeline to guide you through this complex universe. Navigating the Dune series can be challenging, especially when deciding where to begin.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

The Dune franchise currently comprises a total of 23 books. Of these, **only 6 were written by Frank Herbert himself**. The rest, while considered canon, were authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, fitting into various points of the expansive Dune timeline.

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How to Read the Original Series in Order

To follow the original series as intended by Frank Herbert, start with:

• 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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Despite being written decades after the original *Dune*, Herbert and Anderson use this prequel—the first in a trilogy—to enrich the world-building and lore established by Frank Herbert. Set 10,000 years before the events of the original novel, it lays the foundation for the feudal, technology-scarce world of Dune. This story delves into the origins of a devastating war between the last free humans and the artificial intelligence and robotics they created.

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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 installment in Herbert and Anderson's trilogy introduces more key figures in the Dune universe. As the war continues, readers encounter ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen, and witness the ongoing struggle against the sentient computer overlord, Ominus. This book is packed with detailed world-building and intricate plots that set the stage for a climactic final battle.

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 events of *The Butlerian Jihad*, this book finds Ominus' plan for universal domination nearing its peak. As the most brutal phase of the war unfolds, pivotal moments in history occur. Ominus' dangerous machinations push the universe to its limits, and this entry crucially introduces the battle-ready Fremen that Paul encounters in *Dune*.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sisterhood of Dune

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The next step in the chronological order is the "Schools of Dune" trilogy. Set 83 years later, it explores a world devoid of "thinking machines" and its impact on the universe. Through the journeys of various characters across the galaxy, this book reveals significant developments in the Butlerian movement and the escalating violence that threatens the cosmos.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Mentats of Dune

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With the thinking machines nearly eradicated, a school is established to train "Mentats," humans with exceptional intelligence who can replace the machines destroyed in the war. Other schools, including a new sisterhood on Wallach IX, are also founded. A young woman seeking vengeance within these ranks poses a significant threat. As the schools vie for survival, so does the universe amidst the rise of Butlerian fanatics.

Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Navigators of Dune

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This final book in the trilogy continues to explore the origins of the Bene Gesserit, Mentat, and Suk Schools. It focuses on the growing threat posed by anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad. The central question is whether reason can triumph over the spreading fanaticism in the universe.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Atreides

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The first book in the Prelude to Dune trilogy, set just 35 years before the original *Dune* novels, weaves complex narratives and introduces major characters like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. Political intrigue abounds as the stage is set for a universe-altering conflict.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Harkonnen

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Continuing the Prelude trilogy, this novel deepens the drama and scheming that precede the original *Dune* novels. As Houses Harkonnen and Atreides vie for power, the Bene Gesserit plot to create the Kwisatz Haderach, introducing Leto to his concubine Jessica. This book provides the backstory leading to the events of Herbert's beloved series.

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Corrino

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Concluding the Prelude trilogy, this novel focuses on Leto, Jessica, and their soon-to-be-born son, Paul. As the Bene Gesserit eagerly anticipate the arrival of their chosen one, the narrative sets the stage for the events that unfold in the original *Dune* series, hinting at the complexities and challenges ahead.

Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Princess of Dune

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This companion novel explores the lives of the two women closest to Paul Atreides: his wife, Irulan, and his lover, Chani. Their intertwined stories offer a comprehensive look at the women in Paul's life and how their experiences shaped their paths to him, for better or worse.

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

The Duke of Caladan

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The final trilogy before reaching Herbert's first *Dune* novel, the Caladan stories focus on Paul's father, Leto Atreides, and his ascent to power. Through integrity and action, Duke Leto gains influence in the galaxy's political center, setting him on a dangerous path that will ultimately prove fatal.

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

The Lady of Caladan

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When Lady Jessica defied the Bene Gesserit, her life changed irrevocably. This novel examines how her choice and its consequences reshaped the universe. As she confronts the ancient order, the narrative explores the lengths she must go to protect her family and survive.

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

The Heir of Caladan

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As the Caladan trilogy concludes, the focus shifts to Paul Atreides, known later as Muad'Dib. Before assuming his legendary title, Paul embarks on a journey of self-discovery and leadership. This book paves the way for the original *Dune* novel that ignited the saga.

Frank Herbert's Dune

Frank Herbert's Dune

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The novel that started it all, *Dune* introduces readers to House Atreides and their young son, Paul, as they seek to control the valuable Spice trade on the desert planet Arrakis. Herbert's intricate world-building and exploration of interplanetary politics make this a dense yet essential read, now positioned mid-way through the expanded series.

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 story follows Paul Atreides before and after the original novel's events. As a young child, he is embroiled in the galaxy's dangerous politics. Post-*Dune*, the narrative delves into his time with the Fremen and his relationship with Chani.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

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In Herbert's second book, we find Paul Atreides a decade after becoming Emperor. His role as Messiah to the Fremen has sparked another universal Jihad, causing chaos across galaxies. With his visions guiding him, Paul seeks to alter the catastrophic future he has set in motion.

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

The Winds of Dune

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With Paul presumed dead in the desert, this book bridges the gap between *Dune Messiah* and *Children of Dune*. It follows Paul's mother, Jessica, his sister and Emperor Regent, Alia, and Duncan Idaho, enriching the original narrative with additional context and world-building.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

Children of Dune

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As Arrakis undergoes ecological transformation, the universe shifts. Paul's young children, Leto and Ghanima, grapple with his legacy, confronting their destinies and the potential to follow in his footsteps. The Spice trade faces a new threat, and a new leader emerges.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

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Set 3,500 years after the events of *Children of Dune*, we find Leto having merged with a Sandworm, ruling the universe with an iron fist. This novel examines Leto's impact on the cosmos as he struggles to maintain his rule and control over the Spice trade.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

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Jumping forward 1,500 years after the death of God Emperor Leto, this book portrays a resurgent humanity and the return of Sandworms. With three new civilizations emerging, the Bene Gesserit face a pivotal decision: maintain their role as manipulators or step into leadership to exploit the power vacuum.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

In the final book written by Frank Herbert, the Bene Gesserit find themselves in a fierce battle with the Honored Matres, another matriarchal organization. This war for survival concludes on a cliffhanger that Herbert never resolved due to his death. However, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson later continued the story.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Hunters of Dune

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The first of a duology based on Frank Herbert's notes for *Dune 7*, this book continues the saga from the original novels. It explores the aftermath of the war between the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres and the return of descendants scattered across the universe during God Emperor Leto's reign.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sandworms of Dune

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Filled with clones, shocking returns, and a major revelation about the series' antagonists, this book ties together the many loose ends left by the original novels. With its complex structure, multiple character arcs, and an epic final battle, it serves as a climactic conclusion to the overarching Dune series.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While Brian Herbert may continue to write more Dune novels, the overwhelming success of the *Dune* and *Dune Part 2* films suggests that we'll see more of the sand planet on screen. *Dune: Prophecy* is currently streaming on Max, exploring the founding of the Bene Gesserit and possibly drawing inspiration from "Sisterhood of Dune." Meanwhile, Denis Villeneuve is working on a third and potentially final film in his series, with *Dune Messiah* slated for release in late 2026.

Additionally, a new video game, *Dune: Awakening*, an open-world survival MMO developed by Funcom, is set to launch in early 2025 on PC, with PlayStation and Xbox release dates to be announced. This game promises to bring the Dune universe to life with authentic sandstorms and immersive gameplay.