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 we've created a comprehensive reading guide.
With Dune: Messiah adaptations on the horizon, now's the perfect time to explore this epic saga. Below is a chronological reading order of the entire Dune book timeline.
How Many Dune Books Are There?
The Dune franchise boasts 23 novels, but only six were written by Frank Herbert himself. All books listed below are canon, fitting 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 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, set 10,000 years before Herbert's original novel, establishes the Dune universe's lore. It depicts the devastating Butlerian Jihad, a war between humanity and the sentient machines they created.
The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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The second installment introduces key figures ancestral to Houses Atreides and Harkonnen, continuing the war against the AI overlord, Ominus.
The Battle of Corrin by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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Set 100 years after *The Butlerian Jihad*, Ominus's plans for domination intensify. This pivotal battle shapes the world Paul Atreides encounters in *Dune*.
Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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Jumping 83 years, this "Schools of Dune" novel explores a world without thinking machines and reveals details about the Butlerian movement.
Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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The rise of Mentats—human replacements for machines—is explored, along with the struggles of various academies amidst growing fanaticism.
Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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The final "Schools of Dune" book focuses on the threat of anti-technology forces and the conflict between reason and fanaticism.
House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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This "Prelude to Dune" trilogy starter, set 35 years before *Dune*, introduces Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam.
House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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Continuing the power struggle between Houses Atreides and Harkonnen, 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 son Paul, leading up to the events of *Dune*.
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.
The Duke of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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This trilogy focuses on Leto Atreides' rise to power and the events leading to his tragic fate.
The Lady of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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This novel explores Jessica's life after betraying the Bene Gesserit and the consequences of her choices.
The Heir of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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This concludes the "Caladan" trilogy, focusing on Paul Atreides' journey to 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 perilous politics of the Spice trade on Arrakis.
Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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A prequel and sequel to *Dune*, this novel follows Paul before and after the events of the original, exploring his childhood and his life with Chani.
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 novel follows Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho.
Frank Herbert's Children of Dune
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Paul's children, Leto II and Ghanima, contend with 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 reign and its impact on the universe are explored.
Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
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Humanity flourishes once more, and the Bene Gesserit face a crucial decision regarding their role in the universe.
Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune
The Bene Gesserit battle the Honored Matres, culminating in a cliffhanger ending.
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 scattered humanity.
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 reveal about the antagonists.
Will There Be More Dune?
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Further Dune books are possible, and the success of the film adaptations ensures the continued exploration of Arrakis on screen and in other media.
