How to Read the Dune Books in Chronological 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 significantly expanded the canon, resulting in an astounding 23 novels spanning 15,000 years. Navigating this expansive series can be daunting, so we've compiled a comprehensive reading order to guide you through the Dune universe.

With *Dune: Messiah* adaptations on the horizon, now's the perfect time to embark on this epic journey. The following timeline details the entire Dune book series, clarifying the order and authorship of each title. Note that while all books listed are canon, only six were written by Frank Herbert himself.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

Technically, the Dune franchise boasts 23 novels. However, only six are the original works of Frank Herbert. All books 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

1. Dune
2. Dune Messiah
3. Children of Dune
4. God Emperor of Dune
5. Heretics of Dune
6. Chapterhouse: Dune

All Dune Books: Chronological Reading Order

Warning: The following descriptions may 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 brutal war between humanity and the artificial intelligence they created, shaping the technologically-sparse 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 in the Dune universe. The war continues, with ancestors of Houses Atreides and Harkonnen central to the conflict against the sentient computer overlord, Ominus. Intricate plotting and world-building pave the way 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. This book depicts a pivotal moment in the war, pushing the universe to its breaking point and introducing the battle-hardened Fremen Paul encounters in *Dune*.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This "Schools of Dune" entry jumps forward 83 years to a world free of thinking machines. The story follows various characters, revealing details about the Butlerian movement and the escalating violence across the galaxy.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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With thinking machines destroyed, schools are established to train Mentats—supremely intelligent humans who replace the lost technology. This book focuses on the survival of these schools amidst the rising Butlerian fanatics.

Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This final "Schools of Dune" novel centers on the growing threat of anti-technology forces, questioning whether reason can prevail against the spread of 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 and power struggles set the stage for future conflicts.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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Continuing the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, this novel explores 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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This final "Prelude to Dune" novel focuses on Leto, Jessica, and their unborn son, Paul, as the Bene Gesserit 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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This trilogy focuses on Leto Atreides' rise to power, his choices, and the dangerous path that ultimately leads to his demise.

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, highlighting her love for her family and her fight for survival.

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

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This final "Caldan" trilogy installment focuses on Paul Atreides' journey of self-discovery and his preparation for leadership.

Frank Herbert's Dune

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Herbert's seminal work introduces House Atreides and their son Paul as they navigate the complex politics of the Spice trade on Arrakis.

Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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This novel acts as both a prequel and sequel to *Dune*, following Paul Atreides 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 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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This novel bridges the gap between *Dune Messiah* and *Children of Dune*, focusing on Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

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Paul Atreides' children, Leto and Ghanima, grapple with their father's legacy and the changing landscape of Arrakis.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

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Thousands of years after the events of *Children of Dune*, Leto II rules the universe with an iron fist.

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 critical choice.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

The Bene Gesserit engage in a war for survival against the Honored Matres, concluding with a cliffhanger that was left unresolved by Herbert's death.

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 revelation about the series' antagonists.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While further Dune novels by Brian Herbert are possible, the success of the *Dune* film adaptations ensures the franchise's continued presence on screen and in other media. *Dune: Prophecy* streams on Max, while Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of *Dune Messiah* is anticipated in late 2026. Additionally, Funcom is developing *Dune: Awakening*, an open-world survival MMO.