"Dune Books: Chronological Reading Guide"

Since Frank Herbert first introduced the world to the epic universe of *Dune* in 1965, readers have been captivated by its intricate and expansive political landscape. Herbert's original vision spanned six novels, but following his death, his son Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J. Anderson have significantly expanded the series. To date, the *Dune* saga has grown to an impressive 23 novels, covering a timeline of 15,000 years. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, navigating the series can be daunting, but we're here to guide you through the entire *Dune* book timeline.

With the anticipation building for *Dune: Messiah*, it's the perfect time to delve into the novels that laid the groundwork for this beloved series. Below, we've meticulously outlined the complete *Dune* book timeline, offering a comprehensive guide to help you read the books in the most coherent order.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

The *Dune* franchise currently boasts 23 novels. However, only six were penned by Frank Herbert himself. The remaining books, all considered canon, have been written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, adding depth and breadth to the original saga.

Includes 6 Books Frank Herbert Dune Box Set

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How to Read the Original Series in Order

For those eager to experience Frank Herbert's original vision, the series should be read in this 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: 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

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon. This prequel, the first in a trilogy, sets the stage for the entire *Dune* universe. Taking place 10,000 years before the events of the original novel, it explores the origins of a brutal war between humans and their creations, the artificial intelligence and robotics, setting the tone for the feudal and technologically-restricted world of *Dune*.

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The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$9.99 save 25% $7.48 at Amazon. The second book in the trilogy introduces key characters and continues the saga of the war against the sentient computer overlord Ominus. It deepens the worldbuilding and sets the stage for the epic final confrontation.

The Battle of Corrin by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Dune: The Battle of Corrin

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon. Set 100 years after the start of *The Butlerian Jihad*, this novel sees the war's most brutal phase and introduces the battle-ready Fremen, crucial to the original *Dune* narrative.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sisterhood of Dune

$11.99 See it at Amazon. The first book in the "Schools of Dune" trilogy, it explores the universe 83 years after the war, focusing on the rise of the Butlerian movement and the impact of a world without thinking machines.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Mentats of Dune

$9.99 save 5% $9.49 at Amazon. This novel delves into the establishment of the Mentat school, designed to replace the now-destroyed thinking machines, and the internal strife within the sisterhood on Wallach IX.

Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Navigators of Dune

$9.99 save 6% $9.41 at Amazon. The final book in the trilogy focuses on the growing threat of anti-technology forces and the struggle between reason and fanaticism across the universe.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Atreides

$9.99 save 25% $7.49 at Amazon. The first book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, set 35 years before the original *Dune*, it introduces pivotal characters and sets the political stage for the upcoming conflicts.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Harkonnen

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon. Continuing the "Prelude" series, this novel deepens the political intrigue and sets the stage for the creation of the Kwisatz Haderach.

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Corrino

$14.21 save 0% $14.21 at Amazon. The final book in the "Prelude" trilogy focuses on the imminent birth of Paul Atreides and the Bene Gesserit's anticipation of their chosen one.

Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Princess of Dune

$28.99 save 0% $28.99 at Amazon. This companion novel explores the lives of Irulan and Chani, the two women central to Paul Atreides' life, offering a deeper look into their experiences and influence.

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

The Duke of Caladan

$27.99 save 27% $20.49 at Amazon. The first book in the "Caladan" trilogy, it follows Leto Atreides' rise to power and the dangerous path it sets him on.

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

The Lady of Caladan

$28.99 save 45% $15.99 at Amazon. This novel explores Lady Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and its far-reaching consequences on the universe.

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

The Heir of Caladan

$19.99 save 0% $19.99 at Amazon. The final book in the "Caladan" trilogy focuses on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership, leading directly into the original *Dune*.

Frank Herbert's Dune

Frank Herbert's Dune

$10.99 save 10% $9.89 at Amazon. The seminal novel 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 entire saga.

Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Paul of Dune

$10.99 save 0% $10.99 at Amazon. This novel serves as both a prequel and sequel to *Dune*, exploring Paul Atreides' life before and after the events of the original book.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon. Set a decade after *Dune*, this novel follows Paul Atreides as he grapples with the consequences of his rule and the universal Jihad he has inspired.

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

The Winds of Dune

$13.99 save 21% $10.99 at Amazon. Set between *Dune Messiah* and *Children of Dune*, this novel adds context and history to the original series, focusing on key characters like Jessica and Alia.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

Children of Dune

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon. This novel follows the ecological and political changes on Arrakis and the struggles of Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, as they navigate their father's legacy.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon. Set 3500 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

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon. Set 1500 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

In this final book by Frank Herbert, the Bene Gesserit face a brutal war with the Honored Matres, ending on a cliffhanger that Herbert was unable to resolve before his death.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Hunters of Dune

$10.99 save 14% $9.49 at Amazon. The first book in a duology based on Frank Herbert's notes for *Dune 7*, it continues the story from *Chapterhouse: Dune* and explores the aftermath of the war between the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sandworms of Dune

$10.99 save 10% $9.89 at Amazon. The concluding novel of the duology, it ties together the many threads of the *Dune* series, culminating in an epic final battle and revealing the fate of the universe.

Will There Be More Dune?

Dune 2-Film Collection [4K UHD]

$54.99 save 18% $44.99 at Amazon. 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, delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, potentially drawing from "Sisterhood of Dune". Meanwhile, Denis Villeneuve is set to direct a third and possibly final film, an adaptation of *Dune Messiah*, slated for release in late 2026. Additionally, a new video game, *Dune: Awakening*, an open-world survival MMO, is in development by Funcom, with a planned release in early 2025 on PC, and later on PlayStation and Xbox.