Ever since Frank Herbert released his groundbreaking sci-fi novel *Dune* in 1965, readers have been captivated by the intricate and expansive political landscapes of his universe. Frank Herbert wrote six *Dune* novels during his lifetime, but his legacy has been expanded upon by his son Brian Herbert and acclaimed author Kevin J. Anderson. Together, they have added to the canon, resulting in a remarkable total of 23 novels and counting, which span an impressive 15,000 years of history. If you're eager to delve into this saga, especially with *Dune: Messiah* on the horizon, we're here to guide you through the entire *Dune* book timeline to ensure you can navigate this expansive universe with ease.
How Many Dune Books Are There?
The *Dune* franchise boasts a total of 23 books, with the original six penned by Frank Herbert himself. All subsequent books, authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, are considered canon and weave into the intricate tapestry of the *Dune* timeline.
Includes 6 Books Frank Herbert Dune Box Set
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How to Read the Original Series in Order
To start with Frank Herbert's original series, follow this sequence:
- *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
Priced at $9.99, available at Amazon.
Despite being published decades after the original *Dune*, Herbert and Anderson's prequel trilogy begins with *The Butlerian Jihad*. This novel, set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert's first book, lays the groundwork for the feudal and technologically-barren universe of *Dune*. It follows the onset of a brutal, world-changing war between humanity and the artificial intelligence they created.
The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Originally $9.99, now available for $7.48 on Amazon, a 25% discount.
In the second book of the trilogy, *The Machine Crusade*, readers are introduced to key figures from the broader *Dune* universe. The narrative expands on the ongoing war, featuring ancestors of the Atreides and Harkonnen houses, as humanity battles the sentient computer overlord Omnius. This book is rich with worldbuilding and sets the stage for an epic final confrontation.
The Battle of Corrin by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Dune: The Battle of Corrin
Priced at $9.99 on Amazon.
Set 100 years after *The Butlerian Jihad*, *The Battle of Corrin* sees Omnius' plan for universal domination nearing success. This novel captures a grim period of the war, setting up crucial elements of the *Dune* universe, including the introduction of the battle-ready Fremen, whom Paul Atreides encounters in the original *Dune*.
Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Sisterhood of Dune
Priced at $11.99, available at Amazon.
The next chronological step, *Sisterhood of Dune*, is part of the "Schools of Dune" trilogy. Set 83 years after *The Battle of Corrin*, it explores a world without "thinking machines" and its impacts on the universe. The story follows various characters navigating the galaxy, revealing the growth of the Butlerian movement and the violent tensions that follow.
Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Mentats of Dune
Originally $9.99, now available for $9.49 on Amazon, a 5% discount.
In *Mentats of Dune*, a school is established to train humans of supreme intelligence to replace the destroyed thinking machines. Alongside this, other academies, including a new sisterhood school on Wallach IX, are founded. A young woman driven by vengeance threatens to unravel everything, amidst rising Butlerian fanaticism.
Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Navigators of Dune
Originally $9.99, now available for $9.41 on Amazon, a 6% discount.
The final book in the "Schools of Dune" trilogy, *Navigators of Dune*, delves deeper into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, Mentat, and Suk Schools. It focuses on the growing threat of anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad, questioning whether reason can prevail against spreading fanaticism.
House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
House Atreides
Originally $9.99, now available for $7.49 on Amazon, a 25% discount.
Set 35 years before the original *Dune* novels, *House Atreides* is the first book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy. It introduces major characters like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, setting the stage for the epic battle that will change the universe through complex political machinations.
House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
House Harkonnen
Priced at $9.99 on Amazon.
Continuing the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, *House Harkonnen* delves into the political struggles between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides. The Bene Gesserit's long-term plan to create the Kwisatz Haderach through Leto and his concubine Jessica is also introduced, providing backstory to the events in the original *Dune* novels.
House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
House Corrino
Priced at $14.21 on Amazon.
The final book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, *House Corrino*, focuses on Leto, Jessica, and the imminent birth of their son, Paul. As the Bene Gesserit eagerly await their chosen one, the novel hints at the unexpected outcomes that readers of the original *Dune* series will recognize.
Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Princess of Dune
Priced at $28.99 on Amazon.
*Princess of Dune* explores the lives of the two key women in Paul Atreides' life: his wife, Irulan, and his love, Chani. Their parallel narratives enrich the understanding of the women around Paul and how their paths led them to him, influencing his journey for better or worse.
The Duke of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Duke of Caladan
Originally $27.99, now available for $20.49 on Amazon, a 27% discount.
The "Caladan" trilogy begins with *The Duke of Caladan*, centering on Paul's father, Leto Atreides, and his rise to power. Through integrity and action, Duke Leto gains increasing influence but sets himself on a perilous path that leads to his ultimate fate.
The Lady of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Lady of Caladan
Originally $28.99, now available for $15.99 on Amazon, a 45% discount.
*The Lady of Caladan* examines Lady Jessica's life after betraying the Bene Gesserit. Her choices reshape the universe as she faces the ancient order, driven by her love for her family and the lengths she must go to survive and make pivotal decisions.
The Heir of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Heir of Caladan
Priced at $19.99 on Amazon.
The final book in the "Caladan" trilogy, *The Heir of Caladan*, focuses on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership before becoming Muad'Dib, leading seamlessly into the original *Dune* novel.
Frank Herbert's Dune
Frank Herbert's Dune
Originally $10.99, now available for $9.89 on Amazon, a 10% discount.
The seminal work that started it all, *Dune* introduces readers to House Atreides and their son Paul as they navigate the complex politics of the Spice trade on Arrakis. This dense and essential read now sits in the middle of the reading list due to the numerous prequels by Herbert and Anderson.
Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Paul of Dune
Priced at $10.99 on Amazon.
*Paul of Dune* serves as both a prequel and sequel to the original *Dune*, exploring Paul Atreides' life before and after the events of the first book. It delves into the politics of his childhood and his time with the Fremen, building on his relationship with Chani.
Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
Originally $9.99, now available for $8.99 on Amazon, a 10% discount.
In *Dune Messiah*, set a decade after Paul becomes Emperor, he grapples with the unintended consequences of his messianic status among the Fremen, sparking a universal Jihad. Paul's visions drive him to attempt to change the future he has foreseen.
The Winds of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
The Winds of Dune
Originally $13.99, now available for $10.99 on Amazon, a 21% discount.
Set between *Dune Messiah* and *Children of Dune*, *The Winds of Dune* follows Paul's mother Jessica, his sister and Regent Alia, and Duncan Idaho, adding depth to the universe and introducing significant lore and worldbuilding.
Frank Herbert's Children of Dune
Children of Dune
Originally $9.99, now available for $8.99 on Amazon, a 10% discount.
*Children of Dune* sees the ecological transformation of Arrakis and the universe's political landscape shift. Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, navigate their father's legacy, facing their destinies and the threats to the Spice trade from an unexpected source.
Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune
Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune
Originally $9.99, now available for $8.99 on Amazon, a 10% discount.
3,500 years after the events of *Children of Dune*, *God Emperor of Dune* follows Leto II, who has merged with a Sandworm to rule the universe with an iron fist. This novel examines his impact on the cosmos and his efforts to maintain control over the Spice trade.
Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
Priced at $9.99 on Amazon.
Set 1,500 years after the death of Leto II, *Heretics of Dune* introduces a resurgent humanity and Sandworms. The Bene Gesserit face a pivotal choice: maintain their covert manipulation or step into the power vacuum and lead openly.
Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune
In *Chapterhouse: Dune*, the Bene Gesserit engage in a brutal war against the Honored Matres. This final book from Frank Herbert ends on a cliffhanger, which he was unable to resolve before his death. Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson later continued the saga.
Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Hunters of Dune
Originally $10.99, now available for $9.49 on Amazon, a 14% discount.
The first book in the duology that adapts Frank Herbert's notes for the planned *Dune 7*, *Hunters of Dune* follows the aftermath of the war between the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres, and the return of humanity's descendants scattered by Leto II.
Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Sandworms of Dune
Originally $10.99, now available for $9.89 on Amazon, a 10% discount.
*Sandworms of Dune* concludes the series with a dramatic culmination, featuring clones, surprising returns, and a major reveal about the antagonists. This book brings together the many threads left by the original novels, delivering a complex and epic finale.
Will There Be More Dune?
Dune 2-Film Collection [4K UHD]
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While Brian Herbert may continue to expand the *Dune* universe with more 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 origins of the Bene Gesserit, potentially drawing from the "Sisterhood of Dune" book. Director Denis Villeneuve is also working on a third and possibly final film in his *Dune* series, with *Dune Messiah* slated for release in late 2026.
Additionally, a new video game, *Dune: Awakening*, is in development by Funcom. This open-world survival MMO is set to release in early 2025 on PC, with PlayStation and Xbox versions to follow.
