"Dune Books: Chronological Reading Guide"

Since Frank Herbert released his groundbreaking sci-fi novel *Dune* in 1965, fans have been captivated by the intricate political dynamics and expansive universe he created. While Frank Herbert wrote six novels during his lifetime, his son Brian Herbert and acclaimed author Kevin J. Anderson have significantly expanded the franchise. Today, the series boasts an impressive total of 23 novels, covering an astonishing 15,000 years of history. For newcomers or seasoned readers looking to dive deeper into the saga, understanding the best reading order can enhance your experience, especially with *Dune: Messiah* on the horizon.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

The Dune series currently comprises 23 books. Of these, Frank Herbert authored the original six, which are considered the core of the series. The rest were penned by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, all contributing to the official canon and fitting within the Dune timeline.

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How to Read the Original Series in Order

Begin with the foundational works by Frank Herbert:

• 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's prequel, the first in a trilogy, delves deep into the universe's lore, setting the stage 10,000 years before Frank Herbert's novel. It explores the origins of the feudal, technology-averse world, detailing the onset of a brutal war between humans and the AI 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 the trilogy introduces pivotal characters and further develops the universe. As the war escalates, readers encounter ancestors of key houses and witness the ongoing struggle against the sentient computer overlord, Ominus. This book is rich in worldbuilding and sets the stage for a climactic battle.

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

Dune: The Battle of Corrin

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Set a century after *The Butlerian Jihad*, this novel sees Ominus' plan for universal domination nearing fruition. As the war reaches its most brutal phase, significant historical events unfold, including the introduction of the battle-ready Fremen, crucial to the original *Dune* narrative.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sisterhood of Dune

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Following an 83-year time jump, this novel explores a world without "thinking machines" and its impact on the universe. It follows various characters across the galaxy, revealing the growth of the Butlerian movement and the simmering violence throughout 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 to replace the lost technology. Amidst the founding of other academies, a young woman's quest for vengeance threatens the stability of the universe as the Butlerian fanatics rise.

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, focusing on the growing threat of anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad. It questions whether reason can prevail against the spreading fanaticism.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Atreides

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Set 35 years before the original *Dune* novels, this book introduces major characters and sets the stage for the epic conflicts to come. It delves into the political machinations and alliances that shape the universe's future.

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* series. It explores the power struggles between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides, and the Bene Gesserit's plans to create the Kwisatz Haderach.

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Corrino

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The final book in the Prelude trilogy focuses on Leto, Jessica, and their soon-to-be-born son Paul. It sets the stage for the events of the original *Dune* novels, highlighting the Bene Gesserit's anticipation of their chosen one.

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 in Paul Atreides' life, Irulan and Chani. It provides a detailed look at their journeys and how they influenced Paul's path.

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

The Duke of Caladan

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The first book in the Caladan trilogy focuses on Paul's father, Leto Atreides, and his rise to power. It showcases his integrity and the dangerous path his status sets him on.

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

The Lady of Caladan

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This novel delves into Lady Jessica's life after betraying the Bene Gesserit, exploring the consequences of her choices and her struggle against the ancient order.

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

The Heir of Caladan

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The final book in the Caladan trilogy follows Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership, setting the stage for the original *Dune* novel.

Frank Herbert's Dune

Frank Herbert's Dune

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The seminal work that started it all, *Dune* introduces readers to the Atreides family and their quest to control the Spice trade on Arrakis. It's a dense, essential read that captures the essence of Herbert's universe.

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 novel explores Paul Atreides' life before and after the events of the original book, providing deeper insights into his early years and his time with the Fremen.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

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In this sequel, Paul Atreides, now Emperor, grapples with the consequences of his actions, including a universal Jihad he unintentionally inspired. His visions guide him as he seeks to alter the future.

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

The Winds of Dune

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Set between *Dune Messiah* and *Children of Dune*, this novel follows Paul's family and allies as they navigate the galaxy, adding depth to the original narrative and introducing new lore.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

Children of Dune

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As Arrakis undergoes ecological transformation, Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, confront their father's legacy and the threats to the Spice trade, leading to the emergence of a new leader.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

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Set 3500 years after *Children of Dune*, this novel follows Leto II, who has merged with a Sandworm and rules the universe with an iron grip, exploring his impact and the challenges he faces.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

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Set 1500 years after Leto II's death, this novel explores a resurgent humanity and the power struggles among new civilizations, including the Bene Gesserit's pivotal decision on their role in the universe.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

Facing a brutal war with the Honored Matres, the Bene Gesserit fight for survival. This final book by Frank Herbert ends on a cliffhanger, which was later continued by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

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 novel continues the story, exploring the aftermath of the Bene Gesserit-Honored Matres war and the return of scattered human descendants.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sandworms of Dune

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This concluding novel ties together the series' many threads, featuring clones, shocking returns, and a major reveal about the series' antagonists, culminating in an epic final battle.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While Brian Herbert may continue to expand the literary universe, the success of the *Dune* and *Dune Part 2* films suggests more screen adaptations are on the horizon. *Dune: Prophecy* is currently streaming on Max, exploring the Bene Gesserit's origins, while Denis Villeneuve is set to direct a third film, *Dune Messiah*, expected in late 2026. Additionally, a new video game, *Dune: Awakening*, an open-world survival MMO, is slated for release in early 2025 on PC, with console dates to be announced.