Since Frank Herbert unveiled his groundbreaking sci-fi masterpiece *Dune* in 1965, fans have been captivated by its intricate political landscapes and expansive universe. Herbert's original contribution to the series consisted of six novels, but following his passing, his son Brian Herbert and acclaimed author Kevin J. Anderson have expanded the saga to an impressive total of 23 novels, covering a timeline of 15,000 years. For those eager to explore this vast universe, understanding where to begin and how to navigate the reading order can be a daunting task. With the anticipation building for *Dune: Messiah*, now is the perfect time to embark on this epic journey. Below, we've outlined the entire *Dune* book timeline to guide you through the series seamlessly.
How Many Dune Books Are There?
The Dune franchise currently boasts 23 novels, with the original six penned by Frank Herbert himself. All novels listed here are considered part of the official canon and fit into the Dune timeline, though many have been authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
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How to Read the Original Series in Order
To experience the core narrative as Frank Herbert intended, start with these six novels:
- Dune
- Dune Messiah
- Children of Dune
- God Emperor of Dune
- Heretics of Dune
- Chapterhouse: Dune
All Dune Books: Chronological Reading Order
Each book's summary may contain spoilers for the Dune 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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This prequel, the first in a trilogy, sets the stage for the Dune universe approximately 10,000 years before the original novel. It chronicles the origins of a devastating war between humanity and the artificial intelligence they created, laying the foundation for the feudal and technology-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
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The second installment introduces key figures and continues the war against the sentient computer overlord, Ominus. It deepens the lore and sets up pivotal events that shape the Dune universe.
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 chronicles the climax of the war and the rise of the Fremen, pivotal to the events in the original Dune.
Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Sisterhood of Dune
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This book, part of the "Schools of Dune" trilogy, delves into the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad, focusing on the rise of the Bene Gesserit and other factions in a world without thinking machines.
Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Mentats of Dune
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As the universe adapts to the absence of thinking machines, this novel explores the establishment of the Mentat school and the growing tensions with the Butlerian movement.
Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Navigators of Dune
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The final book in the "Schools of Dune" trilogy examines the ongoing struggle between technological advancements and the anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad.
House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Atreides
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Set 35 years before the original Dune, this novel introduces key characters and sets the stage for the political machinations leading to the saga's events.
House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Harkonnen
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Continuing the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, this book delves deeper into the power struggles between the Houses Atreides and Harkonnen, setting up the events of the original series.
House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Corrino
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The final book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy focuses on the birth of Paul Atreides and the political intrigue surrounding his family.
Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Princess of Dune
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This novel explores the lives of Irulan and Chani, the two women central to Paul Atreides' life, offering a deeper understanding of their roles and motivations.
The Duke of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Duke of Caladan
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Focusing on Paul's father, Leto Atreides, this book traces his rise to power and the political challenges he faces.
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 and her struggle for survival.
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, culminating in the events of the original Dune.
Frank Herbert's Dune
### Frank Herbert's Dune
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The cornerstone of the series, Dune introduces readers to the world of Arrakis and the complex politics surrounding the Spice trade, setting the stage for the entire saga.
Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Paul of Dune
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This novel serves as both a prequel and sequel to Dune, providing additional insight into Paul Atreides' early life and his time with the Fremen.
Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
### Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
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In this sequel, Paul grapples with the consequences of his rise to power and the Jihad he inadvertently inspired, setting the stage for further developments in the series.
The Winds of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Winds of Dune
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This book bridges the gap between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, focusing on the aftermath of Paul's disappearance and the struggles of his family.
Frank Herbert's Children of Dune
### Children of Dune
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Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, navigate their father's legacy and the changing landscape of Arrakis, facing new threats and challenges.
Frank Herbert's God-Emperor of Dune
### Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune
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Set 3,500 years after Children of Dune, this novel explores Leto II's transformation into a god-like ruler and his impact on the universe.
Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
### Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
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Taking place 1,500 years after Leto II's death, this book examines the resurgence of humanity and the Bene Gesserit's struggle for power.
Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune
Frank Herbert's final novel in the series sees the Bene Gesserit engaged in a brutal conflict with the Honored Matres, ending on a cliffhanger that was later resolved by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Hunters of Dune
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Based on Frank Herbert's notes for a seventh book, this novel continues the story from Chapterhouse: Dune, exploring the aftermath of the war and the return of scattered humans.
Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Sandworms of Dune
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The final book in the series ties together numerous plot threads, featuring clones, surprising returns, and an epic conclusion to the Dune saga.
Will There Be More Dune?
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With the success of the Dune and Dune: Part Two films, the franchise is set to expand further. Dune: Prophecy, streaming on Max, explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit, while Denis Villeneuve is working on a third film, potentially adapting Dune Messiah, slated for a late 2026 release. Additionally, a new video game, Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO, is in development by Funcom, expected to launch in early 2025 on PC, with console releases to follow.
