Since Frank Herbert unveiled his groundbreaking sci-fi saga, *Dune*, in 1965, readers have been enthralled by the intricate and expansive political dynamics woven throughout his narrative. Originally comprising six novels penned by Herbert himself, the series has since expanded significantly, thanks to contributions from his son Brian Herbert and acclaimed author Kevin J. Anderson. Today, the Dune universe boasts an impressive total of 23 novels, covering a sweeping timeline of 15,000 years. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, navigating the reading order can be a challenge, but we're here to guide you through it.

With Dune: Messiah on the horizon, there's no better time to immerse yourself in the saga that started it all. Below, we've outlined the complete Dune book timeline to help you dive in seamlessly.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

The Dune franchise now includes a total of 23 novels. Of these, only six were authored by Frank Herbert, while the rest have been crafted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, expanding the canon in exciting new directions.

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9See hardcover options as well.$108.00 save 31%$74.97 at Amazon### How to Read the Original Series in Order

• 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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This prequel, the first in a trilogy, was written decades after the original Dune and serves to deepen the lore and world-building. Set approximately 10,000 years before Frank Herbert's initial novel, it lays the groundwork for the feudal, technology-restrictive universe of the series. The narrative chronicles the onset of a devastating war between humanity and the artificial intelligences they created, setting the stage for the saga to come.

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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 book in Herbert and Anderson's trilogy introduces key figures in the Dune universe, including ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen. As the war against the sentient computer overlord Omnius rages on, the narrative delves into dense world-building and intricate plots, setting up the epic final 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 start of The Butlerian Jihad, this novel brings us closer to the events of the original Dune. As Omnius's plan for universal domination nears success, the story captures the brutal climax of the war and introduces the battle-ready Fremen that Paul encounters in Dune, shaping the universe's status quo.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Sisterhood of Dune

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Marking the next step in the "Schools of Dune" trilogy, this novel jumps forward 83 years to a universe without "thinking machines." It explores the aftermath of their absence and the rise of the Butlerian movement, following various characters across the galaxy and revealing the undercurrents of violence and change.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Mentats of Dune

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With the thinking machines nearly eradicated, this novel focuses on the establishment of schools to train Mentats, humans with extraordinary intelligence to replace the lost machines. It also introduces new schools, including one for the sisterhood on Wallach IX, amidst rising tensions and the emergence of a vengeful young woman who threatens the new order.

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 growing threat of anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad. It delves into the struggle between reason and fanaticism, further enriching the lore surrounding the origins of the Bene Gesserit, Mentat, and Suk Schools.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### House Atreides

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Set just 35 years before the original Dune novels, this book, the first in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, introduces pivotal characters such as Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. It sets the stage for the political machinations and epic battles that will shape the universe.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### House Harkonnen

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Continuing the "Prelude" trilogy, this novel deepens the political intrigue between Houses Atreides and Harkonnen, while the Bene Gesserit plot to create the Kwisatz Haderach through Leto and his concubine Jessica. It provides a detailed backstory leading up to the events of the original Dune novels.

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### House Corrino

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The concluding book of the "Prelude" trilogy focuses on Leto, Jessica, and their unborn son Paul, with the Bene Gesserit eagerly anticipating the arrival of their prophesied chosen one. However, readers familiar with the original series know this anticipation might not lead to the expected outcome.

Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Princess of Dune

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This companion novel delves into the lives of the two women closest to Paul Atreides: his politically arranged wife, Irulan, and his true love, Chani. Their contrasting stories provide a deeper understanding of the women who shaped Paul's life and the events leading up to his journey.

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

### The Duke of Caladan

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The first in the "Caladan" trilogy focuses on Paul's father, Leto Atreides, and his ascent to power through integrity and action. As Leto gains influence in the galaxy's political heart, he sets himself on a dangerous path that will ultimately prove fatal.

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

### The Lady of Caladan

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This novel explores Lady Jessica's defiance against the Bene Gesserit and its far-reaching consequences. Her choices reshape the universe as she navigates the ancient order's wrath while driven by love and survival instincts.

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 centers on Paul Atreides, before he becomes Muad'Dib, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and leadership. This novel leads directly into the original Dune narrative.

Frank Herbert's Dune

### Frank Herbert's Dune

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The novel that launched the saga, Dune introduces readers to House Atreides and their young son Paul as they navigate the treacherous politics of the Spice trade on the desert planet Arrakis. A dense and essential read, it sets the stage for the entire series despite now being positioned in the middle of the expanded timeline.

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 follows Paul Atreides before and after the events of the first book. It explores his early entanglement in galactic politics and his later life with the Fremen and Chani.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

### Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

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Set a decade after Paul becomes Emperor, Dune Messiah delves into his unintended role as a messiah to the Fremen, sparking a universal Jihad. Paul's visions of the future drive him to try and alter the catastrophic path he has set in motion.

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 explores the aftermath of Paul's disappearance and presumed death. It follows Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho, adding depth to the universe's history and lore.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

### Children of Dune

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In this third installment, Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, navigate their father's legacy amidst a rapidly changing Arrakis. The Spice trade faces new threats, and a new leader emerges to challenge the status quo.

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 follows Leto II, who has merged with a sandworm to become an immortal ruler. It examines his iron-fisted regime and his efforts to maintain control over the Spice trade.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

### Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

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Jumping 1,500 years after Leto II's death, Heretics of Dune introduces a universe where humanity is flourishing and sandworms are returning. The Bene Gesserit face a critical decision about their role in the power vacuum left by Leto II's demise.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

This final novel by Frank Herbert sees the Bene Gesserit in a fierce struggle against the Honored Matres, a new matriarchal force. Ending on a cliffhanger, it sets the stage for future developments that Herbert was unable to complete before his death.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Hunters of Dune

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The first of a duology that continues the saga from Herbert's notes, Hunters of Dune explores the aftermath of the Bene Gesserit-Honored Matres war and the return of human descendants scattered by Leto II.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Sandworms of Dune

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The climactic conclusion to the series, Sandworms of Dune weaves together multiple character arcs and resolves many of the lingering threads from the original novels. It features clones, dramatic returns, and a significant revelation about the series' antagonists, culminating in an epic final battle.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson may continue to expand the Dune universe in literature, the success of the recent Dune and Dune Part 2 films ensures that the saga will also continue on screen. Dune: Prophecy, a series streaming on Max, delves into the founding of the Bene Gesserit, potentially drawing from the "Sisterhood of Dune" book. Additionally, Denis Villeneuve is set to direct a third film, an adaptation of Dune Messiah, slated for release in late 2026.

For gamers, Funcom is developing an open-world survival MMO titled Dune: Awakening, expected to launch in early 2025 on PC, with console releases to follow.