How to Read the Dune Books in Chronological Order

Frank Herbert's Dune, published in 1965, ignited a sci-fi phenomenon, captivating readers with its intricate political landscape. While Herbert penned six novels, his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have expanded the canon to an astonishing 23 novels, spanning 15,000 years. Navigating this expansive series can be daunting, so we've created a comprehensive reading order to guide you.

With Dune: Messiah adaptations on the horizon, now's the perfect time to explore this epic saga. Below is the complete Dune book timeline, clarifying the order and authorship of each entry.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

Technically, the Dune franchise boasts 23 novels. However, only six were written by Frank Herbert himself. All books listed below are canon and fit within the Dune timeline, though many are authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

Includes 6 Books Frank Herbert Dune Box Set

See hardcover options as well. $108.00 save 31% $74.97 at Amazon

How to Read the Original Series in 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: The following descriptions contain spoilers for the Dune series.

The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon

This prequel trilogy opener, written decades after the original Dune, establishes the series' world-building and lore. Set approximately 10,000 years before the events of Herbert's original novel, it depicts the brutal war between humanity and the artificial intelligence they created.

The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$9.99 save 25% $7.48 at Amazon

The second book introduces key figures from the Dune universe. The war continues, focusing on ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen, as humans battle the sentient computer overlord, Ominus. Intricate plotting and world-building set the stage for the epic final battle.

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

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon

Set 100 years after The Butlerian Jihad, Ominus's plan for domination nears fruition. This book depicts the war's most gruesome era, culminating in a pivotal battle that shapes the status quo of the original Dune, introducing the Fremen as Paul encounters them.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$11.99 See it at Amazon

Jumping forward 83 years, this "Schools of Dune" entry focuses on a world without thinking machines and the impact on the universe. Following various characters, the story reveals details about the Butlerian movement and the escalating violence across the galaxy.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$9.99 save 5% $9.49 at Amazon

With thinking machines destroyed, a school trains Mentats—supremely intelligent humans—to replace them. Other academies, including a new Sisterhood school, are established. However, a vengeful young woman threatens to dismantle everything.

Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$9.99 save 6% $9.41 at Amazon

This final book in the trilogy explores the growing threat of anti-technology forces fueled by the Butlerian Jihad. The central question revolves around the triumph of reason over the spreading fanaticism.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$9.99 save 25% $7.49 at Amazon

The first in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, set 35 years before the original Dune, introduces key players like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. Political maneuvering, loyalty tests, and the groundwork for epic battles are central to the plot.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon

Continuing the Prelude trilogy, this novel delves into the scheming that sets the stage for the original Dune novels. The power struggle between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides unfolds, with the Bene Gesserit plotting to create the Kwisatz Haderach.

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$14.21 save 0% $14.21 at Amazon

This action-packed conclusion to the Prelude trilogy centers on Leto, Jessica, and their unborn son, Paul. The Bene Gesserit eagerly await the arrival of their chosen one, unaware of the consequences.

Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$28.99 save 0% $28.99 at Amazon

This companion novel focuses on the lives of Irulan, Paul Atreides' wife, and Chani, his lover. Their intertwined stories provide insight into the women in Paul's life.

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

$27.99 save 27% $20.49 at Amazon

The final trilogy before Herbert's original Dune, this series centers on Leto Atreides' rise to power, his integrity leading him to a dangerous and ultimately fatal path.

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

$28.99 save 45% $15.99 at Amazon

This novel explores Lady Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and the consequences of her choices, highlighting her struggle against the ancient order and her devotion to her family.

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

$19.99 save 0% $19.99 at Amazon

This concluding trilogy entry focuses on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership before becoming Muad'Dib.

Frank Herbert's Dune

$10.99 save 10% $9.89 at Amazon

Herbert's seminal work introduces House Atreides and their son Paul as they vie for control of the spice trade on Arrakis. The novel explores complex interplanetary politics and the planet's harsh environment.

Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$10.99 save 0% $10.99 at Amazon

Serving as both prequel and sequel to Dune, this novel follows Paul Atreides before and after the events of the first book, exploring his childhood and his life with Chani.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon

A decade after becoming Emperor, Paul Atreides faces the consequences of his actions, unintentionally sparking a universal Jihad. He attempts to alter the future he's foreseen.

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

$13.99 save 21% $10.99 at Amazon

Bridging the gap between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this novel follows Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho, adding context and lore to Herbert's original works.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon

Paul Atreides' children, Leto and Ghanima, grapple with their father's legacy as Arrakis undergoes ecological changes. A new leader emerges, and the spice trade faces threats.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon

Thousands of years after Children of Dune, Leto II's reign and its impact on the universe are explored. His rule and control over the spice trade are paramount.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon

Set 1500 years after Leto II's death, humanity flourishes, and Sandworms return. Three civilizations emerge, including the Bene Gesserit, who face a crucial decision.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

The Bene Gesserit engage in a war for survival against the Honored Matres. This final book by Herbert ends on a cliffhanger.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$10.99 save 14% $9.49 at Amazon

This duology opener adapts Herbert's notes for a planned seventh novel, 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

$10.99 save 10% $9.89 at Amazon

This climactic novel features clones, shocking returns, and a major revelation about the series' antagonists. It brings together loose threads from the previous books.

Will There Be More Dune?

$54.99 save 18% $44.99 at Amazon

Further Dune books are possible. The success of the Dune films ensures continued screen adaptations. Dune: Prophecy streams on Max, and Denis Villeneuve plans a third Dune film. A new open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, is also in development.