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"Dune Books: Reading in Chronological Order"

by Aiden May 01,2025

Since Frank Herbert released his groundbreaking sci-fi novel *Dune* in 1965, readers have been captivated by its intricate political landscape and expansive universe. Although Frank Herbert himself wrote only six novels, his legacy has been expanded upon by his son, Brian Herbert, and co-author Kevin J. Anderson, bringing the total to an impressive 23 novels that span a staggering 15,000 years. If you're eager to delve into this epic saga, especially with *Dune: Messiah* on the horizon, we've outlined the complete Dune book timeline to guide you through this complex series.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

The Dune franchise boasts a total of 23 books, of which Frank Herbert personally authored six. All subsequent books, penned by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, are considered canon and fit within the Dune timeline.

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How to Read the Original Series in Order

To experience the original series as Frank Herbert intended, follow this sequence:

  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: 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

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon

Set 10,000 years before the events of the original Dune, this prequel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson lays the foundation for the universe's lore. It explores the origins of the brutal war between humanity and the artificial intelligence they created, setting the stage for a technologically-barren, feudal world.

The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

$9.99 save 25% $7.48 at Amazon

In this second installment of the trilogy, readers are introduced to key figures from the houses of Atreides and Harkonnen. The narrative deepens the worldbuilding with the ongoing conflict against the sentient computer overlord, Ominus, paving the way for a climactic confrontation.

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

### Dune: The Battle of Corrin

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon

Taking place a century after the start of The Butlerian Jihad, this novel sees Ominus' plan for domination nearing fruition. The story establishes crucial elements of the status quo seen in the original Dune, including the battle-ready Fremen that Paul Atreides encounters.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Sisterhood of Dune

$11.99 See it at Amazon

This book, part of the "Schools of Dune" trilogy, jumps 83 years forward and delves into a world without "thinking machines." It follows various characters across the galaxy, revealing the growth of the Butlerian movement and the pervasive violence it inspires.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Mentats of Dune

$9.99 save 5% $9.49 at Amazon

In the aftermath of the machine wars, a school is established to train Mentats, humans capable of replacing the lost technology. Meanwhile, a new school of the sisterhood on Wallach IX faces internal threats that could unravel everything.

Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Navigators of Dune

$9.99 save 6% $9.41 at Amazon

This concluding book of the "Schools of Dune" trilogy focuses on the burgeoning threat from anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad. It examines the struggle between reason and fanaticism as these forces spread across the universe.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### House Atreides

$9.99 save 25% $7.49 at Amazon

Set 35 years before the events of the original Dune, this novel introduces major characters like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, and Baron Harkonnen. It lays the groundwork for the political intrigue and epic battles that follow.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### House Harkonnen

$9.99 save 0% $9.99 at Amazon

This novel continues the Prelude trilogy, detailing the escalating tensions between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides. It also explores the Bene Gesserit's plans to create the Kwisatz Haderach through the union of Leto and Jessica.

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### House Corrino

$14.21 save 0% $14.21 at Amazon

The final book in the Prelude trilogy centers on Leto, Jessica, and their unborn son, Paul. It showcases the anticipation and machinations surrounding the birth of the Kwisatz Haderach.

Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Princess of Dune

$28.99 save 0% $28.99 at Amazon

This companion novel focuses on the women in Paul Atreides' life, Irulan and Chani, offering insights into their experiences and the impact they had on Paul's journey.

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

### The Duke of Caladan

$27.99 save 27% $20.49 at Amazon

The first in the Caladan trilogy, this book traces Leto Atreides' rise to power, highlighting his integrity and the dangerous path it sets him on.

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

### The Lady of Caladan

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Focusing on Lady Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and its consequences, this novel explores her struggle and the far-reaching effects of her choices.

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

### The Heir of Caladan

$19.99 save 0% $19.99 at Amazon

This 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 iconic novel that started it all, Dune introduces readers to the world of Arrakis and the Atreides family's quest for control over the spice trade. Its dense narrative and expansive world-building are essential to understanding the series.

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 delves into Paul Atreides' early life and his time with the Fremen after the events of the original book.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

### Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon

Set a decade after Dune, this sequel finds Paul Atreides as Emperor, grappling with the unintended consequences of his actions and his visions of the future.

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

### The Winds of Dune

$13.99 save 21% $10.99 at Amazon

Set between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this novel follows key characters like Jessica and Alia, adding depth to the universe and its history.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

### Children of Dune

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon

In this third installment, the ecological and political landscapes of Arrakis evolve, as Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, navigate their father's legacy and new threats to the spice trade.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

### Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

$9.99 save 10% $8.99 at Amazon

Set 3500 years after Children of Dune, this novel follows Leto II, who has merged with a sandworm, and examines his tyrannical rule over the universe.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

### Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

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Jumping 1500 years after the death of Leto II, this novel explores the resurgence of sandworms and the power struggles among new civilizations, including the Bene Gesserit.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

Frank Herbert's final book in the series ends on a cliffhanger, with the Bene Gesserit embroiled in a war against the Honored Matres. Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson later continued the story.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

### Hunters of Dune

$10.99 save 14% $9.49 at Amazon

Based on Frank Herbert's notes for the planned Dune 7, this novel continues the saga, 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

$10.99 save 10% $9.89 at Amazon

This climactic novel ties together the series' many threads, featuring clones, shocking returns, and a final epic battle that concludes the overarching narrative.

Will There Be More Dune?

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Given the success of the Dune and Dune: Part Two films, more adaptations are likely on the horizon. Dune: Prophecy, an HBO series exploring the founding of the Bene Gesserit, is currently streaming on Max. Denis Villeneuve is also set to direct a third film, adapting Dune Messiah, expected in late 2026. Additionally, a new video game, Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO by Funcom, is slated for release in early 2025 on PC, with console dates to be announced.