"Dune Books: Reading in Chronological Order"

Ever since Frank Herbert released his groundbreaking sci-fi novel Dune in 1965, fans have been captivated by the intricate and expansive political machinations within his universe. While Herbert penned six Dune novels during his lifetime, his legacy has been continued by his son Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J. Anderson, who have expanded the series to an impressive total of 23 novels. These novels span an incredible 15,000 years of history. For those eager to explore this vast universe, understanding where to start and how to navigate the series can be essential.

With Dune: Messiah on the horizon, there's no better time to delve into the saga that started it all. Below, we've outlined the entire Dune book timeline to help you plan your journey through the series.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

There are 23 Dune books in the franchise, with six of these penned directly by Frank Herbert. All the books listed below are considered canon and fit within 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 fully appreciate the original narrative arc as envisioned by Frank Herbert, you should read these books in this 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: 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 use this prequel — the first in a trilogy — to expand on the world-building and lore established by Frank Herbert. Set around 10,000 years before the events of Dune, this novel lays the foundation for the feudal and technologically-limited universe by detailing the onset of a brutal war between the last free humans and the artificial intelligence and robotics they created.

The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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In the second book of the trilogy, readers are introduced to more key figures in the Dune universe. As the war continues, the narrative follows ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen, while humans battle the sentient computer overlord Omnius. This book is rich with world-building and intricate plotting, setting the stage for an epic final confrontation.

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

Dune: The Battle of Corrin

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Set 100 years after the events of The Butlerian Jihad, this novel sees Omnius' plan for universal domination nearing success. As the war reaches its most brutal phase, history is shaped. This book introduces the battle-ready Fremen that Paul encounters in Dune, establishing much of the original book's status quo.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sisterhood of Dune

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The next chronological step in Herbert and Anderson's trilogies is the "Schools of Dune." Set 83 years after the previous trilogy, this story explores a world without "thinking machines" and its impact on the universe. It follows various characters across the galaxy, revealing important developments in the Butlerian movement and the rising violence.

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 of supreme intelligence to replace the lost machines. Other academies, including a new school of the sisterhood on Wallach IX, are also founded. Amidst this, a young woman's quest for vengeance threatens everything, as the schools and the universe struggle to survive against the rising Butlerian fanatics.

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. The narrative questions whether reason can prevail against the spreading fanaticism across the universe.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Atreides

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Set 35 years before the original Dune novels, this first book in the Prelude to Dune trilogy introduces major characters like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. It sets the stage for the political intrigue and epic battles that will change the universe.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Harkonnen

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Continuing the Prelude trilogy, this novel further establishes the drama and scheming that lead to the events of the original Dune novels. As Houses Harkonnen and Atreides vie for power, the Bene Gesserit plot to create the Kwisatz Haderach, introducing Leto to his concubine Jessica.

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. As the Bene Gesserit eagerly await the arrival of their chosen one, the stage is set for the events of Dune.

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: his wife Irulan and his lover Chani. Their stories provide a deeper look at the women around Paul and how their experiences shaped their paths.

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

The Duke of Caladan

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The final new trilogy before reaching Herbert's first Dune novel, the Caladan stories focus on Paul's father, Leto Atreides, and his rise to power. Through integrity and action, Duke Leto gains influence, setting him on a dangerous path.

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

The Lady of Caladan

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This book delves into Lady Jessica's life after betraying the Bene Gesserit, exploring how her choices reshape the universe. It examines her struggle against the ancient order and her efforts to protect her family.

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

The Heir of Caladan

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As the trilogy concludes, it focuses on Paul Atreides' journey to becoming Muad'Dib. This novel sets the stage for the original Dune novel, where Paul's quest begins.

Frank Herbert's Dune

Frank Herbert's Dune

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The novel that started it all, Dune introduces readers to House Atreides and their young son Paul as they seek to control the Spice trade on Arrakis. This dense and essential read showcases the scope 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 follows Paul Atreides before and after the events of the original book. It explores his early life and his time with the Fremen and Chani.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

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In Herbert's second book, Paul, now Emperor, faces the consequences of his actions a decade after becoming the Fremen's Messiah. His visions of a dire future drive him to seek change amidst universal chaos.

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 mother Jessica, his sister and Emperor Regent Alia, and Duncan Idaho. It adds context and history to Herbert's original works.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

Children of Dune

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As Arrakis undergoes ecological transformation, Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, grapple with his legacy. They face threats to the Spice trade and 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, who has merged with a Sandworm and rules the universe with an iron fist. It examines his impact on the cosmos 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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Set 1500 years after Leto's death, this novel explores a resurgent humanity and the return of Sandworms. The Bene Gesserit face a critical decision: maintain their behind-the-scenes manipulation or step into leadership.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

In Herbert's final book, the Bene Gesserit engage in a brutal war with the Honored Matres. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, which Herbert was unable to resolve before his death. His son and Anderson later continued the story.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Hunters of Dune

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The first of a duology based on notes left by Herbert for Dune 7, this novel explores the aftermath of the war between the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres, and the return of humanity's descendants scattered by Leto's reign.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sandworms of Dune

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Filled with clones, shocking returns, and a major reveal about the series' antagonists, this novel brings together the many threads left by the original books. It culminates in an epic final battle, serving as a climax to the Dune series.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While Brian Herbert may write more Dune books, the success of the Dune and Dune Part 2 movies ensures more screen adaptations. Dune: Prophecy is now streaming on Max, exploring the founding of the Bene Gesserit, possibly drawing from "Sisterhood of Dune." Denis Villeneuve is working on a third and potentially final film, an adaptation of Dune Messiah, expected in late 2026.

Additionally, a new video game, Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO by Funcom, is set to release in early 2025 on PC, with PlayStation and Xbox dates to be announced.