Since Frank Herbert's groundbreaking 1965 novel, Dune, captivated readers, the intricate political landscape of his universe has continued to expand. While Herbert penned six novels, his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have significantly expanded the canon, resulting in a sprawling saga now encompassing an astounding 23 novels spanning 15,000 years. Navigating this extensive series can be daunting, so we've compiled a comprehensive reading order to guide you.
With Dune: Messiah adaptations on the horizon, now's the perfect time to explore this epic series. The timeline below details each Dune book, clarifying the reading order and offering context for each title.
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.
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Dune
Dune Messiah
Children of Dune
God Emperor of Dune
Heretics of Dune
Chapterhouse: Dune
Warning: The following descriptions may contain spoilers for the Dune series.
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This prequel trilogy opener, written decades after the original Dune, establishes much of the 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, laying the foundation for the technologically-sparse feudal world of the later books.
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The second installment introduces key figures in the Dune universe. The war continues, and we meet ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen as humanity battles the sentient computer overlord, Ominus. Intricate plotting and world-building set the stage for the climactic final battle.
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Set 100 years after The Butlerian Jihad, Ominus's plan for domination nears fruition. This book details a pivotal moment in the war, showcasing Ominus's dangerous machinations and introducing the Fremen as they are encountered by Paul in Dune.
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This "Schools of Dune" entry jumps forward 83 years to a world free of thinking machines. It follows various characters across the galaxy, revealing more about the Butlerian movement and the growing unrest across the universe.
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With thinking machines destroyed, Mentats—humans of exceptional intelligence—are trained to replace them. The story explores the establishment of various academies, including a new Sisterhood school, and a young woman seeking vengeance who threatens to unravel everything.
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This final book in the trilogy focuses on the growing threat of anti-technology forces and the conflict between reason and fanaticism.
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The first in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, set 35 years before the original Dune. It introduces key players like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, setting the stage for the epic conflicts to come.
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This novel continues the political intrigue and scheming leading up to the events of Herbert's original novels, focusing on the power struggle between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides and the Bene Gesserit's plan to create the Kwisatz Haderach.
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The final book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy centers on Leto, Jessica, and their unborn son, Paul, as the Bene Gesserit eagerly await the arrival of their chosen one.
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This companion novel explores the lives of Irulan and Chani, the two women in Paul Atreides' life, providing insight into their experiences and relationships with Paul.
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This trilogy focuses on Leto Atreides' rise to power, his integrity, and the dangerous path it leads him down.
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This book explores Lady Jessica's life after betraying the Bene Gesserit and the consequences of her choices.
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This final book in the trilogy focuses on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership before he becomes Muad'Dib.
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Frank Herbert's original masterpiece introduces House Atreides and their son Paul as they navigate the treacherous politics of the Spice trade on Arrakis.
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This book acts as both a prequel and sequel to Dune, following Paul Atreides before and after the events of the original novel.
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A decade after becoming Emperor, Paul Atreides grapples with the consequences of his actions and the unintended Jihad he has sparked.
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This book bridges the gap between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, following Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho.
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Paul Atreides' children, Leto and Ghanima, contend with their father's legacy and the threats to the Spice trade.
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Thousands of years later, Leto II rules the universe with an iron fist, his actions shaping the destiny of humankind.
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Set 1500 years after Leto II's death, humanity flourishes once more, and the Bene Gesserit face a crucial choice.
The Bene Gesserit engage in a brutal war for survival against the Honored Matres, concluding with a cliffhanger.
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This duology continues the story from Chapterhouse: Dune, exploring the aftermath of the war and the return of scattered humanity.
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This climactic installment brings together loose threads, featuring clones, shocking returns, and a major revelation about the series' antagonists.
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Further Dune books are possible. The success of the Dune films ensures continued exploration of the universe on screen, with Dune: Prophecy streaming on Max and Denis Villeneuve potentially adapting Dune Messiah. A new open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, is also in development.
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