Since Frank Herbert's groundbreaking sci-fi novel *Dune* was published in 1965, its intricate and expansive political universe has captivated readers. Although Herbert himself wrote only six novels in the series during his lifetime, the saga has continued to grow posthumously. His son, Brian Herbert, along with bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson, have expanded the universe significantly, bringing the total number of *Dune* novels to an impressive 23. These works span an incredible 15,000 years of history within the *Dune* universe. If you're eager to embark on this epic journey, we've outlined a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the entire *Dune* book timeline, especially with *Dune: Messiah* on the horizon.
How Many Dune Books Are There?
There are 23 Dune books in total, but only six were penned by Frank Herbert himself. The rest, while considered canon, have been authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Here's a detailed look at how to approach the series:
### Includes 6 Books Frank Herbert Dune Box Set
9See hardcover options as well.$108.00 save 31%$74.97 at Amazon### How to Read the Original Series in Order
To start with the foundational works by Frank Herbert, follow this sequence:
- 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
9$9.99 save 0%$9.99 at AmazonThis prequel, the first in a trilogy, sets the stage for the Dune universe, occurring about 10,000 years before the events of Herbert's original novel. It delves into the origins of the brutal war between the last free humans and the artificial intelligence they created, establishing the feudal and technologically-limited world of the series.
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### The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
10$9.99 save 25%$7.48 at AmazonIn the second installment of the trilogy, readers are introduced to more key figures in the Dune universe, including ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen. The ongoing war against the sentient computer overlord Ominus is explored in depth, with rich worldbuilding and intricate plotting that sets the scene for the final battle.
The Battle of Corrin by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Dune: The Battle of Corrin
5$9.99 save 0%$9.99 at AmazonSet 100 years after The Butlerian Jihad, this book follows the culmination of Ominus' plan for universal domination. As the war reaches its most gruesome stage, pivotal events occur that shape the future seen in the original Dune. It introduces the battle-ready Fremen that Paul encounters in Dune.
Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Sisterhood of Dune
6$11.99 See it at AmazonThe "Schools of Dune" trilogy begins here, 83 years after the previous events. It explores a world without "thinking machines" and the resulting societal changes. The narrative follows various characters across the galaxy, revealing the growth of the Butlerian movement and the underlying violence in the universe.
Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Mentats of Dune
5$9.99 save 5%$9.49 at AmazonWith the thinking machines nearly eradicated, a school is established to train Mentats, humans who can replace the machines' functions. Meanwhile, other academies, including a new sisterhood school on Wallach IX, are founded. The story delves into the struggles of these institutions against the backdrop of rising Butlerian fanaticism.
Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Navigators of Dune
5$9.99 save 6%$9.41 at AmazonThis final book in the "Schools of Dune" trilogy continues to develop the origins of the Bene Gesserit, Mentat, and Suk Schools. It focuses on the growing threat of anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad and the battle between reason and fanaticism.
House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Atreides
4$9.99 save 25%$7.49 at AmazonSet 35 years before the events of Dune, this first book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy introduces major characters such as Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, and Baron Harkonnen. It sets the stage for the political intrigue and power struggles that lead to the events in the original series.
House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Harkonnen
1$9.99 save 0%$9.99 at AmazonThe second book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy continues to build the backdrop of political scheming and power dynamics between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides. It also introduces the Bene Gesserit's plans to create the Kwisatz Haderach through Leto and Jessica's relationship.
House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### House Corrino
2$14.21 save 0%$14.21 at AmazonThe final book in the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy focuses on Leto, Jessica, and their impending son, Paul. As the Bene Gesserit eagerly anticipate the birth of their chosen one, the stage is set for the events that unfold in the original Dune series.
Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Princess of Dune
5$28.99 save 0%$28.99 at AmazonThis companion novel delves into the lives of the two women central to Paul Atreides' life: his wife Irulan and his lover Chani. Their intertwined stories provide a deeper understanding of the women who shaped Paul's journey.
The Duke of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Duke of Caladan
3$27.99 save 27%$20.49 at AmazonThe "Caladan" trilogy begins with the rise of Paul's father, Leto Atreides. His ascent to power through integrity and action sets him on a dangerous path that influences the entire universe.
The Lady of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Lady of Caladan
4$28.99 save 45%$15.99 at AmazonThis book explores Lady Jessica's life after her betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and the resulting changes in the universe. It examines her struggle against the ancient order and the lengths she must go to protect her family.
The Heir of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Heir of Caladan
2$19.99 save 0%$19.99 at AmazonThe trilogy concludes with Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership. It sets the stage for the events in the original Dune novel.
Frank Herbert's Dune
### Frank Herbert's Dune
1$10.99 save 10%$9.89 at AmazonThe novel that started it all, Dune introduces readers to the Atreides family and their quest to control the Spice trade on Arrakis. A dense and essential read, it lays the foundation for the entire series.
Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Paul of Dune
2$10.99 save 0%$10.99 at AmazonThis book serves as both a prequel and sequel to Dune, exploring Paul's life before and after the events of the first novel. It delves into his early political entanglements and his life with the Fremen.
Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
### Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
1$9.99 save 10%$8.99 at AmazonIn this sequel, Paul, now Emperor, grapples with the consequences of his actions, including a universal Jihad he unintentionally sparked. His visions guide him as he tries to alter the future.
The Winds of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### The Winds of Dune
0$13.99 save 21%$10.99 at AmazonSet between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this novel follows Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho as they navigate the galaxy, adding depth to the original storyline and introducing new lore.
Frank Herbert's Children of Dune
### Children of Dune
2$9.99 save 10%$8.99 at AmazonAs Arrakis undergoes ecological transformation, Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, confront their legacy. The novel explores their struggle against fate and the challenges to the Spice trade.
Frank Herbert's God-Emperor of Dune
### Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune
1$9.99 save 10%$8.99 at AmazonSet 3500 years after Children of Dune, this novel follows Leto II, who has merged with a Sandworm and rules the universe. It examines his iron-fisted rule and its impact on the cosmos.
Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
### Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
0$9.99 save 0%$9.99 at Amazon1500 years after Leto II's death, humanity is resurgent, and Sandworms return. The Bene Gesserit face a critical decision about their role in the universe amidst new civilizations.
Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune
This final book in Herbert's series sees the Bene Gesserit in a fierce battle with the Honored Matres. It ends on a cliffhanger, which was left unresolved at Herbert's death but later continued by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Hunters of Dune
1$10.99 save 14%$9.49 at AmazonThe first of a duology based on Frank Herbert's notes for Dune 7, it follows the aftermath of the war between the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres, and the return of scattered human descendants.
Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
### Sandworms of Dune
1$10.99 save 10%$9.89 at AmazonThis concluding novel ties together the series' loose ends with clones, shocking returns, and a major revelation about the antagonists, culminating in an epic battle.
Will There Be More Dune?
### Dune 2-Film Collection [4K UHD]
0$54.99 save 18%$44.99 at AmazonThe possibility of more Dune novels by Brian Herbert remains open, but the success of the Dune and Dune Part 2 films suggests we'll see more of the sand planet on screen. Dune: Prophecy is currently streaming on Max, exploring the origins of the Bene Gesserit, while Denis Villeneuve is working on a third and possibly final film, an adaptation of Dune Messiah, expected in late 2026. Additionally, Funcom is developing an open-world survival MMO, Dune: Awakening, set for release in early 2025 on PC, with console dates to be announced.
