Ever since Frank Herbert released his groundbreaking sci-fi novel *Dune* in 1965, readers have been captivated by its intricate and expansive political landscapes. While Frank Herbert penned six novels during his lifetime, his son Brian Herbert, along with co-author Kevin J. Anderson, have since expanded the universe with numerous new canon stories. The series now boasts an impressive total of **23 novels**, covering an expansive timeline of 15,000 years. If you're eager to explore this rich saga, we're here to guide you through the entire Dune book timeline.

With *Dune: Messiah* on the horizon, now is an ideal time to immerse yourself in the novels that set the stage for this epic saga. Below, we provide a detailed outline of the entire Dune book series, helping you navigate through the chronological order of these compelling stories.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

There are currently 23 books in the Dune franchise. Of these, **6 were written by Frank Herbert himself**. The remaining books, all considered canon, were co-authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, fitting into the broader Dune timeline.

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How to Read the Original Series in Order

To start with the classics, 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: The following summaries contain spoilers for the Dune 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*, this prequel—the first in a trilogy—lays the groundwork for much of the universe's lore. Set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert's original novel, it explores the beginnings of a brutal war between the last free humans and the artificial intelligence they created, setting the stage for the technologically-barren world of the series.

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The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

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The second book in the trilogy introduces more pivotal characters in the Dune universe. As the war against the sentient computer overlord Omnius rages on, readers meet ancestors of Houses Atreides and Harkonnen. This novel is rich with worldbuilding and complex plotting, setting the stage for the final battle.

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 Butlerian Jihad*, this novel sees Omnius' plan for universal domination nearing success. As the war reaches its most gruesome phase, it establishes key elements of the original *Dune* book, including the battle-ready Fremen that Paul Atreides encounters.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sisterhood of Dune

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The next step in the chronological order is the "Schools of Dune" trilogy. Set 83 years later, this story explores a world without "thinking machines," focusing on the rise of the Butlerian movement and the violent undercurrents across the universe.

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 with exceptional intelligence to replace the machines. As other schools, including the sisterhood on Wallach IX, are founded, the universe faces new challenges and the rise of 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 focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, Mentat, and Suk Schools amidst the growing anti-technology movement inspired by the Butlerian Jihad. The narrative explores whether reason can prevail against the rising tide of fanaticism.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Atreides

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The first book in the Prelude to Dune trilogy, set 35 years before the original *Dune* novels, introduces key characters like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, and Baron Harkonnen. It sets the stage for the political machinations that lead to the epic battles of the original series.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

House Harkonnen

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Continuing the Prelude trilogy, this novel deepens the drama and scheming between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides, while the Bene Gesserit plot to create the Kwisatz Haderach through Leto and 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 centers on Leto, Jessica, and their soon-to-be-born son Paul. As the Bene Gesserit eagerly await their chosen one, the stage is set for the dramatic events of the original *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 into the women who shaped Paul's destiny.

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

The Duke of Caladan

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The first in the Caladan trilogy follows Paul's father, Leto Atreides, and his ascent to power through integrity and action. His rise, however, sets 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 novel delves into Lady Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and its far-reaching consequences. It explores 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

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As the Caladan trilogy concludes, it focuses on Paul Atreides' journey to become Muad'Dib. This story sets the stage for the events of 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 House Atreides and their quest to control the spice trade on the desert planet Arrakis. It's a dense and essential read to understand 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 book explores Paul Atreides' life before and after the events of the original novel, providing more context to his early years and relationships.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

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In Herbert's second book, Paul Atreides, now Emperor, grapples with the unintended consequences of his rule as he tries to avert a catastrophic future foreseen in his visions.

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

The Winds of Dune

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This novel bridges the gap between *Dune Messiah* and *Children of Dune*, focusing on Paul's mother Jessica, his sister Alia, and Duncan Idaho as they navigate the galaxy during Paul's presumed death.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

Children of Dune

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As Arrakis undergoes ecological transformation, Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, confront their father's legacy and the threats to the spice trade.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

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Set 3,500 years after *Children of Dune*, this novel explores Leto II's rule as a near-immortal tyrant, merged with a sandworm, and his impact on the universe.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

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Set 1,500 years after Leto II's death, this novel follows the resurgence of humanity and sandworms, with the Bene Gesserit facing a critical decision about their role in the universe.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

The final book in Herbert's series ends on a cliffhanger with the Bene Gesserit embroiled in a war against the Honored Matres. Frank Herbert's untimely death left this story unresolved, but it was later continued by his son and Anderson.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Hunters of Dune

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The first book in 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, exploring the scattered descendants of humanity.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Sandworms of Dune

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This concluding novel brings together the many threads of the series with clones, shocking returns, and a climactic final battle, serving as a culmination of the expansive Dune saga.

Will There Be More Dune?

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While Brian Herbert might continue to expand the Dune universe with more novels, the success of the *Dune* and *Dune Part 2* films ensures the story will live on in other media. *Dune: Prophecy*, an HBO series exploring the founding of the Bene Gesserit, is now streaming on Max and might draw from the "Sisterhood of Dune" book. Meanwhile, Denis Villeneuve is working on a third and potentially final film in his series, an adaptation of *Dune Messiah*, rumored for release in late 2026.

Additionally, a new video game, *Dune: Awakening*, an open-world survival MMO developed by Funcom, is set to launch in early 2025 on PC, with console releases to follow.