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"Dune Books: Reading in Chronological Order"

by Mia Apr 22,2025

Ever since Frank Herbert released his groundbreaking sci-fi novel *Dune* in 1965, fans have been captivated by the intricate political machinations and expansive universe he created. While Herbert himself wrote six novels in the series during his lifetime, his legacy has been carried forward by his son, Brian Herbert, and co-author Kevin J. Anderson. Together, they have expanded the franchise to an impressive total of 23 novels, covering a vast timeline of 15,000 years. Navigating the order in which to read these books can be challenging, but we're here to guide you through the entire *Dune* book timeline, especially with *Dune: Messiah* on the horizon.

How Many Dune Books Are There?

The Dune franchise now boasts a total of 23 novels. However, only the first six were penned by Frank Herbert himself. The rest, while considered canon, were authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, adding depth and breadth to the original universe.

Includes 6 Books Frank Herbert Dune Box Set

Discover the hardcover options as well. Originally priced at $108.00, you can now get it for $74.97 on Amazon.

How to Read the Original Series in Order

For those wanting to stick to Frank Herbert's original vision, the reading order is straightforward:

  • Dune
  • Dune Messiah
  • Children of Dune
  • God Emperor of Dune
  • Heretics of Dune
  • Chapterhouse: Dune

All Dune Books: Chronological Reading Order

Please note: Each blurb below contains spoilers for the Dune book series.

The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Priced at $9.99 on Amazon, this prequel, the first in a trilogy, sets the stage for the entire Dune saga. Occurring 10,000 years before the original Dune, it delves into the origins of the universe's feudal and tech-limited society, focusing on the war between humans and their AI creations.

The Best Books Deals

Explore some of the best deals on books:

  • Frank Herbert's Dune Saga 3-Book Boxed Set - $16.28
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin - $16.77
  • The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions) - $47.49
  • Chainsaw Man Box Set: Includes Vol. 1-11 - $55.99
  • Scott Pilgrim 20th Anniversary Hardcover Box Set - Color - $149.99

The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Originally $9.99, now available for $7.48 on Amazon, this second book introduces more characters and continues the war against the sentient computer overlord, Ominus. It's a deep dive into the world-building and sets the stage for the epic finale.

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

Priced at $9.99 on Amazon, this book takes place 100 years after the start of The Butlerian Jihad. It details the final stages of the war and introduces key elements of the original Dune world, including the Fremen.

Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Available for $11.99 on Amazon, this book follows the aftermath of the war against the thinking machines, exploring the rise of the Butlerian movement and the universe's new dynamics.

Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Priced at $9.99, now $9.49 on Amazon, this novel focuses on the establishment of the Mentat school and other academies, amidst growing anti-technology sentiments.

Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Available for $9.99, now $9.41 on Amazon, this final book in the trilogy explores the ongoing struggle against anti-technology forces and the origins of key factions.

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Originally $9.99, now $7.49 on Amazon, this novel sets the stage for the original Dune books, introducing major characters and political intrigue 35 years before the events of Dune.

House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Priced at $9.99 on Amazon, this book continues to build the backstory, focusing on the power struggles between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides.

House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Available for $14.21 on Amazon, this novel wraps up the Prelude trilogy, focusing on the events leading up to the birth of Paul Atreides.

Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Priced at $28.99 on Amazon, this companion novel delves into the lives of Paul's wife, Irulan, and his lover, Chani.

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

Originally $27.99, now $20.49 on Amazon, this book centers on Leto Atreides and his rise to power, setting the stage for the events of Dune.

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

Available for $28.99, now $15.99 on Amazon, this novel explores Lady Jessica's journey after betraying the Bene Gesserit.

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

Priced at $19.99 on Amazon, this final book in the trilogy focuses on Paul's journey to leadership.

Frank Herbert's Dune

Originally $10.99, now $9.89 on Amazon, this seminal work introduces the universe of Dune and the quest for control of the spice trade on Arrakis.

Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Priced at $10.99 on Amazon, this book serves as both a prequel and sequel to Dune, exploring Paul's early and later years.

Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah

Originally $9.99, now $8.99 on Amazon, this sequel finds Paul a decade after becoming Emperor, facing the consequences of his actions.

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

Priced at $13.99, now $10.99 on Amazon, this novel bridges the gap between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, adding depth to the universe.

Frank Herbert's Children of Dune

Originally $9.99, now $8.99 on Amazon, this book follows Paul's children as they navigate their father's legacy and the changing landscape of Arrakis.

Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune

Priced at $9.99, now $8.99 on Amazon, this novel explores Leto II's 3500-year reign and his impact on the universe.

Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune

Available for $9.99 on Amazon, this book delves into the universe 1500 years after Leto II's death, focusing on the Bene Gesserit's struggle for power.

Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune

In this final book by Frank Herbert, the Bene Gesserit face a brutal war with the Honored Matres, ending on a cliffhanger that was later resolved by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Originally $10.99, now $9.49 on Amazon, this novel picks up where Chapterhouse: Dune left off, exploring the aftermath of the war and the return of scattered humans.

Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Priced at $10.99, now $9.89 on Amazon, this book concludes the series with a dramatic finale, tying up loose ends and delivering a satisfying conclusion.

Will There Be More Dune?

Originally $54.99, now $44.99 on Amazon for the Dune 2-Film Collection in 4K UHD, the franchise's future looks bright. Brian Herbert may continue the literary saga, while the success of the Dune and Dune Part 2 movies ensures more screen adaptations. Dune: Prophecy, streaming on Max, explores the Bene Gesserit's origins, and Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Dune Messiah is slated for late 2026. Additionally, Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO by Funcom, is set to release in early 2025 on PC, with console dates to be announced.

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