Lose Yourself in the Epic Sci-Fi World of Frank Herbert’s Dune
The Dune books are widely considered one of the most masterful examples of science fiction—and it’s easy to see why! With deeply complex philosophical, ecological, and political themes, drama that spans generations, and, yes, giant, rideable sandworms, this is a series you don’t want to miss. Learn the correct reading order for the Dune books and dive headfirst today.
What is the Correct Order of the Dune Books?
The main Dune series is made up of six novels and should be read in publication order. If you want the full Dune series experience, you can always start with the prequel trilogies before moving on towards the original six books, but trust us, it’s not necessary to enjoy Herbert’s science fiction masterpiece.
What About the Expanded Dune Universe?
Frank Herbert managed to write six out of his intended seven novels in the Dune series. Sadly, he passed away before he could finish the series, leaving only ideas and notes behind.
In an effort to keep the spirit of Dune and its incredible world alive, his eldest son, Brian Herbert, and author Kevin J. Anderson teamed up to expand the saga. True-blooded fans might not consider these books “canon,” but if you want to read the Dune books in order, remember that you have way more than six titles to choose from the next time you’re browsing a bookstore in Rochester Hills.
A Guide to Reading the Dune Books in Chronological Order
Even the most dedicated of fans will recommend that you start by reading Frank Herbert’s original Dune series in order. If you fall in love with the world and writing, then it’s worth taking the time to read the prequels, as well as the titles that take place in between and after the main Dune series. Feel free to refer to this complete and official guide to make sure you’re reading (and buying) the Dune books in the right order.
Legends of Dune Trilogy
Set nearly 10,000 years before the original Dune series, these three prequel books chronicle an epic and brutal war where humanity fought to free itself from oppressive, thinking machines. With heart-wrenching tragedy, religious crusades, and human-led rebellion, this Dune trilogy is made to be read (or listened to on audiobook) first in the overall order:
Schools of Dune Trilogy
Roughly 10,000 years before the events of the first Dune book (and 80 after the events of the Legends of Dune trilogy), these books explore the origins of the Great Schools of the universe. Each one focuses on a different sect: the Bene Gesserit, the human-computer Mentats, and the Spacing Guild’s Navigators:
Prelude to Dune
Written to be set a few decades before the birth of Dune’s protagonist, Paul Atreides, these novels detail the early lives and overarching political relationships between the main houses. After you get an inside look at Duke Leto Atreides, Crown Prince Shaddam Corrino, and Baron Harkonnen, understanding what set the original saga in motion is much easier:
The Caladan Trilogy
After you read the standalone novel, Princess of Dune, you can move on to the Caladan books. Each takes place in the year immediately leading up to the start of Dune, exploring the relationships, struggles, and schemes of Lady Jessica, Duke Leto, and Paul before they relocate to Arrakis:
Dune
In an intergalactic feudal society where Nobel houses fight for control over armies, resources, and total power, House Atreides is ordered to take control of a desert planet known as Arrakis, the only place where a psychoactive drug called spice is mined. But when they’re betrayed by their rival, House Harkonnen, and the Atreides heir, Paul, is targeted as a potential messiah to lead the planet toward a new era, a war of epic proportions begins to play out. Will ambition bring fruition or total destruction? Find out in Dune.
What to read next: Pick up one of the Heros of Dune books, Paul of Dune, for a deeper look at Paul Atreides’ rise to power and his transition from a leader to, what some would consider, a dictator. If it’s unavailable at your local bookstore, don’t be afraid to ask the owner if they can order it online for you!
Dune Messiah
The Dune series continues with Dune Messiah as Paul Atreides, or Muad’Dib, rising to become the Emperor of the known universe. With more power than a single man has ever held and considered a religious icon by the Fremen, Paul must face the political houses he displaced in his rise to the throne. But when House Atreides begins to crumble around him, and his lover, Chani, and their unborn child are threatened, it becomes clear that power doesn’t come without tragic consequences.
What to read next: Before you start the third Dune book, pick up The Winds of Dune at your favorite local bookstore. With Paul presumed dead, chaos has unfolded at every corner of the universe—but nothing is quite as chaotic as the growing battle between Jessica and her daughter, Alia.
Children of Dune
When Emperor Paul Muad’Dib disappeared in the desert of Arrakis nine years ago, he left behind two children: Leto and Ghanima Atreides, each possessing supernormal abilities that their manipulative aunt and current ruler of the Empire values. With the displaced House Corrino plotting to take back the throne and the fanatical Fremen inching towards open revolt under the guidance of The Preacher, Alia tries to use the twins' prophetic visions to gain control over her dynasty. But the Children of Dune have their own plans.
God Emperor of Dune
In God Emperor of Dune, millennia have passed since the events of the first book, and while Leto Atreides is alive, he’s far from human. 3,500 years ago, he sacrificed himself by merging with a sandworm to gain near immortality in order to preserve the future of humanity and ensure the once-desert planet bloomed with life. But his rule is far from benevolent, and a member of the Atreides family, Siona, is hellbent on leading a rebellion to oppose the despot’s place on the throne—whatever it may take.
Heretics of Dune
Leto Atreides is dead, and 1,500 years after his passing, the Empire has fallen into ruin. Millions abandoned the crumbling civilization during the great Scattering and spread out throughout the known universe. Rakis (once known as Arrakis) is once again a barren desert—and the great sandworms are dying.
But the Lost Ones are in pursuit of power in Heretics of Dune. As factions grapple over whatever remains of the Empire, a girl named Sheena emerges in the wastelands with the abilities of the Fremen sandriders. Could she possibly be the one to fulfill the prophecy foretold by the late God Emperor?
Chapterhouse: Dune
Frank Herbert’s Dune series concludes with a cliffhanger in Chapterhouse: Dune—but it’s well worth the read! With Arrakis destroyed and what remains of the Old Empire consumed by the matriarchal cult known as the Honored Matres, one of the Bene Gesserit stands against their quest for total conquest. Under the guidance of Mother Superior Darwi Odrade, they’ve managed to colonize a green world on the planet Chapterhouse, scorching it mile by mile to become a desert. After they’ve mastered breeding sandworms, gained control of the galaxy’s spice mélange, and unleashed their ultimate weapon, they’ll be able to complete their millennia-old goals once and for all.
What to read next: Once you’ve read the Dune books in order, you can finish the other two titles in the Heroes of Dune series. Hunters of Dune and Sandworms of Dune are Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s attempt at weaving in any loose ends and past characters’ stories in the sweeping epic saga.
Collections, Novellas, and More:
Are you ready to escape into the world of Arrakis? Luckily, you don’t have to engage in any political sabotage to do so! Stop by Novel and pick up the prequel books or original Dune series today.