Explore the Expansive World of Dune: A Comprehensive Guide to the 23 Novels
Frank Herbert's Dune, published in 1965, ignited a sci-fi phenomenon. While Herbert penned six novels, his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have significantly expanded the canon, resulting in a sprawling saga encompassing 23 novels and 15,000 years of history. This guide navigates the Dune timeline and reading order, offering a comprehensive overview of each book.
How Many Dune Books Exist?
The franchise boasts 23 Dune novels, but only six were written by Frank Herbert. All books detailed below are canon, fitting within the Dune timeline, though many are authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
Reading the Original Series:
The core Frank Herbert novels, in publication order, are:
- Dune
- Dune Messiah
- Children of Dune
- God Emperor of Dune
- Heretics of Dune
- Chapterhouse: Dune
Chronological Reading Order (with Spoilers):
The Butlerian Jihad Trilogy:
- The Butlerian Jihad: This prequel trilogy opener, set 10,000 years before Dune, details the brutal war between humanity and its artificial intelligence creations. It establishes the technologically-sparse world of the later novels.
- The Machine Crusade: The second installment introduces ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen, continuing the war against the sentient computer Ominus.
- The Battle of Corrin: Set 100 years after The Butlerian Jihad, this book depicts Ominus's near-triumph and the pivotal battle shaping the Fremen encountered in Dune.
Schools of Dune Trilogy:
- Sisterhood of Dune: Jumping 83 years, this novel focuses on the post-"thinking machine" world and the rise of the Butlerian movement.
- Mentats of Dune: The establishment of Mentat schools and the struggle for survival against Butlerian fanatics are central themes.
- Navigators of Dune: This final installment explores the threat of anti-technology forces and the growing fanaticism across the universe.
Prelude to Dune Trilogy:
- House Atreides: Set 35 years before Dune, this book introduces Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, setting the stage for the original series' conflicts.
- House Harkonnen: This continues the power struggle between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides, and the Bene Gesserit's plan to create the Kwisatz Haderach.
- House Corrino: The final entry focuses on Leto, Jessica, and their son Paul's impending birth, highlighting the Bene Gesserit's anticipation and the consequences of their actions.
Companion Novels:
- Princess of Dune: This companion novel explores the lives of Irulan and Chani, offering insights into the women surrounding Paul Atreides.
The Caladan Trilogy:
- The Duke of Caladan: This trilogy centers on Leto Atreides' rise to power and the dangerous path it leads him down.
- The Lady of Caladan: Focuses on Lady Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and its impact on the universe.
- The Heir of Caladan: This concludes the trilogy, focusing on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership.
Frank Herbert's Original Novels (now mid-timeline):
- Frank Herbert's Dune: The seminal work introducing House Atreides and Paul's journey to control the Spice trade on Arrakis.
- Paul of Dune: A prequel and sequel to Dune, this explores Paul's life before and after the events of the original.
- Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah: A decade after becoming Emperor, Paul confronts the consequences of his actions and attempts to avert a galactic Jihad.
- The Winds of Dune: Bridges the gap between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, focusing on Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho.
- Frank Herbert's Children of Dune: Leto and Ghanima grapple with their father's legacy and the threats to the Spice trade.
- Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune: Leto II's rule and impact on the universe 3,500 years later.
- Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune: Set 1,500 years after Leto II's death, this explores the resurgence of humanity and the Bene Gesserit's choices.
- Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune: The Bene Gesserit face a war for survival against the Honored Matres, concluding on a cliffhanger.
Sequels to Chapterhouse:
- Hunters of Dune: The first of a duology adapting Herbert's notes for a planned seventh novel.
- Sandworms of Dune: The concluding novel, bringing together loose ends and featuring clones, shocking returns, and an epic final battle.
Future of Dune:
While further novels are possible, the success of the recent films and the development of Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO, ensures the continued expansion of the Dune universe across various media.
