Since Frank Herbert's groundbreaking sci-fi novel Dune was released in 1965, fans have been captivated by the intricate political machinations and expansive universe he created. Although Herbert himself penned six novels in the series during his lifetime, his son Brian Herbert and acclaimed author Kevin J. Anderson have significantly expanded the saga. The franchise now boasts an impressive 23 novels, covering a timeline of 15,000 years. Navigating this vast literary landscape can be daunting, but we're here to guide you through the entire Dune book timeline, ensuring you can dive into this epic universe with confidence.
With the anticipation building for Dune: Messiah, now is the perfect moment to immerse yourself in the original novels that ignited this legendary series. We'll break down the complete Dune book timeline, making it easier to decide where to start and how to proceed through this intricate saga.
Currently, the Dune franchise encompasses 23 books. Frank Herbert wrote the initial six novels, which form the core of the series. The remaining books, also considered canon, were crafted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, enriching the universe with prequels and sequels.
### Includes 6 Books Frank Herbert Dune Box Set
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If you're eager to explore Frank Herbert's original works, follow this sequence:
Note: Spoilers for the Dune book series are included in the blurbs below.
### The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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This prequel, the first in a trilogy, delves into the origins of the Dune universe, set approximately 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert's original novel. It lays the groundwork for the feudal and technology-scarce world of Dune, chronicling the onset of a devastating war between humanity and the artificial intelligence they created.
### The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
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In the second installment of the trilogy, readers encounter key figures from the broader Dune universe. As the war escalates, the narrative weaves through the lives of ancestors from House Atreides and House Harkonnen, battling the malevolent AI overlord, Omnius. This book enriches the lore with deep worldbuilding and intricate plots, setting the stage for a climactic showdown.
### Dune: The Battle of Corrin
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Set a century after the events of The Butlerian Jihad, this novel sees Omnius' plan for universal domination nearing fruition. As the war reaches its most brutal phase, pivotal moments in history unfold. This installment introduces the battle-hardened Fremen encountered by Paul in Dune, establishing crucial elements of the original series' status quo.
### Sisterhood of Dune
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Moving forward in the timeline by 83 years, this novel is the first in the "Schools of Dune" trilogy. It explores a world recovering from the absence of "thinking machines," focusing on diverse characters navigating the galaxy. The narrative sheds light on the burgeoning Butlerian movement and the violent undercurrents threatening the universe.
### Mentats of Dune
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Following the near annihilation of thinking machines, a school is founded to train Mentats—humans with superior intelligence to replace the lost technology. Simultaneously, new academies emerge, including a Sisterhood school on Wallach IX. A young woman's quest for vengeance threatens to unravel these institutions and the universe as Butlerian fanatics rise.
### Navigators of Dune
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The final book in the "Schools of Dune" trilogy continues to trace the origins of the Bene Gesserit, Mentat, and Suk Schools. It confronts the growing threat of anti-technology forces inspired by the Butlerian Jihad, questioning whether reason can prevail against the rising tide of fanaticism.
### House Atreides
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Set just 35 years before the original Dune novels, this book introduces major characters like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. It weaves a complex tapestry of political intrigue, setting the stage for the epic conflicts that follow.
### House Harkonnen
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Continuing the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, this novel deepens the political and familial drama between House Harkonnen and House Atreides. The Bene Gesserit's machinations to create the Kwisatz Haderach through Leto and his concubine Jessica are set in motion, providing backstory to the events of the original novels.
### House Corrino
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Concluding the "Prelude to Dune" trilogy, this novel focuses on Leto, Jessica, and their unborn son Paul. As the Bene Gesserit anticipate the arrival of their prophesied leader, the political landscape shifts dramatically, setting the stage for the original Dune narrative.
### Princess of Dune
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This companion novel explores the lives of the two women pivotal to Paul Atreides: his wife Irulan, and his love Chani. Their intertwined stories offer a broader perspective on the women who shaped Paul's life and destiny.
### The Duke of Caladan
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The first in the "Caladan" trilogy, this book follows Leto Atreides as he rises to power through integrity and action. His increasing influence sets him on a path fraught with danger and ultimately leads to his downfall.
### The Lady of Caladan
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This novel delves into Lady Jessica's life after betraying the Bene Gesserit. Her choices and their consequences reshape the universe, as she navigates the challenges posed by the ancient order and fights for her family's survival.
### The Heir of Caladan
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Concluding the "Caladan" trilogy, this book centers on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership, culminating in the events that lead into the original Dune novel.
### Frank Herbert's Dune
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The seminal work that ignited the Dune saga, this novel introduces readers to House Atreides and their son Paul as they seek to control the Spice trade on the desert planet Arrakis. A dense read, it's crucial for understanding the vast scope of Herbert's universe.
### 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. It provides deeper insights into his early years and his time with the Fremen.
### Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah
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Set a decade after Dune, this sequel follows Paul as Emperor, grappling with the unintended consequences of his actions. His visions guide his attempts to alter a future marred by universal jihad.
### The Winds of Dune
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Set between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this novel catches up with Paul's mother Jessica, his sister and Emperor Regent Alia, and Duncan Idaho. It adds context and depth to the original narrative while expanding the lore.
### Children of Dune
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As Arrakis undergoes ecological transformation, Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima, confront their father's legacy. They navigate their destinies amid threats to the Spice trade and the emergence of a new leader.
### Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune
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Set 3,500 years after Children of Dune, this novel follows Leto II, who has merged with a sandworm to rule the universe for millennia. It examines his tyrannical reign and his efforts to maintain control over the Spice trade.
### Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune
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Taking place 1,500 years after Leto II's death, this novel explores a revitalized humanity and the resurgence of sandworms. Three new civilizations emerge, with the Bene Gesserit facing a crucial decision on their role in the universe.
In the final book penned by Frank Herbert, the Bene Gesserit find themselves in a fierce conflict with the Honored Matres. This novel ends on a cliffhanger, which Herbert was unable to resolve due to his passing. However, his son and collaborator Anderson continued the story.
### Hunters of Dune
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The first part of a duology based on Frank Herbert's notes for Dune 7, this novel follows the aftermath of the war between the Bene Gesserit and the Honored Matres, and the return of humanity's scattered descendants.
### Sandworms of Dune
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The culmination of the Dune series, this novel ties together numerous plot threads with clones, shocking returns, and a major revelation about the series' antagonists. It delivers an epic conclusion to the expansive saga.
### Dune 2-Film Collection [4K UHD]
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While Brian Herbert might continue the literary journey, the blockbuster success of the Dune and Dune Part 2 films ensures more cinematic adventures on the sand planet. Dune: Prophecy, streaming on Max, delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, possibly drawing from "Sisterhood of Dune." Director Denis Villeneuve is set to conclude his trilogy with an adaptation of Dune Messiah, slated for release in late 2026. Additionally, a new video game, Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO, is in development by Funcom, expected to launch on PC in early 2025, with console releases to follow.