Table of Contents
Dune Books in Chronological Order is a common search among science fiction readers trying to navigate Frank Herbert’s legendary universe. With dozens of novels and short stories written by both Herbert and his successors, it can be daunting to know where to start. From the rise of the Butlerian Jihad to the fall of the God Emperor, this series spans thousands of years and multiple generations.
Originally authored by Frank Herbert, the Dune series is one of the most influential sci-fi sagas of all time, blending politics, religion, ecology, and philosophy. After his death, his son Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J. Anderson expanded the universe with prequels, sequels, and companion tales. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or returning for a re-read, we’ve laid out the Dune books in chronological order to guide your journey across Arrakis.
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Dune Books at a Glance
| Title | Author | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|
| The Butlerian Jihad | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| The Machine Crusade | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| The Battle of Corrin | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| House Atreides | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| House Harkonnen | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| House Corrino | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| The Duke of Caladan | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| The Lady of Caladan | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| The Heir of Caladan | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| Dune | Frank Herbert | Buy on Amazon |
| Dune Messiah | Frank Herbert | Buy on Amazon |
| Children of Dune | Frank Herbert | Buy on Amazon |
| God Emperor of Dune | Frank Herbert | Buy on Amazon |
| Heretics of Dune | Frank Herbert | Buy on Amazon |
| Chapterhouse: Dune | Frank Herbert | Buy on Amazon |
| Hunters of Dune | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
| Sandworms of Dune | B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson | Buy on Amazon |
Chronological Reading Order
“Hunting Harkonnens”
Year: 2002
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Set during humanity’s early conflict with the thinking machines, this short story follows a Harkonnen family survivor crash-landed on a remote planet. It sets the stage for the long-standing vendetta between House Atreides and House Harkonnen.
The Butlerian Jihad
Year: 2002
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: The first novel in the Legends of Dune trilogy, it chronicles the rise of the human-led rebellion against the intelligent machines. Central to this conflict are Xavier Harkonnen, Serena Butler, and Vorian Atreides—key figures in shaping the religious and political forces of the future Imperium.
“Whipping Mek”
Year: 2003
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A short story about the brutal struggle of humans against the robot overlords, this tale deepens the background of the Butlerian Jihad and explores the cruelty of machine enforcers called “meks.”
The Machine Crusade
Year: 2003
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: The human war against the thinking machines intensifies, testing alliances and personal loyalties. Vorian Atreides begins to doubt the motivations of Omnius, while Xavier Harkonnen wrestles with betrayal and honor.
“The Faces of a Martyr”
Year: 2004
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: This short story looks at how the image of Serena Butler is manipulated posthumously to serve religious and political propaganda during the Crusade against the machines.
The Battle of Corrin
Year: 2004
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: The conclusion of the Butlerian Jihad trilogy, this novel depicts the decisive battle that defeats the machines and sets the foundation for the future Imperium. It marks the origin of the Corrino dynasty and the cementing of the Atreides-Harkonnen feud.
Sisterhood of Dune
Year: 2012
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: The first in the Great Schools of Dune series, this book explores the founding of the Bene Gesserit, the Mentat school, and the early Spacing Guild. Political machinations stir as humans fear a return of machine dominance.
Mentats of Dune
Year: 2014
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: As the Mentats and the Sisterhood develop their distinct philosophies and power bases, a new wave of anti-technology zealots threatens to destabilize the fragile post-jihad society.
“Red Plague”
Year: 2016
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A disease outbreak on Salusa Secundus stokes fears of bioweaponry and mass extinction, showcasing the vulnerability of even the most powerful worlds in the Imperium.
Navigators of Dune
Year: 2016
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: The rise of the Spacing Guild and the development of melange-based space travel are chronicled, alongside deeper insight into the rivalries among the great schools.
“Imperial Court”
Year: 2022
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A short glimpse into court intrigue, laying groundwork for the eventual tension between noble houses and the emperor.
“Edge of a Crysknife”
Year: 2022
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: This story centers on the Fremen and the sacred crysknife, hinting at the deep traditions and harsh codes of honor among Arrakis’s desert dwellers.
House Atreides
Year: 1999
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Set one generation before Dune, it introduces Duke Leto Atreides, Baron Harkonnen, and other pivotal figures, showing their youth and the early seeds of conflict.
House Harkonnen
Year: 2000
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Delves into the cruelty and cunning of Baron Harkonnen and the rise of key figures like Duncan Idaho and Gurney Halleck, as the Atreides-Harkonnen enmity intensifies.
“Blood and Water”
Year: 2000
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A tragic tale of Fremen tradition and loss that ties closely to the events of House Harkonnen.
House Corrino
Year: 2001
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Chronicles the political maneuverings of Shaddam Corrino IV and the Sardaukar, leading to the Padishah Emperor’s role in the original Dune saga.
“Fremen Justice” / “Nighttime Shadows of Open Sand”
Year: 2001
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A story of swift and unyielding Fremen punishment, exploring their codes of vengeance and loyalty.
“Wedding Silk”
Year: 2011
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Set against the backdrop of political alliance through marriage, it offers insight into Bene Gesserit manipulation.
Princess of Dune
Year: TBA
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Focuses on Princess Irulan’s upbringing, positioning her as a complex figure long before she enters the Atreides narrative.
The Duke of Caladan
Year: 2020
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: The first in the Caladan trilogy, portraying Leto Atreides’s moral compass and rule on Caladan before the family is exiled to Arrakis.
The Lady of Caladan
Year: 2021
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Follows Jessica’s difficult path as she balances Bene Gesserit loyalties with her love for Leto and her role as mother to Paul.
The Heir of Caladan
Year: 2022
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: As tensions rise, Paul’s destiny begins to form, foreshadowing the family’s descent into the perilous world of Arrakis.
Dune
Year: 1965
Author: Frank Herbert
Summary: Paul Atreides arrives on the desert planet Arrakis, only to face betrayal, political intrigue, and a destiny that will reshape the universe. The original novel that launched a genre-defining saga.
“A Whisper of Caladan Seas”
Year: 1999
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Takes place during the siege of Arrakeen, this emotional story shows the Atreides soldiers clinging to hope through memories of their homeland.
“Blood of the Sardaukar”
Year: 2019
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A Sardaukar warrior questions his loyalty in the face of the Atreides’ nobility, revealing the human complexity within the Emperor’s feared legions.
“The Waters of Kanly”
Year: 2017
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A tale of vengeance from Gurney Halleck as he seeks justice for House Atreides after its betrayal.
Paul of Dune
Year: 2008
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Fills the gap between Dune and Dune Messiah, portraying Paul as emperor wrestling with power, prophecy, and the rising storm of jihad.
Dune Messiah
Year: 1969
Author: Frank Herbert
Summary: Paul faces political conspiracies and religious fanaticism as the consequences of becoming a messianic figure begin to weigh on him.
The Winds of Dune
Year: 2009
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Set between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this novel explores Irulan’s internal struggle and the grief of those close to Paul.
Children of Dune
Year: 1976
Author: Frank Herbert
Summary: Paul’s twin children, Leto II and Ghanima, must fend off political threats and Bene Gesserit manipulation as a new golden path begins to emerge.
God Emperor of Dune
Year: 1981
Author: Frank Herbert
Summary: 3,500 years later, Leto II has transformed into a human-sandworm hybrid, ruling the Imperium with an iron grip to maintain his prophetic Golden Path and prevent humanity’s extinction.
Heretics of Dune
Year: 1984
Author: Frank Herbert
Summary: Centuries after Leto II’s reign, the Imperium faces new threats from the Bene Gesserit and the mysterious Honored Matres, who bring chaos from beyond known space.
Chapterhouse: Dune
Year: 1985
Author: Frank Herbert
Summary: The Bene Gesserit fight to preserve civilization from the Honored Matres, while the true shape of Leto’s long-term plan begins to unfold.
“Sea Child”
Year: 2006
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A short, emotional tale that focuses on survival and sacrifice during the chaotic aftermath of Leto’s reign.
Hunters of Dune
Year: 2006
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: Based on Frank Herbert’s notes, this continuation follows Duncan Idaho and Sheeana as they flee from mysterious enemies and search for a new future for humanity.
“Treasure in the Sand”
Year: 2009
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: A story of ancient Fremen relics discovered by future generations that reshape their understanding of Arrakis’s spiritual heritage.
Sandworms of Dune
Year: 2007
Author: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Summary: The dramatic conclusion to the entire saga, as the final Kwisatz Haderach rises and faces a clash of faiths, legacies, and cosmic stakes that will decide the fate of humanity.
Companion Works
- Tales of Dune – Collection of short stories expanding on key events and side characters.
- Sands of Dune – Fills in gaps from the main Caladan Trilogy and original novels.
- The Road to Dune – A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Dune.
- Dreamer of Dune – Biography of Frank Herbert by his son, Brian Herbert.
Editions & Formats
- Hardcover & Paperback: Available for all major titles through Amazon and Tor Books.
- Audiobooks: Full-cast productions available for the original series and recent prequels.
- Collector’s Editions: Illustrated versions of Dune and Dune Messiah are popular among collectors.
Why Read Dune Books in Chronological Order?
Reading the Dune books in chronological order allows you to experience the full scope of the universe’s history. You’ll witness the ideological battles of the Butlerian Jihad, the rise of House Atreides, and the mythic transformation of Paul Muad’Dib. This structure helps contextualize the epic political and ecological themes Frank Herbert weaves into every installment.
Author Spotlight
Frank Herbert was a journalist and ecological thinker whose vision for Dune reflected his interest in environmentalism, human potential, and political power. The series blends Eastern philosophy, Islamic terminology, and hard science into a narrative that challenges readers to question authority and their own beliefs.
After Frank’s death, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson took up the mantle, expanding the universe with prequels and sequels based on Frank’s notes. Their collaborative works help fill in historical gaps while maintaining the thematic integrity of the saga.
Media Adaptations
- Dune (1984): David Lynch’s cult classic film starring Kyle MacLachlan.
- Frank Herbert’s Dune (2000): SyFy miniseries adaptation.
- Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024): Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this modern adaptation stars Timothée Chalamet and has won multiple Academy Awards.
- Games: Dune II pioneered the real-time strategy genre.
- Soundtracks: Numerous artists including Toto, Hans Zimmer, and Brian Eno contributed to iconic musical adaptations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct order to read the Dune books?
We recommend reading the Dune books in chronological order, beginning with The Butlerian Jihad and ending with Sandworms of Dune.
Can I start with the original Dune novel?
Absolutely! Many readers start with Dune (1965) and explore the prequels or sequels afterward.
Are the prequels and sequels canon?
Yes, they are based on Frank Herbert’s notes and considered canon by the Herbert estate.
Is there a Dune TV series?
Yes, the SyFy miniseries aired in 2000 and 2003. A new series, Dune: Prophecy, is in development as of 2025.
How many Dune books are there?
Over 20 novels and numerous short stories span the Dune universe.
