Canon Chronology: Order for Reading | Dune Saga

Explore the Expansive World of Dune: A Comprehensive Guide to the 23 Novels

Frank Herbert's Dune, published in 1965, launched a sprawling science fiction saga that continues to captivate readers. While Herbert penned six novels, his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have significantly expanded the canon, resulting in an astounding 23 novels spanning 15,000 years. Navigating this extensive series can be daunting, so this guide provides a chronological reading order and overview of each book.

How Many Dune Books Exist?

The franchise boasts 23 Dune novels, but only six are by Frank Herbert. All books listed below are canon, fitting within the Dune timeline, though many are authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

Reading the Original Series & Beyond: A Chronological Order

(Note: Book descriptions may contain spoilers.)

The Butlerian Jihad Trilogy:

1. The Butlerian Jihad by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: This prequel trilogy opener, set 10,000 years before the original Dune, details the devastating war between humanity and its artificial intelligence creations. It establishes the technologically-sparse world of the later novels.

   

2. The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: The second installment continues the war, introducing ancestors of House Atreides and House Harkonnen, and deepening the conflict with the sentient computer overlord, Ominus.

   

3. The Battle of Corrin by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: Set 100 years after The Butlerian Jihad, this book depicts Ominus's near-triumph and the brutal climax of the war, shaping the world of Frank Herbert's original novel.

   

Schools of Dune Trilogy:

4. Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: Jumping forward 83 years, this novel explores the world without thinking machines and the rise of the Butlerian movement.

   

5. Mentats of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: The creation of Mentats, human replacements for thinking machines, is central to this installment, along with the struggles of various academies and a vengeful young woman.

   

6. Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: This concludes the trilogy, focusing on the Bene Gesserit, Mentats, and Suk Schools, and the growing threat of anti-technology fanaticism.

   

Prelude to Dune Trilogy:

7. House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: Set 35 years before Dune, this prequel introduces key characters like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, Baron Harkonnen, and Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, setting the stage for the original series.

   

8. House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: Continuing the Prelude trilogy, this novel details the power struggle between Houses Harkonnen and Atreides and the Bene Gesserit's plan to create the Kwisatz Haderach.

   

9. House Corrino by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: The final Prelude novel focuses on Leto, Jessica, and their son Paul's birth, highlighting the Bene Gesserit's expectations and the ensuing consequences.

   

The Caladan Trilogy:

10. Princess of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: A companion novel exploring the lives of Irulan and Chani, the two significant women in Paul Atreides' life.

    

11. The Duke of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: This trilogy centers on Leto Atreides' rise to power and the dangerous path it leads him down.

    

12. The Lady of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: Focusing on Jessica's betrayal of the Bene Gesserit and the consequences of her choices.

    

13. The Heir of Caladan by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: This concludes the trilogy, focusing on Paul Atreides' journey to self-discovery and leadership.

    

Frank Herbert's Original Dune Novels:

14. Frank Herbert's Dune: The seminal novel introducing House Atreides, Paul, and the struggle for control of Arrakis and the spice trade.

    

15. Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: A prequel and sequel to Dune, exploring Paul's life before and after the events of the original novel.

    

16. Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah: A decade after becoming Emperor, Paul faces the consequences of his actions and attempts to avert a devastating future.

    

17. The Winds of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: Bridging the gap between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, this novel features Jessica, Alia, and Duncan Idaho.

    

18. Frank Herbert's Children of Dune: Paul's children, Leto II and Ghanima, grapple with his legacy and the changing landscape of Arrakis.

    

19. Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune: Thousands of years later, Leto II's tyrannical rule and its impact on the universe are explored.

    

20. Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune: Set 1500 years after Leto II's death, this novel depicts the resurgence of humanity and the Bene Gesserit's difficult choices.

    

21. Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune: The Bene Gesserit face a war for survival against the Honored Matres, concluding on a cliffhanger.

22. Hunters of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: This duology opener continues the story from Chapterhouse: Dune, exploring the aftermath of the war and the return of scattered humanity.

    

23. Sandworms of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: The concluding novel brings together loose ends, featuring clones, shocking returns, and an epic final battle.

    

The Future of Dune:

While further Dune novels are possible, the success of the film adaptations and the ongoing HBO series, Dune: Prophecy, ensures the continued exploration of this rich universe. A new video game, Dune: Awakening, is also in development.

This comprehensive guide provides a roadmap for navigating the expansive world of Dune. Enjoy your journey through the sands of Arrakis!