How to Read the Dune Books in Order

Published by Esther Fung, April 3, 2024


Thanks to the new movie adaptations, we’re currently in a Dune renaissance. Despite being published in 1965, this classic was the third bestselling science fiction title on Pango in 2023 and the number one sci-fi best-seller of 2024 so far.


But if you’ve come here ready to sail for Arrakis but you want to make sure you’ve got your bearings first, you’ve made the right choice. After being rejected by more than twenty publishers, Dune has inspired numerous sequels, prequels, adaptations, and spin-offs. Read on to discover the correct reading order for Frank Herbert’s iconic Dune series


At a glance:

  • Dune is an iconic science fiction classic due to its incredible world building, nuanced characters, and timeless themes.
  • Frank Herbert wrote the original series. After his death, his son and another science fiction writer created additional stories based on his notes.
  • You can read the books in release order or chronological order.
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Why is Dune so famous?

Dune has earned its place in the science fiction hall of fame. First, Herbert has managed to create a rich and immersive universe, with intricate cultures, religions, politics, and ecologies. The desert planet of Arrakis will please any science fiction and fantasy fan who appreciates detailed world building. 


In addition, readers who prioritize character development over plot will love the multi-dimensional characters in Dune. From the nuanced Paul Atreides to the enigmatic Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, each character will leave a lasting impression and contribute to the series’s depth and complexity. 


Finally, the timelessness themes Herbert explores ensures that his works will reach even those who don’t typically gravitate toward science fiction. From power and politics to identity and destiny, Herbert offers valuable insights into complex societal issues and timeless questions. 


Unsurprisingly, Dune has numerous awards and recognition. It won the inaugural Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1965 and the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1966. Science fiction legend Arthur C. Clarke called it “unique” and Robert A. Heinlein described it as “powerful, convincing, and most ingenious.” It was included as one of the 100 most influential novels by the BBC in 2019. Today, it has sold almost 20 million copies. 

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Is Dune a trilogy or a six book series?

Frank Herbert wrote six Dune books, which are now called the original series. They are Dune (1965), Dune Messiah (1969), Children of Dune (1976), God Emperor of Dune (1981), Heretics of Dune (1984), and Chapterhouse: Dune (1985). 


However, after Herbert’s death in 1986, his son Brian Herbert collaborated with science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in order to create and publish more Dune stories based on his father’s notes. Anderson has written original works, like the Nebula-nominated work, Assemblers of Infinity, and spin-offs for other franchises including Star Wars and Star Trek. 


Some fans choose to just read Herbert’s original six novels, while others opt for a more comprehensive experience by reading the original series and its related works. 

In what order should I read the Dune books?

You have two options for reading the Dune books: by release date and chronologically. We personally don’t believe there is a wrong approach. However, if you’re not sure whether or not you want to read beyond Herbert’s original series, then we recommend following the release date order. 


The Dune books in release order:

  1. Dune (1965)
  2. Dune Messiah (1969)
  3. Children of Dune (1976)
  4. God Emperor of Dune (1981)
  5. Heretics of Dune (1984)
  6. Chapterhouse: Dune (1985)
  7. Dune: House Atreides (1999)
  8. Dune: House Harkonnen (2000)
  9. Dune: House Corrino (2001)
  10. Dune: The Butlerian Jihad (2002)
  11. Dune: The Machine Crusade (2003)
  12. Dune: The Battle of Corrin (2004)
  13. Hunters of Dune (2006)
  14. Sandworms of Dune (2007)
  15. Paul of Dune (2008)
  16. The Winds of Dune (2009)
  17. Sisterhood of Dune (2011)
  18. Mentats of Dune (2014)
  19. Navigators of Dune (2016)
  20. Dune: The Duke of Caladan (2020)
  21. Dune: The Lady of Caladan (2021)
  22. Dune: The Heir of Caladan (2022)


The Dune books in chronological order:

  1. Dune: The Butlerian Jihad (2002)
  2. Dune: The Machine Crusade (2003)
  3. Dune: The Battle of Corrin (2004)
  4. Sisterhood of Dune (2011)
  5. Mentats of Dune (2014)
  6. Navigators of Dune (2016)
  7. Dune: House Atreides (1999)
  8. Dune: House Harkonnen (2000)
  9. Dune: House Corrino (2001)
  10. Dune: The Duke of Caladan (2020)
  11. Dune: The Lady of Caladan (2021)
  12. Dune: The Heir of Caladan (2022)
  13. Dune (1965)
  14. Paul of Dune (2008)
  15. Dune Messiah (1969)
  16. The Winds of Dune (2009)
  17. Children of Dune (1976)
  18. God Emperor of Dune (1981)
  19. Heretics of Dune (1984)
  20. Chapterhouse: Dune (1985)
  21. Hunters of Dune (2006)
  22. Sandworms of Dune (2007)

Can you read Dune as a standalone?

Feeling a little daunted by the sheer volume of stories? We don’t blame you. The good news is that you can read Dune by itself, as the ending wraps up the plot. This book currently enjoys a 4.18 star rating on Pango. See what our readers have to say about Dune:


  • "Filled with rich allegory, political intrigue, and thought-provoking philosophy, Dune is more than a work of science fiction – it is a masterclass in world-building and speculative fiction." - Tyler Gibbs
  • "I even cried multiple times reading this book!" - Colleen
  • "One of the science fiction epics for the ages. Epic world building, deep character studies, political plots, otherwordly planets, and a dash of romance make this intricate story worth the read." - Mollie
  • "A must-read for sci-fi fans." - Sarge's Gaming Channel