Step into the epic world of Dune, one of science fiction's most iconic sagas. Spanning millennia of interstellar politics, religion, rebellion, and destiny, the Dune series offers a rich tapestry of stories crafted by original author Frank Herbert and later expanded by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. To help readers fully experience the depth and evolution of the universe, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all Dune novels in chronological story order — from the ancient origins of the Butlerian Jihad to the far-reaching consequences of Paul Atreides' legacy. Whether you're a new reader or a longtime fan, this guide will help you navigate the timeline of this legendary sci-fi epic.
| # | Title | Author(s) | Publication Year | In-Universe Era | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dune: The Butlerian Jihad | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2002 | ~10,000 years before Dune | View title |
| 2 | Dune: The Machine Crusade | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2003 | ~10,000 years before Dune | View title |
| 3 | Dune: The Battle of Corrin | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2004 | ~9,000 years before Dune | View title |
| 4 | Sisterhood of Dune | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2012 | ~8,500 years before Dune | View title |
| 5 | Mentats of Dune | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2014 | ~8,400 years before Dune | View title |
| 6 | Navigators of Dune | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2016 | ~8,300 years before Dune | View title |
| 7 | Dune: House Atreides | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 1999 | ~35 years before Dune | View title |
| 8 | Dune: House Harkonnen | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2000 | ~27 years before Dune | View title |
| 9 | Dune: House Corrino | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2001 | ~22 years before Dune | View title |
| 10 | Dune: The Duke of Caladan | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2020 | Shortly before Dune | View title |
| 11 | Dune: The Lady of Caladan | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2021 | Shortly before Dune | View title |
| 12 | Dune: The Heir of Caladan | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2022 | Shortly before Dune | View title |
| 13 | Dune | Frank Herbert | 1965 | Year 10,191 AG (After Guild) | View title |
| 14 | Paul of Dune | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2008 | Between Dune and Dune Messiah | View title |
| 15 | Dune Messiah | Frank Herbert | 1969 | 12 years after Dune | View title |
| 16 | The Winds of Dune | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2009 | Between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune | View title |
| 17 | Children of Dune | Frank Herbert | 1976 | 9 years after Dune Messiah | View title |
| 18 | God Emperor of Dune | Frank Herbert | 1981 | ~3,500 years after Children of Dune | View title |
| 19 | Heretics of Dune | Frank Herbert | 1984 | ~1,500 years after God Emperor | View title |
| 20 | Chapterhouse: Dune | Frank Herbert | 1985 | Immediately after Heretics of Dune | View title |
| 21 | Hunters of Dune | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2006 | Sequel to Chapterhouse: Dune | View title |
| 22 | Sandworms of Dune | Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson | 2007 | Conclusion of the saga | View title |
The Dune series is a monumental science fiction epic that spans generations, planets, and empires. It begins with Frank Herbert’s Dune, introducing the desert world of Arrakis—home to the precious spice melange and a battleground of political power, ecological mystery, and messianic prophecy. As the series progresses, through both Frank Herbert’s original novels and the prequels and sequels by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, readers are drawn into a richly layered universe where religion, technology, and humanity’s evolution collide. Intricate, philosophical, and deeply imaginative, Dune is a cornerstone of sci-fi literature that continues to inspire and challenge readers around the world.
The Dune series, beginning with Frank Herbert's original novels and extending to the prequels and sequels co-authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, is primarily aimed at adult readers. The intricate narratives delve into complex themes such as politics, religion, ecology, and human dynamics, making them particularly suitable for mature audiences. However, younger readers, particularly those in their mid to late teens, who have a keen interest in science fiction and are prepared for thought-provoking content, may also find the series engaging.
The reading level of the Dune series varies across its extensive range of books. For instance, Frank Herbert's "Dune" has a Lexile measure of 800L, indicating a complexity suitable for readers from Grade 8 upwards. Similarly, "Dune Messiah" and "God Emperor of Dune" both have Lexile levels of 780L. These measures suggest that the texts are accessible to readers with a solid grasp of language and comprehension skills typical of high school students and beyond. While the prose is approachable, the depth of the subject matter may require attentive reading to fully appreciate the nuanced storytelling.
