Summary
It’s a misconception thatDuneis a standalone novel because so many people read only the first book, when in reality Frank Herbert wrote a total of six. On-screen adaptations have rarely moved beyond the conclusion of the first novel, but Syfy’sDuneminiseries is one exception that made an impressive effort.
There’s also some confusion regarding the books written by Frank Herbert and those that are the work of his son, Brian Herbert. There are yet other compilations or collaborative efforts that are part of the largerDuneExpanded Universe.
Six books make up the originalDune Chroniclesby Frank Herbert, and fans can continue this story courtesy of Herbert’s son Brian, who organized his father’s notes, and co-writer Kevin J. Anderson. The amount of materials in the franchise outside these novels is just as impressive. Fans ofDunehave plenty to enjoy after they’ve finished the books, but for those getting into the series, Frank Herbert’s original works are a great place to start.
Updated on August 01, 2025, by Kristy Ambrose:Now that Dune 2 is playing in theaters, Denis Villeneuve’s vision for the first novel in Frank Herbert’s epic saga is complete. The director has plans to adapt the series up to and including Dune Messiah, the second book in the series. The release dates of these future movies have yet to be determined, but considering how much love they’re getting from both fans and critics, the public won’t mind waiting a few years for the next cinematic chapter of the live-action Dune saga, as Dune Messiah is going to be grand on the big screen. Whilst audiences wait, it’s the perfect time to check out the series, so this list includes all Dune books in chronological order.
Spoilers ahead for those who are still reading or planning to read any of the following immersive and fantastic novels, or are exploring the comics, video games, or other books that are part of the Expanded Dune Universe.
7Dune
Goodreads: 4.27/5 (1,325,389 Ratings)
The originalDunehas an interesting history, as epic novels of this scale often do. It was first published in two parts in a science fiction magazine calledAnalogunder the titlesDune Worldin 1963 andThe Prophet of Dunein 1965. After some revisions and editing, it was published as one volume by Chilton Books, which is another interesting twist because this company didn’t even normally publish fiction.
Duneis still one of the most popular and best-selling science fiction novels in history, along with being critically acclaimed, honored with awards, and followed by a dedicated fanbase. The effect on pop culture reached well beyond literature and live-action adaptations.One of the first RTS computer gameswasDune 2, and even though it had little to do with the events of the books, it was inspired by their lore and took place on the spice planet of Arrakis.
6Dune Messiah
Goodreads: 3.89/5 (273,526 Ratings)
Dune Messiahwas serialized in the magazineGalaxyearlier in the same year it was published in book form. It begins 12 years after the end of Dune and continues to tell the story of Paul and the holy war that House Atreides has been leading across the known universe.
By this time, Paul has become the Emperor through marriage to Princess Irulan, even though he refuses to physically consummate their union. The story concludes when he disappears into the desert and leaves his sister, Alia, to act as regent.
The events of this novel include more drama and details about life in Arrakis, the structure of the Empire, and the feuding noble houses. Paul survives several assassination attempts, including a plot that involved Irulan andthe Bene Gesserit Orderalong with a splinter group known as the Bene Tleilax.
The 2003 Syfy miniseries entitledChildren of Dune, which appeared on what is now called the Syfy Channel, included this book, the first one, and the third novel from which it takes its name. So far, this is the only on-screen attempt at other books in the series besidesDune.
5Children of Dune
Goodreads: 3.96/5 (182,782 Ratings)
The last of Frank Herbert’sDuneChronicles to be serialized in a magazine before it was available as a book,Children of Dunealso appeared inAnalogbefore it was published by Putnam Books. Nine years pass between the end ofDune Messiahand the beginning ofChildren of Dune,and in that time,the other nobles are closing inon House Atreides in Paul’s absence.
Aside from threats from outside, there are also issues within the Atreides family threatening Leto II and Ghanima, Paul’s twin children. Their aunt, Alia, has been possessed by the malevolent spirit of her Harkonnen ancestors on her mother’s side.
This is an issue associated with children who are “pre-born,” or in other words, have access to high levels of spice while they’re still in the womb and are born with the memories of their ancestors. Lady Jessica returns to the planet and understands Alia’s affliction, but whether she can save both her daughter and her grandchildren is the main plot of the story.
4God Emperor of Dune
Goodreads: 3.88/5 (109,120 Ratings)
The time jumps between books have been negligible so far in comparison toGod Emperor of Dune,which takes place 3,500 years afterChildren of Duneends. Leto II Atreides, the same child that was born in the previous book, has ruled the Empire as a half-human, half-worm tyrant for eons. His mutation makes him immortal, all-knowing, and the only worm left in the universe after the terraforming of Arrakis.
There’s a method to Leto’s madness, which becomes more apparent as the novel progresses. His visions predicted the final stagnation and end of humanity unless certain events take place, and his rule as a despot is deliberately designed to collapse under its weight. The tone and theme of this novel are more about the science of psychology and the cycles of human society as opposed to an environmental message.
3Heretics of Dune
Goodreads: 3.87/5 (80,365 Ratings)
For 1500 years following the assassination of Leto II, humans have followed the Golden Path that his visions foretold. The giant worms have returned to the spice planet, now called Rakis, and each carries a piece of the former Emperor’s consciousness.
The Bene Gesserit still exist, but as an order,they have come to doubt their chosen path. They also have competition in a similar female order, the Honored Matres, that adheres to a violent, fanatical religious doctrine.
Although the setup of the novel seems optimistic, the story ends with the final destruction of the planet formerly known as Arrakis. This wasn’t exactly an accident, however, as the Bene Gesserit managed to escape with one worm. They plan on releasing this worm on a planet called Chapterhouse that they’ve been cultivating for this very purpose.
2Chapterhouse: Dune
Goodreads: 3.90/5 (66,525 Ratings)
Chapterhouse: Dunecontinues the drama of the previous novel, without the huge time-jump characteristic of other sequels in the series. The conflict between the Bene Gesserit and their rivals, the Honored Matres, continues. The latter has almost succeeded in taking over what is now referred to as the Old Empire, and although their ultimate aim is to exterminate the Bene Gesserit, they still pursue them for the knowledge that was lost during the Scattering.
This is how the Diaspora of humanity is described as it took place during the reign of Emperor Leto Atreides. The story ends on more of a cliffhanger than any of the other books and is the last of the Dune novels written by Frank Herbert.
1The Expanded Dune Universe
Curated And Organized By Brian Herbert
Herbert passed away in 1986, it would be some time before his notes forDune 7were compiled into the conclusion of the original series,Hunters of Dunein 2006 andSandworms of Dunein 2007. These books were completed and released by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, and they not only continue the story that Frank Herbert started but also tell detailed stories about other parts of the Dune Universe.
The Dune Expanded Universe includes whole novels on specific royal houses and important historic events. Readers who are interested in hearing more about the Bulterian Jihad, the Bene Gesserit Order, orthe origins of House Atreides, for example, can choose from one of these volumes for more information.
In 2003, Brian Herbert released one of his few non-fiction works,Dreamer of Dune: The Biography of Frank Herbert.It’s not only the story of his father’s life and career but also how he conceived and wrote the story of Dune.
