Dune Books in Order
Frank Herbert's six Dune novels in order, from Dune to Chapterhouse: Dune, plus a note on the later books by other authors.
Frank Herbert wrote six Dune novels between 1965 and 1985. The first follows Paul Atreides, whose family takes control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the most valuable substance in the universe.
The later books jump forward in time, some by thousands of years, and become more philosophical as they go.
6 books by Frank Herbert, in publication order.
As an Amazon Associate, Bookworm Jim earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
The books in order
- 1
Dune (1965)
Paul Atreides's family takes over the desert planet Arrakis and walks into a trap.
- 2
- 3
Children of Dune (1976)
- 4
- 5
Heretics of Dune (1984)
- 6
Best Reading Order
Read Frank Herbert's six novels in publication order. Dune works as a complete story on its own; Dune Messiah is short and changes how you see the first book's ending, so many readers treat the first two as one unit and decide from there whether to keep going.
What About the Other Dune Books?
After Frank Herbert's death, his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson wrote many prequels and two sequels based on his notes. They are a separate project, and you don't need them to enjoy the original six.
Looking for something similar once you've finished? Browse the read-alike lists or the other series guides.