TheDunebook series has been thought of as a genre-defining series for the longest time for many reasons. Frank Herbert managed to create a detailed universe filled with religions, cultures, and political systems, which had never been done before. Aside from the fact that the entire plot spans thousands of years across the six books.
Whether you’ve just recently discovered the first book and want to know which books to get next, or you need a refresher after having read them some time ago, we’ve curated every book in the Dune series for you. Prepare yourself a cup of coffee, and clear some time in your day because once you begin one of these books, you’ll have a hard time putting them down.
Dune
And so the journey begins
Noble houses fight for control of spice production, political tensions rise, and the fate of Arrakis hangs in the balance, with the young protagonist Paul Atreides being thrust into the role of hero. This is the start of the six-book series written by Frank Herbert, with this novel containing 704 pages.
This novel was actually a two-part serial in Analog magazine that went on to win the inaugural Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1966 and the Hugo Award for Best Novel. The novel had a huge impact on the modern science fiction genre and was critically acclaimed for its time. However, it can feel a bit dated, so keep that in mind.
Dune Messiah
Will Paul make the correct decisions?
Paul has risen to power and now has to contend with growing dark forces that threaten him, along with shifting alliances, not to mention navigating the new political environment. Every choice he makes has consequences: can he live with them, or will they be the end of him? Find out in this 352-page novel.
This second novel in the six-book series follows the events from the first and explores very interesting ideas. What are the consequences of absolute rule? Does absolute power corrupt absolutely? Is it worth being seen as a messiah? Other themes the novel touches on are the nuances and complex nature of religion and leadership.
Children of Dune
Can you change your destiny?
The rule of Paul Atreides has ended, and this third 634-page novel in the series picks things up with his two children, Leto and Ghanima Atreides. Their aunt Alia has a loose rule over Arrakis, but with the help of Leto and Ghanima, she may yet maintain control. But will they help her or follow their own destiny?
Aside from intricate storytelling and a unique plot, this novel, in particular, explores themes like destiny and identity. How closely linked is identity to heritage, and is it more difficult to untwine when it’s familial heritage? Does knowing part of the future mean we’re destined to live out those visions, and what does destiny mean? These are a few of the ideas Frank Herbert explores.
Dune: God Emperor of Dune
Being God Emperor isn’t all it’s cracked up to be
This 608-page story resumes with Leto II, who has now become the God Emperor of Dune. At first glance, it may appear power has gone to his head, but he is as determined as ever to save Arrakis and humanity. However, his time may be near an end. Everything seems to be coming to a head, but where does this leave the fate of Arrakis?
This fourth book in the series explores many deep topics, like the consequences of total authority and, most importantly, how complex the human condition is. Frank Herbert also questions the value/worth of terrible acts for a noble cause and, to a larger degree, if those acts are necessary and whether that makes the person committing the acts a monster. You’ll also find out what the grand plan has always been.
Heretics of Dune
Will Arrakis recover or is this the end?
The 688-page Heretics of Dune picks the story up after the death of God Emperor of Dune, Leto Atreides. Everything has gone downhill, with the Empire in ruin and the vast corners of space becoming a refuge for the millions who were part of the civilization. However, Sheena emerges from the wastelands to fulfill a prophecy spoken by the God Emperor, and everything may rest on her shoulders.
Although the old/original characters are gone, the legacy of the Atreides family still shapes the destiny of Arrakis. Once again, Frank Herbert delves into complex ideas, that of cultural transformation and rebellion, and the overarching theme throughout every book, destiny. What is the fate of Arrakis, and what’s Sheena’s role in reshaping the fractured society?
Chapterhouse: Dune
This is where it all ends
The final novel in the series, Chapterhouse: Dune, takes readers on a journey that is coming to an end. Arrakis has been destroyed, and the universe has been altered in the pursuit of spice melange. Now Mother Superior Darwi Odrade, leader of the Bene Gesserit, must contend with the Honored Matres and find a way to produce spice melange.
If you’ve got this far, you have only 624 pages to go to find out how the legacy of the Atreides family ends. Was it all worth it? Will peace finally be achieved? And who is the secret weapon the Bene Gesserit still have up their sleeve? There’s only one way to find out!
FAQ
To be honest, there is more action in the books than in the film. However, watching the movie first might help you to immerse yourself in the books by giving you an idea of what the Dune universe and characters look like.
When is Dune set?
Dune is set in the year 10,191, which is about 20,000 years in the future. You’re probably asking because of the whole space travel thing, right?
