Begin on Arrakis
Start with Dune; later volumes are not useful entry points for this continuous generational saga.
Book Series · 6 Books
Dune Books
In order from Dune to Chapterhouse: Dune.
Frank Herbert's adult science-fiction saga follows the political, religious, ecological, and human consequences of the struggle for control of Arrakis across generations.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Original Dune Novels
Read Frank Herbert's six novels in publication order from Dune through Chapterhouse: Dune. Each book assumes the political and philosophical consequences of the one before it.
Later prequels and continuations by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson belong to the wider Dune universe, but they do not extend this six-book author sequence.
Sources: Penguin Random House Dune inventory, Frank Herbert six-book set.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
Dune is dense adult science fiction, not a children's adventure series. It includes political and religious manipulation, warfare, assassinations, torture, addiction, eugenics, sexual themes, coercion, ecological catastrophe, and major character deaths.
Where to start
Where Should a New Reader Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$1710
Book #1 · Chapter Book · 1965
Dune
On a desert planet, a young heir faces betrayal and a destiny that could change humanity forever.
704 pages· 175,233 words
$18.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: On the harsh desert world of Arrakis, young Paul Atreides inherits a perilous legacy. As his noble family is betrayed, Paul must navigate a treacherous path to fulfill a destiny beyond his wildest dreams. The coveted spice melange, key to life and power, is at the heart of a deadly struggle. As Paul transforms into the enigmatic Muad'Dib, he confronts forces that could alter the fate of the universe. Will he rise to the challenge or be consumed by the sands of Arrakis? Discover a tale of adventure, mysticism, and political intrigue in this epic saga.
In reading order
Dune Series
6 books · Published 1965–1985
#1
Sale price
$1710
Dune
Chapter Book · 1965
On a desert planet, a young heir faces betrayal and a destiny that could change humanity forever.
#2
Sale price
$1710
Dune Messiah
Chapter Book · Ages 18–+ · 1969
An emperor's power is threatened by betrayal and a looming personal danger.
#3
Sale price
$1710
Children of Dune
Chapter Book · 1976
Twins with prophetic powers challenge an empire's fragile rule.
#4
Sale price
$1710
God Emperor of Dune
Chapter Book · Ages 17–17 · 1981
A rebellion challenges an immortal ruler's inhuman reign on a transformed planet.
#5
Sale price
$1710
Heretics of Dune
Chapter Book · Ages 18–+ · 1984
A girl with mysterious powers emerges as factions battle for a crumbling empire's remnants.
#6
Sale price
$1710
Chapterhouse: Dune
Chapter Book · Ages 18–+ · 1985
A cult threatens the galaxy's future. Can the Bene Gesserit reclaim power?
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Dune series?
There are 6 books in the Dune series. It began with Dune in 1965, and the newest book, Chapterhouse: Dune, was published in 1985.
What order should you read the Dune books in?
Start with Dune and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #6.
What ages are the Dune books best for?
The series is best for ages 17–17, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
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