How Many Dune Books Are There and What Order Should You Read Them In?

The Dune series, by Frank Herbert, is one of the most acclaimed and influential science fiction series of all time. It's a complex and sprawling saga that spans thousands of years and tells the story of the planet Arrakis, also known as Dune, and its unique and valuable spice, melange.

Many readers get confused about how many Dune books are there in the original series and in what order to read them. This article will clear things up for you, so you can enjoy the Dune series like it was meant to be experienced.

The original Dune series consists of six novels, written by Frank Herbert between 1965 and 1985. They are:

how many dune books are there

Dune series has a total of six books.

• Original series: 6 books
• Prequels: 3 books
• Sequels: 2 books
• Novellas: 2 novellas
• Anthologies: 3 anthologies
• Graphic novels: 4 graphic novels
• Short stories: 16 short stories

The original series is the foundation of the Dune universe and should be read first.

Original series: 6 books

The original Dune series, written by Frank Herbert, consists of six books:

• Dune (1965)
  

  The first book in the series introduces us to the planet Arrakis, its inhabitants, and the valuable spice melange. It's a classic of science fiction and won the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award.

• Dune Messiah (1969)
  

  The second book follows Paul Atreides, the son of Duke Leto Atreides, as he struggles to rule Arrakis and maintain peace among the warring factions.

• Children of Dune (1976)
  

  The third book takes place nine years after Dune Messiah and focuses on Paul's children, Leto II and Ghanima, as they navigate the political and religious turmoil of Arrakis.

• God Emperor of Dune (1981)
  

  The fourth book is set 3,500 years after Children of Dune and tells the story of Leto II, who has transformed himself into a sandworm and rules Arrakis as a benevolent dictator.

• Heretics of Dune (1984)
  

  The fifth book takes place 1,500 years after God Emperor of Dune and follows the Bene Gesserit as they try to prevent a holy war from destroying the galaxy.

• Chapterhouse: Dune (1985)
  

  The sixth and final book in the original series concludes the story of the Bene Gesserit and the future of the human race.

The original Dune series is a complex and rewarding read, and it's considered one of the greatest science fiction series of all time.

Prequels: 3 books

The Dune prequels, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, tell the story of the events leading up to the original Dune series.

• Dune: House Atreides (1999)
  

  The first prequel tells the story of Duke Leto Atreides and his family as they prepare to take control of the planet Arrakis. It also introduces us to Paul Atreides, the future protagonist of the original series.

• Dune: House Harkonnen (2000)
  

  The second prequel focuses on the Harkonnens, the sworn enemies of the Atreides. It tells the story of their rise to power and their eventual downfall.

• Dune: House Corrino (2001)
  

  The third prequel explores the history of the Corrino family, the ruling family of the Imperium. It reveals the secrets and conspiracies that led to the events of the original Dune series.

The Dune prequels provide a deeper understanding of the characters and events of the original series. They're a great way to expand your knowledge of the Dune universe.

Sequels: 2 books

The Dune sequels, also written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, continue the story of the Dune universe after the events of Chapterhouse: Dune.

• Hunters of Dune (2006)
  

  The first sequel takes place many years after Chapterhouse: Dune and follows a group of rebels as they try to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Honored Matres.

• Sandworms of Dune (2007)
  

  The second sequel concludes the Dune saga and tells the story of the final battle between the Honored Matres and the forces of good. It also reveals the ultimate fate of the planet Arrakis.

The Dune sequels provide a satisfying conclusion to the Dune saga and answer many of the questions left unanswered by the original series. However, some fans argue that they are not as well-written as the original six books.

Novellas: 2 novellas

There are two novellas set in the Dune universe:

• Dune: The Butlerian Jihad (2002)
  

  This novella tells the story of the Butlerian Jihad, a war between humans and thinking machines that took place centuries before the events of the original Dune series. It explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit and the Mentats.

• Dune: The Machine Crusade (2003)
  

  This novella is a sequel to Dune: The Butlerian Jihad and tells the story of the Machine Crusade, a conflict between humans and the thinking machines that followed the Butlerian Jihad. It reveals the origins of the Spacing Guild and the Navigators.

The Dune novellas provide additional background information on the Dune universe and help to flesh out the history of the Imperium. They're a great way to learn more about the world of Dune.

Anthologies: 3 anthologies

There are three anthologies of short stories set in the Dune universe:

Dune: Legends (2002)
This anthology contains 14 short stories by various authors, including Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The stories explore different aspects of the Dune universe, including the history of the planet Arrakis, the origins of the Bene Gesserit, and the life of Paul Atreides before the events of the original Dune novel.

Dune: Worlds (2003)
This anthology contains 13 short stories by various authors, including Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The stories take place in different eras of the Dune universe, from the time of the Butlerian Jihad to the aftermath of Chapterhouse: Dune. They explore different characters and events that have shaped the history of the Imperium.

Dune: Tales (2004)
This anthology contains 16 short stories by various authors, including Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The stories are set in different locations in the Dune universe and feature a variety of characters, both familiar and new. They provide a glimpse into the rich tapestry of life in the Imperium.

The Dune anthologies are a great way to expand your knowledge of the Dune universe and to experience new stories from talented authors.

Graphic novels: 4 graphic novels

There are four graphic novels set in the Dune universe:

• Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 1 (2020)
  

  This graphic novel is an adaptation of the first half of Frank Herbert's original Dune novel. It beautifully captures the story and characters of the novel, and it's a great way to experience Dune in a new way.

• Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 2 (2021)
  

  This graphic novel is an adaptation of the second half of Frank Herbert's original Dune novel. It continues the story of Paul Atreides as he struggles to rule Arrakis and maintain peace among the warring factions.

• Dune: The House Atreides (2021)
  

  This graphic novel is an adaptation of Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's prequel novel Dune: House Atreides. It tells the story of Duke Leto Atreides and his family as they prepare to take control of the planet Arrakis.

• Dune: The Lady of Caladan (2022)
  

  This graphic novel is an adaptation of Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's prequel novel Dune: The Lady of Caladan. It tells the story of Lady Jessica Atreides, Paul's mother, and her role in the events leading up to Dune.

The Dune graphic novels are a great way to experience the Dune universe in a new and exciting way. They're perfect for fans of the novels who want to see the story brought to life in a different medium, and they're also a great way to introduce new readers to the world of Dune.

Short stories: 16 short stories

There are 16 short stories set in the Dune universe, written by various authors. These stories can be found in the following anthologies:

• Dune: Legends (2002)
• Dune: Worlds (2003)
• Dune: Tales (2004)

The short stories in these anthologies explore different aspects of the Dune universe, including the history of the planet Arrakis, the origins of the Bene Gesserit, and the life of Paul Atreides before the events of the original Dune novel. They also feature a variety of characters, both familiar and new.

Some of the most notable short stories in the Dune universe include:

• "The Butlerian Jihad" by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: This story tells the story of the Butlerian Jihad, a war between humans and thinking machines that took place centuries before the events of the original Dune novel.
• "The Machine Crusade" by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson: This story is a sequel to "The Butlerian Jihad" and tells the story of the Machine Crusade, a conflict between humans and the thinking machines that followed the Butlerian Jihad.
• "The Spice Must Flow" by Frank Herbert: This story tells the story of a group of smugglers who are trying to transport a shipment of spice from Arrakis to another planet.

The short stories in the Dune universe are a great way to expand your knowledge of the world of Dune and to experience new stories from talented authors.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dune books:

Question 1: How many Dune books are there?

Answer 1: There are 16 Dune books in total: six original novels by Frank Herbert, three prequels, two sequels, three anthologies of short stories, and four graphic novels.

Question 2: What is the best order to read the Dune books?

Answer 2: The best order to read the Dune books is the order in which they were published. This will allow you to experience the story as it was originally intended.

Question 3: What are the main themes of the Dune books?

Answer 3: The main themes of the Dune books include ecology, politics, religion, and philosophy. Herbert explores these themes through the story of Paul Atreides, a young man who is destined to become the leader of the planet Arrakis.

Question 4: What is the significance of the spice melange in the Dune books?

Answer 4: The spice melange is a valuable resource that is found only on the planet Arrakis. It has many uses, including extending human life, increasing mental abilities, and allowing for faster-than-light travel.

Question 5: Who are the Bene Gesserit?

Answer 5: The Bene Gesserit are a powerful religious order of women who have been manipulating the genetics of humanity for centuries. They are known for their psychic abilities and their political influence.

Question 6: What is the Golden Path?

Answer 6: The Golden Path is a concept that is introduced in the later Dune books. It is a path that humanity must follow in order to avoid extinction. The Golden Path is a difficult and dangerous path, but it is the only way to ensure the survival of the human race.

Question 7: Are there any Dune movies or TV shows?

Answer 7: Yes, there have been several Dune movies and TV shows. The most recent Dune movie was released in 2021 and was directed by Denis Villeneuve. There is also a Dune TV series that is currently in production.

Question 8: Where can I find more information about the Dune books?

Answer 8: There are many websites and online forums dedicated to the Dune books. You can also find a lot of information about the books on Wikipedia and other online encyclopedias.

I hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about the Dune books. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments section below.

Tips

Here are a few tips for reading and enjoying the Dune books:

Tip 1: Start with the original six novels.

The original six Dune novels by Frank Herbert are the foundation of the Dune universe. They are essential reading for any fan of the series. Once you have read the original six novels, you can then decide if you want to read the prequels, sequels, and other spin-off books.

Tip 2: Read the books in order.

The Dune books are best read in the order in which they were published. This will allow you to experience the story as it was originally intended. However, if you are short on time, you can read the original six novels in any order. Just be aware that you may miss out on some of the foreshadowing and references to earlier books.

Tip 3: Pay attention to the details.

The Dune books are full of rich detail and symbolism. Pay attention to the descriptions of the characters, the settings, and the events. You will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the story and the themes that Herbert is exploring.

Tip 4: Don't be afraid to ask questions.

The Dune books can be complex and challenging. If you find yourself confused, don't be afraid to ask questions. There are many online forums and communities where you can discuss the books with other fans.

Tip 5: Enjoy the journey.

The Dune books are a journey, not a destination. Take your time and savor the experience. Allow yourself to be immersed in the world of Dune and let the story unfold. You won't be disappointed.

I hope these tips help you to enjoy the Dune books as much as I do.

Conclusion