Dune Books in Order (6 Book Series)

FAQ

• If I go on an eras tour through the dune books, what order should I read the novels in?

  The series in order starts with the original Dune by Frank Herbert. This is followed by Dune Messiah and Children of Dune. There are 6 books in the original series, all authored by Herbert. After that, you might choose to read the prequel novels written by Brian Herbert, Frank's son, and Kevin J. Anderson, which dive into the backstories of the Atreides and Harkonnen houses.

• Can you provide a full list of the dune books series in order by both Frank and Brian Herbert?

  The books collection starts with the original Dune series by Frank Herbert. He wrote six books: Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse: Dune. After Frank's death, his son Brian Herbert and author Kevin J. Anderson continued the series, writing several prequels and sequels. The Dune prequel series by Brian and Anderson includes House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and House Corrino, among others. To get a complete list, view page of the Dune books online.

• When did Frank Herbert write the original dune books?

  Frank Herbert wrote the original Dune novels between 1965 and 1985. The first, titled Dune, was published over 50 years ago, and the series continued with books like Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, released a few years afterwards.

• I'm a bit confused about the order of the Dune series. Should I shelve Dune Messiah before or after Children of Dune?

  In the original Dune series by Frank Herbert, Dune Messiah comes first, followed by Children of Dune. It's best to read the novels in this order to follow the story of Paul Atreides and his family on the planet Arrakis.

• What role did Frank's son, Brian Herbert, play in the continuation of the Dune series?

  Brian Herbert, in collaboration with Kevin J. Anderson, wrote a series of prequel and sequel novels to the original Dune series. These books delve into the history of the Atreides and Harkonnen houses, and further explore the complex world of Dune.

• What are the different eras covered in the Dune series by Frank and Brian Herbert?

  The Dune series spans several eras, starting with the rule of House Atreides on Caladan, then moving to Paul Atreides' rise to power on Arrakis in Dune, followed by his reign and apparent death in Dune Messiah. The series continues to the rule of his son, Leto II, in Children of Dune and beyond. The prequel books by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson explore the earlier history of the Atreides and Harkonnen houses.

• I am new to the world of Dune. How do I navigate the Dune series?

  Start with the original Dune book by Frank Herbert. From there, continue with the rest of Frank Herbert's original six-book series, which includes Dune Messiah and Children of Dune among others. Then, if you're craving more, delve into the prequel and sequel novels written by Frank's son, Brian Herbert, and co-author Kevin J. Anderson.

• I heard that Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson wrote some prequel books. Are these part of the main Dune series?

  Yes, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson wrote several Dune prequel novels, including the "House" series which explores the backstory of key houses like Atreides and Harkonnen. While they are separate from Frank Herbert's original series, they add depth to the world of Dune and are considered part of the broader Dune series.

• What are some key themes in the Dune series by Frank and Brian Herbert?

  The Dune series is renowned for its complex exploration of themes like power, religion, ecology, and human potential. It's a seminal work in science fiction literature, with the original Dune often hailed as one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time.