It’s a misconception that Dune is a standalone novel. In fact, it’s the first book in a much longer series, although on-screen adaptations have never moved beyond the conclusion of this particular story. There’s also some confusion regarding the books written by Frank Herbert and those that are the work of his son, Brian Herbert, and those that are compilations or collaborative efforts.RELATED: Euphoria: Best Movies & Series Starring Zendaya, RankedThere are six books that make up the original Dune Chronicles by Frank Herbert, and fans can continue this story courtesy of Herbert’s son Brian and writer Kevin J. Anderson. The amount of materials in the franchise outside these novels is just as impressive. Fans of Dune have plenty to enjoy after they’ve finished the books, but for those getting into the series, Frank Herbert’s original works are a great place to start. Spoilers ahead for those that are in the midst of these immersive and fantastic novels.
6 Dune (1965)
The original Dune has an interesting history, as epic novels of this scale often do. It was first published in two parts in a science fiction magazine called Analog under the titles Dune World in 1963 and The Prophet of Dune in 1965. After some revisions and editing, it was published as one volume by Chilton Books, which is another interesting twist because this company didn’t even normally publish fiction.
Dune is still one of the most popular and best-selling science fiction novels in history, along with being critically acclaimed, honored with awards, and followed by a dedicated fanbase. The effect on pop culture reached well beyond the realm of literature and live-action adaptations. One of the first RTS computer games was Dune II, and even though it had little to do with the events of the books, it was inspired by their lore and took place on the spice-planet of Arrakis.
5 Dune Messiah (1969)
Dune Messiah was serialized in the magazine Galaxy earlier in the same year that it was published. It begins 12 years after the previous book ends, and continues to tell the story of Paul and the holy war that House Atreides has been leading across the known universe. By this time, Paul has become the Emperor through marriage to Princess Irulan, despite the fact that he refuses to consummate their union. The story concludes when he disappears into the desert and leaves his sister, Alia, to act as regent.
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The events of this novel include more drama and details about life on Arrakis, the structure of the Empire, and the feuding noble houses. Paul survives several assassination attempts, including a plot that involved Irulan and the Bene Gesserit Order. The 2003 miniseries entitled Children of Dune, which appeared on what is now called the Syfy Channel, included this book, the first one, and the third novel from which it takes its name.
4 Children of Dune (1976)
The last of Frank Herbert’s Dune Chronicles to be serialized in a magazine before it was published, Children of Dune also appeared in Analog before it was published by Putnam Books. Nine years pass between the end of Dune Messiah and the beginning of Children of Dune, and in that time, the other nobles are closing in on House Atreides in Paul’s absence.
Aside from threats from outside, there are also issues within the Atreides family threatening Leto II and Ghanima, Paul’s twin children. Their aunt, Alia, has been possessed by the malevolent spirit of her Harkonnen ancestors on her mother’s side. Lady Jessica returns to the planet and understands Alia’s affliction, but whether she can save both her daughter and her grandchildren is the main plot of the story.
3 God Emperor of Dune (1981)
The time jumps between books have been negligible so far in comparison to God Emperor of Dune, which takes place 3,500 years after Children of Dune ends. Leto II Atreides, the same child that was born in the previous book, has ruled the Empire as a half-human, half-worm tyrant for eons. His mutation makes him immortal, all-knowing, and the only worm left in the universe after the terraforming of Arrakis.
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There’s a method to Leto’s madness, which becomes more apparent as the novel progresses. His visions predicted the final stagnation and end of humanity unless certain events take place, and his rule as a despot is deliberately designed to collapse under its own weight. The tone and theme of this novel are more about the science of psychology and the cycles of human society as opposed to an environmental message.
2 Heretics of Dune (1984)
For 1500 years following the assassination of Leto II, humans have followed the Golden Path that his visions foretold. The giant worms have returned to the spice planet, now called Rakis, and each carries a piece of the former Emperor’s consciousness. The Bene Gesserit still exist, but as an order, they have come to doubt their chosen path. They also have competition in similar female order, the Honored Matres, that adhere to a violent, fanatical religious doctrine.
Although the setup of the novels seems optimistic, the story ends with the final destruction of the planet formerly known as Arrakis. This wasn’t exactly an accident, however, as the Bene Gesserit manage to escape with one worm. They plan on releasing this worm on a planet called Chapterhouse that they’ve been cultivating for this very purpose.
1 Chapterhouse: Dune (1985)
Chapterhouse: Dune continues the drama of the previous novel, without the huge time-jump characteristic of other sequels in the series. The conflict between the Bene Gesserit and their rivals, the Honored Matres, continues. The latter has almost succeeded in taking over what is now referred to as the Old Empire, and although their ultimate aim is to exterminate the Bene Gesserit, they still pursue them for the knowledge that was lost during the Scattering. This is how the Diaspora of humanity is described as it took place during the reign of Emperor Leto Atreides.
The story ends on more of a cliffhanger than any of the other books. Since Frank Herbert passed away in 1986, it would be some time before his notes for “Dune 7” were compiled into the conclusion of the series, Hunters of Dune in 2006 and Sandworms of Dune in 2007. These books were completed and released by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
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