Our local library was moved, and I finally got around to visiting the new site (YAY for vacation) the other day. Right up front with all the new hardcover "New" stuff was 'Sandworms of Dune', by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
I was not aware that these two were continuing the saga before seeing this book, so I picked it up to give a look. Obviously, I am not done yet, but so far I really cannot complain as they have not lost the sense of grandeur that was Herbert's original universe.

I really don't like seeing great works expanded on, but I loved Dune enough to take a chance. I doubt I will read any of the other stuff, but I am not complaining. This is apparently the 8th book in the expanded Dune universe, which really puts a floodlight on my lack of attention to this venue the last several years. /shrug

I've always wanted to start reading this series but never really knew where to start and what books to read in what order. Any help with this is GREATLY appreciated. I've loved both the movie and the mini series, but have always found the books to be better.

THE DUNE SERIES

by Frank Herbert

1. Dune
2. Dune Messiah
3. Children of Dune
4. God Emperor of Dune
5. Heretics of Dune
6. Chapterhouse: Dune


by Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

The Road to Dune (includes original short novel, 'Spice Planet')


by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Dune: House Atreides
Dune: House Harkonnen
Dune: House Corrino

Dune: The Butlerian Jihad
Dune: The Machine Crusade
Dune: The Battle of Corrin

Hunters of Dune
Sandworms of Dune
Paul of Dune (forthcoming)


by Brian Herbert

Dreamer of Dune (biography of Frank Herbert)


I read the original six books by Frank Herbert, and am just now reading Sandworms of Dune (not knowing that these later books had even been written until the other day). IMO the original Frank Herbert books are worth reading, the rest can be a coin-toss.

Dune: House Atreides
Dune: House Harkonnen

I read these and they were more like prequels of the original Frank Herbert series. I really liked em and it set up alot in the things that were to come in the Dune series. I have not read Corrino yet, but alot the info that formed the Dune: House... series came from Frank's backstory for his series.

Ok, so read them in that order?

If you want the full effect most likely be best to read the Dune: <title here> series first as they are all mentioned(backstory) in the Original Dune series. I am not too sure about the last 3 on the list Byl has listed in where they fall in the timeline( Hunters/Sandworms/Paul). But to go by release dates i would read in the order that Byl has them in.

I read the 3 houses no sooner than 2 last weeks, worth enough reading when you know the universe, Duncan Idaho background was great to know about. :)

As for reading order I would do Byli order as well, but maybe re-read the Dune "Frank Herbert" series once you read the Houses, I'm sure it changes the way you'll read it "again". I will probably do that soon, I just wonder if I'll read about the Jihad first.

The chronological order would be as I listed, but as was pointed out, the six Dune: <title> books may offer a foundation on which to better appreciate the original works of Frank Herbert.

hrrm I read all of the first 6 but haven't even bothered with reading his son's work. So it sounds like it may be worth it. I may have to reread the others though man it's been a long time since I read those like maybe '93ish.

I loved the movie with Sting from 1984'ish too. When the collector's DVD was released a couple of years ago I made sure I nabbed it. As I was too young to understand the books as a kid being only 9 when it came out I had to wait a few years till I felt I could understand the books hehe and even then it was a challenge. Good stuff though, good stuff :)

hrrm I read all of the first 6 but haven't even bothered with reading his son's work. So it sounds like it may be worth it. I may have to reread the others though man it's been a long time since I read those like maybe '93ish.

I loved the movie with Sting from 1984'ish too. When the collector's DVD was released a couple of years ago I made sure I nabbed it. As I was too young to understand the books as a kid being only 9 when it came out I had to wait a few years till I felt I could understand the books hehe and even then it was a challenge. Good stuff though, good stuff :)

Heh, funny you think of Sting when you recall the movie. He did do an admirable job, being I think his first stab at acting in a movie. I have some friends who think of the actor that played Paul, because they liked him in 'Twin Peaks'. There were a lot of good actors assembled for that movie: Brad Dourif and Patrick Stewart being two I always think of when I recall the movie.

Remember when Patrick Stewart was playing that weird guitar thingy? Didn't it sound an awful lot like a Police song? Can't quite put my finger on it...

The order to read them is

DUNE
First half of DUNE: MESSIAH

Then throw the rest of them away.

/duck :)