I'm 1/3 through the first book. Enjoying it and know there are a few movies out now. Would appreciate any thoughts on a few questions.

1. Should I plan on reading more than just the first book? If so, do I just do the first 5 or 6 from Frank, or do I plan on reading the 20 from his son? Curious if the saga/series is good as well and how many are worth reading.

2. The two movies out recently (2021 annd 2024), I understand they are the first book split in 2 movies. Is that so? I just would prefer to read the books before watching the movies, and trying to figure out if I just need to read the first book to be able to watch both movies. Wasn't sure if they covered the full saga or just first book.

Thanks.

DV recently stated he is writing a Part 3, which will be based on Dune Messiah. That is the second book, so you will definitely want to knock that one out. The series gets more weird the further you delve into it, is my understanding. I wouldn't bother with any of the books by FH's son.

One and two are must read.

Three I dunno the average person. Although it does kinda end cap things if you already made it that far.

Four plus only for the most determined.

I haven't finished beyond that yet

Thank you, both.

RooAg said:

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I'm 1/3 through the first book. Enjoying it and know there are a few movies out now. Would appreciate any thoughts on a few questions.

1. Should I plan on reading more than just the first book? If so, do I just do the first 5 or 6 from Frank, or do I plan on reading the 20 from his son? Curious if the saga/series is good as well and how many are worth reading.

2. The two movies out recently (2021 annd 2024), I understand they are the first book split in 2 movies. Is that so? I just would prefer to read the books before watching the movies, and trying to figure out if I just need to read the first book to be able to watch both movies. Wasn't sure if they covered the full saga or just first book.

Thanks.

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- Denis Villeneuve (the writer/director) is only adapting Dune and Dune Messiah. Two books, three movies total.

- Yes, Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024) cover the first book, Dune, split in half.

- As of now, Dune Messiah will be one movie. Villeneuve will be directing a non-Dune project next, but will then return to direct Dune Messiah (which is being written/adapted as we speak). Potential release will be 2027/2028 or so.

- Dune: Prophecy is a limited series set to debut on Max later this year, set thousands of years before the events of Dune. It's currently filming, centered around the Bene Gesserit, and as I understand it, is not based on any specific book, though I could be wrong.

- As of now, no other Dune books are set to be adapted, and Villeneuve will be done after Dune Messiah regardless, once he completes his trilogy of movies.

There is a time jump in the first book that roughly follows the split in the first two movies. Second book, Dune Messiah is shorter and finished story of Paul, movie being written but will be a while before it is filmed. Third book is good too, ends on a cliffhanger, the story of Paul's kids, no plan for a movie I know of. There was aSci- Fi ministries that depicted the first three books.
Good Emperor of Dune is the weirdest and most divisive book. Either you love it or hate it. Completes the story of Paul's kids and fully shows the Golden Path that Paul was scared of in his visions. This book is probably unfilmable.
The last two books are very different. I view them as almost a different series. Features different characters with one notable exception. Chapterhouse also ends on a cliffhanger because Herbert died.
I've never read them but the common saying is that his son's books are terrible.

Saw this on Reddit and it is pretty accurate

I did option 4 and loved it, but I am a completionist. Reread the first book a few years back in advance of the Dune movie release. It's been at least a decade since I read the other books in the series in Option 4.

Option 2 for me

I've read all of them. Frank is much better than the son, but if you enjoy it, read until you don't.

I was given Dune when I has diagnosed and hospitalized for diabetes 39 years ago. Reading it a second time really cleared things up. I wasn't in the best mindset the first time.

Only got through the first 2 books, but the story felt pretty complete for me at that point.

I recommended wrong. I absolutely read four books. Forgot that Messiah and Children of Dune were two different books

I'm another who has read them all. Dune and Dune Messiah are probably the best place to stop. Children of Dune starts getting out there, God Emperor of Dune is hardly recognizable as a Dune book, and the rest...well, a big baggy of northern lights, cannabis indica would have helped a lot.

I've read Dune and Dune Messiah. I do have copies of Children, God Emperor, and Heretics but they just sat on the shelf next to the others for over ten years now.

By all means, if you enjoy Dune, read through to the end of the books by Frank. Even though Chapterhouse has a cliffhanger, it was a good read.

I was interested in the backstory of the Dune universe, and read the first four books the son co-wrote. The first one was so-so at best, but I figured a little experience would help and the next one would be better.. I had the same thought through the fourth one he wrote, and decided I'd wasted enough money on trash. If you really need to read them, find them in a used book store or borrow them from the library.

Option 3 for me. GEoD would have to be animated to be turned into a movie, and Ralph Bakshi was probably the only director who could have pulled it off.

PS - If you find a copy of The Dune Encyclopedia at an old book store or eBay, and you're stopping after GEoD, get it. It's amazing. Published in 1984 and endorsed by Frank Herbert. My copy is well-worn.

I'd suggest the first two books are a must. After that a matter if taste if you'll like the others. And yes, read the first book before seeing both movies. Books are fantastic and a lot of detail not in the movie, but will add a ton of context that would be hard to appreciate with just the movie.

StinkyPinky said:

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I'd suggest the first two books are a must. After that a matter if taste if you'll like the others. And yes, read the first book before seeing both movies. Books are fantastic and a lot of detail not in the movie, but will add a ton of context that would be hard to appreciate with just the movie.

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Agreed. I enjoyed the first movie even more because I had that context.

Dammit that looks awesome. I reread the first Dune a couple years back for the movie release, and I think I might just re-read the whole series after this 2nd movie comes out.

Chapter 31 is where the first movie ends, if you only want to read that much. up to you.

1st book makes a LOT of stuff in the movies add up.

I'm also in the small minority that doesn't think Dune (the book) is as great as believed. Movie is awesome and I've watched it several-teen times.