Science fiction
Children of Dune
The third Dune novel, set years after the first two. A powerful family's young heirs grow up under the shadow of a vast legacy, while old factions and an empire under pressure scheme to take control of their future.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1976
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 623
- Format
- Book 3 of 6 in Dune
Read this if you've read the first Dune books and want more of its dense politics, religion and philosophy.
Skip this if you haven't read Dune and its sequel, since this assumes both and has little hand-holding.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Children of Dune
- What is Children of Dune about?
- The third Dune novel, set years after the first two. A powerful family's young heirs grow up under the shadow of a vast legacy, while old factions and an empire under pressure scheme to take control of their future.
- Who should read Children of Dune?
- Read it if you've read the first Dune books and want more of its dense politics, religion and philosophy. Skip it if you haven't read Dune and its sequel, since this assumes both and has little hand-holding.
- How long and how fast is Children of Dune?
- It is a slow-paced, long read of about 623 pages, first published in 1976.
- Does Children of Dune have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, War.
- Can I borrow Children of Dune for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Children of Dune; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Children of Dune?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Hyperion, The Left Hand of Darkness, Foundation.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Children of Dune
-
Hyperion
Another far-future saga rich in religion, ideas and big-picture storytelling, with a more varied structure.
-
The Left Hand of Darkness
A quieter, more humane science fiction classic about culture, politics and perception.
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Foundation Another classic of the genre focused on empires, long-term planning and the movement of history.
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