If one has yet to hear of theDunefranchise, they’ve been living under a rock or actively trying to avoidgood science fiction stories. WithDenis Villeneuve’s recent film adaption franchise of the story from 1963– first published in a magazine and later published in novel format in 1965– theFrank Herbertseries has exploded in popularity among the general masses who had not heard of the franchise beforehand.
It’s one of the founders of science fiction storytelling and is known all over the world as such.But what if someone is looking to expand out of theDunefranchise and find others akin to it?Luckily, because of how impactful this story has been, there are many authors who have taken inspiration from it and some who simply share a similar style to Herbert’s.
A noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy’s most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.
10’Involution Ocean'
By Bruce Sterling
A major component of theDunestory is the melange or “spice”, an incredibly high-valued substance that grants those who ingest or use it a plethora of different abilities, like living longer and heightened senses. The novel byBruce Sterling,Involution Ocean, plays on a similar topic. Rather than being called “spice”, however, this world is addicted to Flare.
A major component of theDunestory is the melange or “spice”, an incredibly high-valued substance that grants those who ingest or use it a plethora of different abilities…
The story follows a huge addict of Flare who embarks on aMoby-Dick-like journeyto seek out the drug he cravesso intensely after it’s outlawed from the planet Nullaqua.Together, this vessel takes them to the dust oceans, akin to the entirety of Arrakis' landscape inDune, to hunt the dustwhales that live within it so they can harvest the drug.
By Kate Elliott
Another core element to the plot ofDuneis Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his journey getting stuck out on the outskirts of Arrakis—learning the ways of the Fremen out there to survive. A story not too far from that exists within the pages ofJaranbyKate Elliott. On a planet ruled by the terrifying Chapalii Empire, Tess Sorensen embarks on a journey that may remindDunefans of Paul’s.
On a planet ruled by the terrifying Chapalii Empire, Tess Sorensen embarks on a journey that may remindDunefans of Paul’s.
On her journey, she joins up with the natives of the planet Rhui, known as the Jaran.She begins to learn their ways as she helps get to the bottom of a smuggling plan she came across during her time so far on Rhui. As she begins to learn more about the Jaran while itegrating with them,Dunefans will certainly get flashbacks to Paul’s journey.
8’Who Fears Death'
By Nnedi Okorafor
Fans ofDuneknow that the events of the story actually take place thousands and thousands of years after the modern day—around 20,000. For those who like thisalmost post-apocalyptic aspectof the highly acclaimed book, they’ll find a ton of enjoyment inWho Fears DeathbyNnedi Okorafor.
As her magic develops and someone is out to kill her, she sets out on a journey to bring revenge on her father for doing what he did.
In a post-apocalyptic Africa, after being born from an assault on her mother,Onyesonwu grows up as a child with a skin color like sand and possessing magical powers. She learns that children born of a conception like hers are called Ewu and supposedly destined to be violent. As her magic develops and someone is out to kill her, she sets out on a journey to bring revenge on her father for doing what he did. Not only is this set in an arid landscape likeDunebut it has heavy themes regarding violence like the prior book.
7’Ancillary Justice'
By Ann Leckie
While Frank Herbert’s book series takes place in the arid landscape of Arrakis,Ann Leckie’s novel,Ancillary Justice, finds itself on a cold and icy planet known as Shis’urna. While their locations may be vastly different,readers and viewers of theDunefranchise can draw some connections to relate to inAncillary Justicethat will make it way more accessible for them. Not to mention that it’s all-around acclaimed, winning a Hugo award.
Ancillary Justicetakes a major plot trope inDune—the evil intergalactic empire—and flips it on its head, challenging what those who are into the former story are used to.
Ancillary Justicetakes a major plot trope inDune—the evil intergalactic empire—and flips it on its head, challenging what those who are into the former story are used to. Much like Paul, too, the main character of this Ann Leckie novel,the protagonist is left with seemingly nothing after having everything ripped away from them thanks to an act of betrayal.
6’Stranger in a Strange Land'
By Robert A. Heinlein
Duneopens its story with Paul Atreides leaving his home with his family to rule Arrakis. Meanwhile, he’s also developing his powers with The Voice under the guidance of his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). A similar set of scenarios takes place inStranger in a Strange LandbyRobert A. Heinlein. Funny enough, however,this book was written and released before Herbert’s story, predating it by about three years.
After being sent to Earth, Valentine must learn what it is to be human and go on a coming-of-age journey.
InStranger in a Strange Land, Valentine Michael Smith is a boy born on Mars and raised with little to no human contact. After being sent to Earth, Valentine must learn what it is to be human andgo on a coming-of-age journey. He also discovers that, on Earth, he has abilities that far outweigh those of the Earth-born humans.
5’The Fifth Season'
By N. K. Jemisin
Set on a supercontinent called The Stillness, named after the absolute devastation, it has faced horrific scenarios based on climate change and natural disasters, ripping the landscape to nothing. A very similar image to that of Arrakis. That’s a minor similarity thatThe Fifth SeasonbyN. K. Jemisinshares withDune, though.
Set on a supercontinent called The Stillness, named after the absolute devastation, it has faced horrific scenarios based on climate change and natural disasters, ripping the landscape to nothing.
The plot throughout most of theDunefranchise is oppression and that is certainly felt inThe Fifth Season.The oppression of the Fremenand those capable of manipulating energy in Jemisin’s book are definitely related to each other. Especially given the fact that both groups have abilities unlike others. If fans enjoyed this cornerstone of theDunestory,The Fifth Seasonmay just be something they enjoy.
4’Leviathan Wakes'
By James S. A. Corey
Everyone lovesa good space opera.Dune,Star Wars, andStar Trekcome to most people’s minds when they think of the words. One thatDunefans will get a lot of enjoyment from that many may not know about, however, isLeviathan WakesbyJames S. A. Corey. In a world where the human race has succeeded in colonizing the Solar System, tensions get quite high.
In a world where the human race has succeeded in colonizing the Solar System, tensions get quite high.
The set-up is very clearlyDune-esque: a galaxy full of high-stakes politics, battling over the elements— the basic key-points that make up the foundations of the franchise everyone knows and loves. This isn’t to say thatLeviathan Wakesis uninspired in any way. Just because it contains some of the core foundations doesn’t make it completely unique in its own way (which it is).
3’Foundation'
By Isaac Asimov
Duneisn’t the only sci-fi book to get adapted into a live-action epic. A book sharing similar elements to Herbert’s,FoundationbyIsaac Asimov, was also recently adapted into film,becoming a hit series on Apple TV+.Foundationhas received a lot of great reviews and continues to be a hit, which is majorly thanks to how great the initial book was.
TheFoundationfranchise has become so beloved because of the way it takes these themes also used inDuneand expands upon them in an excellent manner.
Both have a gigantic, seemingly never-ending galactic universe, galactic empires, commentary on evolution, and so much more. TheFoundationfranchise has become so beloved because of the way it takes these themes also used inDuneand expands upon them in an excellent manner.
2’Red Rising'
By Pierce Brown
In a world where humanity has taken over the Solar System and assigned its people to “color classes”,Pierce Brown’sRed Risingutilizestechnology, oppression, a savior figure, and more in a way somewhat likeDune. Taking place on the planet Mars, the landscape may be far different from that of Arrakis, but its social landscape isn’t very far off.
…A commentary on violence and revolution for the sake of freedom just as great as the likes ofDune’s.
Paul Atreides may be an angry protagonist, butRed Rising’s hero, Darrow, is furious and out for revenge.This brings in a commentary on violence and revolution for the sake of freedom just as great as the likes ofDune’s. It’s deeply compelling and hooks readers into its world like no other.
1’Hyperion'
By Dan Simmons
If one does even a little bit of asking around the internet for books akin toDune,HyperionbyDan Simmonsis going to be the most common name to be dropped.Not even galactic law can stretch throughout the entire galaxy and the planet called Hyperion is a planet that it seemingly cannot get its hands on. This is because on Hyperion, a creature rests called the Shrike. There are those that profoundly fear it and some that find the creature to be profound.
If one does even a little bit of asking around the internet for books akin toDune,HyperionbyDan Simmonsis going to be the most common name to be dropped.
The plot withinHyperionisn’t as similar toDuneas others, butthe way it dissects psychological questions and ponders them is within the same vein. As the universe is about to reach its apocalypse, seven people head to Hyperion to get answers about their life and past.
NEXT:The 10 Worst Changes the ‘Dune’ Movies Made From the Novels, Ranked
