Whether you’re a fan of the novel Dune or the recent film adaptations, Dune: Part One and Part Two, you know how epic this science fiction classic is. The story takes us into a world full of magic, turmoil, war, and betrayal. We don’t blame you for craving more worlds such as these that are intriguing, action-packed, and thoughtful. Below is a list of books you’ll love if you love Dune.
Hyperion by Dan Simmons ($8.99, shop here)
In Dune, we experience giant desert worms; in Hyperion, there is a terrifying creature called the Shrike. Another similarity these two galactic classics share is the struggle for control. Not only is spice a major focus in Dune, but there is also an emphasis on the Padishah Emperor, the Great Houses, and the Fremen dynamic. Hyperion introduces us to the Hegemony of Man, the great galactic empire, and its inner turmoil and rebellions.
Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie ($10.25, shop here)
Ancillary Justice follows Breq, a former starship AI inhabiting a human body, on a quest for revenge. Revenge is a powerful motivator and narrative force in both Dune and Ancillary Justice. For Breq, the destruction of her starship body, the Justice of Toren, leads her to uncover the truth behind the attack. In the process, she navigates the political intricacies of Radch. Radch is a sprawling empire with a unique AI-based control system. The ultimate authority figure for the AIs or ancillaries is the Lord of Radch. Even though they can make decisions within their programming, major choices are dictated by the central control. The Lord can issue commands to all the AIs, effectively controlling the entire Radch fleet and military.
Nova by Samuel R. Delaney ($16, shop here)
Dune is, without a doubt, a space opera classic, and if you need another exceptional classic, Nova should be at the top of your reading queue. In Nova, the characters are in a desperate race for a powerful energy source (Illyrion) amidst a galactic power struggle. The power dynamics are different in that instead of a structured set of powerhouses, leadership in Nova consists of an unconventional crew with hidden agendas and psychological motivations. The novel is full of vivid imagery and sensory details. It’s a refreshing deep dive into the human experience that complements what we love about Dune.
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky ($14.20, shop here)
In Arrakis, the characters of Dune live amongst monstrous desert worms; in the new Earth of Children of Time, humans are overrun by uplifted, intelligent animals. In Dune, we learn about the delicate balance of an environment and focus on the spice. In the same vein, in Children of Time, we delve into the consequences of human manipulation in an alien ecosystem, leading to a struggle between intelligent, uplifted animals and humans. At their core, both stories are about surviving in harsh environments, survival, and ecology.
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin ($10.89, shop here)
Like Dune, The Left Hand of Darkness takes us into an intricate and immersive world with unique ecologies and political landscapes, creating a bridge for fans who love Dune to give it a chance. Where in Dune, we find ourselves on a harsh desert planet in, The Left Hand of Darkness, the characters exist in a permanent winter where inhabitants are ambisexual (shifting genders every month). It is a thought-provoking novel with a deeper focus on characters, a unique exploration of gender, and cultural exploration.