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For fans of Dune, it’s no small task to find another book that hits all the right notes: intricate political intrigue, environmental storytelling, deep philosophical musings, and characters that stick with you long after you’ve finished the book.
Frank Herbert’s masterpiece is a literary beast, rich in so many layers that it’s hard to imagine another book delivering quite the same impact. But guess what? There are books out there that come close.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for dense, challenging reads or fast-paced, political space operas, I’ve got a list that will hopefully scratch that itch for you.
Here’s a rundown of ten books I think you’ll love if you couldn’t get enough of Dune. Buckle up—it’s going to be a thrilling ride through galaxies, deserts, dying suns, and political conspiracies.
10. Luna: New Moon by Ian McDonald
If the family politics and resource-driven conflicts in Dune are what hooked you, Luna: New Moon will be a fascinating next read.
Set on the Moon, where five powerful families fight for control over its precious resources, this novel delves deep into power struggles, alliances, and betrayals—everything you loved about Dune’s House Atreides.
The book’s focus on familial loyalty and betrayal feels like a direct spiritual cousin to Dune. And with McDonald’s vivid descriptions of life on the Moon, you get that same environmental pressure cooker that Arrakis provided.
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9. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
If what drew you to Dune was its intricate look at political power and diplomacy, Arkady Martine’s A Memory Called Empire is a must-read. The novel centers on an ambassador who gets pulled into the political webs of a massive empire.
It has all the layers of political intrigue and cultural conflict that you’d expect from a book with Dune’s DNA. What makes this book stand out is its exploration of identity, colonialism, and the tension between small and large powers.
Fans of Dune will appreciate the intricate world-building and focus on diplomacy in a richly constructed universe.
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8. The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe
If you want a challenging, dense narrative with layers upon layers to uncover, Gene Wolfe’s The Book of the New Sun series might be your next obsession.
Set in a distant future where the sun is dying, society has regressed, and the narrative feels dreamlike, this series has a lot in common with Dune in terms of its philosophical depth and grand scope.
Much like Herbert, Wolfe writes with an eye toward the deeper questions of existence, politics, and personal destiny. It’s not an easy read, but those who stick with it are rewarded with a rich, immersive experience.
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7. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
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Looking for more focus on environmental themes and humanity’s relationship with a harsh world? Red Mars delivers on that front. It chronicles the colonization of Mars and the subsequent political, social, and environmental challenges of terraforming a planet.
Kim Stanley Robinson’s scientific rigor is top-notch, making the environmental and ecological concerns feel very real, much like Herbert’s approach to Arrakis in Dune.
If you found yourself fascinated by Dune’s intricate ecological systems and their connection to the people who live in them, Red Mars will be a fulfilling read.
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6. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
If you’re craving something that feels philosophically rich and politically charged, Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Dispossessed is a fantastic pick.
It explores two societies—one capitalist, one anarchist—and follows the protagonist as he grapples with the ideologies of both. What I find fascinating about The Dispossessed is how it forces you to question societal structures, freedom, and the individual’s role in the larger system.
It’s deeply philosophical in a way that reminds me of Dune’s exploration of power, governance, and ecology. Plus, Le Guin’s beautiful prose is always a bonus.
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5. Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey
If you were pulled into Dune for its mix of fast-paced action and political intrigue, Leviathan Wakes is one to pick up next. It’s the first in The Expanse series and is set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, but peace is, of course, never easy to maintain.
This book is a little less philosophical than some of the others on this list, but it more than makes up for it with its gripping storyline, complex characters, and expansive world.
Like Dune, there are power struggles and conflicts that go way beyond the personal, diving into issues that affect entire civilizations.
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4. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
I won’t sugarcoat it—The Three-Body Problem is a dense read. But if you appreciated the intellectual depth of Dune, this one’s going to be right up your alley.
The novel begins with humanity’s first contact with an alien civilization, but what unfolds is an exploration of physics, philosophy, and the future of humanity. There’s a slow burn to The Three-Body Problem that echoes Herbert’s pacing in Dune.
The novel dives deep into hard science fiction, so if you love wrapping your brain around complex concepts, this is a satisfying journey that will have you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
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3. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Looking for something a bit more contemporary but with the same complexity of world-building and philosophical undertones? N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season is where it’s at.
Set in a world that’s constantly on the brink of destruction due to violent environmental shifts, it explores how people adapt, survive, and, well, control the earth itself. What I love most about this book is the way Jemisin tackles power, oppression, and survival in a world that’s always at odds with itself.
It’s emotionally heavy but oh-so-rewarding, with themes that resonate deeply with the environmental and societal questions raised in Dune.
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2. Foundation by Isaac Asimov
The Foundation series is a heavy hitter in the world of science fiction, and it’s a must-read for any fan of Dune. It’s centered on the concept of “psychohistory,” a fascinating mix of mathematics and sociology used to predict the fall of a galactic empire.
If Dune made you love big, complex societies and plans that stretch across centuries, you’ll find yourself right at home here. There’s a lot to love about Asimov’s intellectual approach to storytelling.
He doesn’t rush through the material, allowing you to sink into the political plots and strategic thinking that mirror the long-term manipulation of events we see in Dune.
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1. Hyperion by Dan Simmons
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If you’re into mind-bending narratives that combine political depth, religious undertones, and epic journeys, Hyperion is an absolute must-read.
Think of it as a space opera told through the stories of seven pilgrims, each with their own complicated backstory and role in the grand scheme of things. The storytelling style reminds me a lot of The Canterbury Tales, but in space—so, yes, very cool.
What keeps me hooked is Simmons’ ability to weave rich world-building with an emotional depth that hits just as hard as Herbert’s universe in Dune. Hyperion raises big questions about humanity, technology, and what the future holds for us.
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Finding Your Next Epic Read
Choosing what to read after Dune can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re here for the deep philosophical questions, intricate political games, or just looking for a good book while on holiday, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Dune is a monumental book, but these ten novels prove that the science fiction and fantasy world is full of complex, captivating stories waiting to be explored.
