The Dune Chronicles

Often seen as the godfather of science fiction, this series, set in "a galaxy far, far away," features the world's humans, who have spread throughout the interstellar empire, in competition with each other for a substance called "melange."

Melange, which makes interstellar travel and other important functions possible, is found only on the planet Arrakis, where the main character, Paul, heir to the House of Atreides, is about to assume rule of the planet and its problems, not the least of which are the giant sandworms that actual make the substance. The series spans the life of Paul, who becomes Emperor, and his children as they alternately rule poorly and try not to make the same mistakes prior generations did.

The son of Frank Herbert, the author, created a prequel series to Dune.

For grades 9 and up.