Dune

Duke Leto Atreides moves his family from the ocean world of Caladan to Arrakis — a desert planet whose spice melange is the most valuable substance in the universe. His son Paul arrives into a trap laid by the rival House Harkonnen, and the novel follows Paul’s transformation from heir to messianic leader of Arrakis’ native Fremen.

Dune established the saga’s political, ecological, and religious frameworks, and remains the best starting point for every reader.