Dune by Frank Herbert

This book literally blew me away! It was so detailed and had a rich library of cultures, religions, languages and myth that foreshadowed the story of Paul Atreides. The excerpts at the beginning of each chapter (written by Princess Irulan) added a substance to the story and immersed the reader in the world of Arrakis and the politics, mysteries and people that existed on the desert planet.
It is one of those novels that I would recommend to everyone at one point in their life. It makes you think, and keeps you invested in the story at all times. It also makes you extremely thirsty and while reading about people living in a constant desert, you can't help appreciating the value of water.
This is a great novel, but it's one you have to pay attention to. Everyone the narrator tracks is an important piece on the chess board of politics, religion and legend.
One of the charms in the novel is the omniscient point of view that frequently dips into characters' consciousness and reveals information you wouldn't understand in the first person point of view by Paul or Jessica.
It is a philosophical story, with allusions to important elements in the culture of both the Freemen (inhabitants of Dune) and the Bene Gesserit (a female order of scheming minds).
One of the most important subjects of the novel is the spice or melange, an element that only exists on Arrakis and is extremely addictive.
I don't want to mention too much of the story, to ruin the mystery and the theatrical way the events are presents. All I will say is that Dune is an engaging story that makes you pay attention, and reflect on philosophical topics. I enjoyed this novel, and instead of rating it, I will simply recommend it. Some people like it, and some don't, but your perspective of the story should be your own.