Dune - the first book is superb, don't bother with the sequels
Any of the Iain M Banks Culture books work as standalone novels. Try Consider Phlebas or Use of Weapons first. Against a Dark Background is also a favourite of mine, which ia a standalone book not in the Culture universe.
Agree Dune 1 is the best however the consequences of the battles and victories described in the 1st book play out in book 2 as a very relevent Metaphor of today's bonkers world.
Dune - the first book is superb, don't bother with the sequels
Any of the Iain M Banks Culture books work as standalone novels. Try Consider Phlebas or Use of Weapons first. Against a Dark Background is also a favourite of mine, which ia a standalone book not in the Culture universe.