I don't read much sci-fi... because I'm particular and a lot of sci-fi can be too thought-provoking for my tastes. I'm an adventure kinda gal...I like people I can care about and just enough technical data to form a plausible story
That said, I just finished reading Nancy Fulda's novella: Backlash
http://www.amazon.com/Backlash-ebook/dp/B004Q9TIPY/
And...wow. I posted the review at Amazon, but this is totally my kind of sci-fi. It's fast-paced, full-characterization and a well-thought out plot, not too heavy on the science with a touch of end-of-world possibilities. There's a lot of story and emotions packed in here.
I went out right after reading it and bought her full anthology. Will report on that soon.
Maria