Need space opera recommendations - Page 12

sabredog · 03-08-2011, 11:08 PM

It is a pity that David Weber did not write more books set within the 5th Imperium setting. Would have been great to see another book or two.

Blue Tyson · 03-11-2011, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IcecreamLtDan

I'd like to throw in Symon Jade's "Starship Orpheus" series as a decent read here. As a kid I read the first 2 books of the trilogy and was never able to read the 3rd until I found all 3 books in a used book store as an adult. It's very light reading, but definitely in the space opera genre and has 2 strong female characters, though the main character is a male. The series wasn't ground breaking by any stretch of the imagination and I know the titles are out of print now, I have no idea if any ebooks of them exist, but they may be worth a look.

Not heard of that one, so thanks.

Blue Tyson · 03-11-2011, 12:43 AM

Also, this is free at the moment, use RE100 code at checkout :-

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/44816

"The Ruff! Guide to Space Opera is a comprehensive guide to large scale and romantic outer space adventures in all media. Movies, television, games, animation, comics, role-playing games, books, stories, computer games and more. Let Ruff help you develop your fascination with fast spaceships roaming the deep void, sword swinging raygun duels on other planets, aliens and the conflicts of Galactic Empires. From the planetary romances of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Leigh Brackett, past Larry Niven and Joe Haldeman to the brilliant New Space Opera of Iain Banks, Alastair Reynolds and Neal Asher. Find visual feasts from Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers via Blake's 7, Dune, Babylon 5, Cowboy Bebop, Dead Space and Farscape to Star Trek, Star Wars and Avatar and beyond. Discover groundbreaking comics from DC, Marvel and others like the Omega Men, Dreadstar and Starslayer along with old favourites. Ruff will not let you put a paw wrong in your quests through hyperspace and ancient Martian landscapes.

Includes a comprehensive timeline of Space Opera history in all media and a reading guide.

jrlewis · 03-12-2011, 10:10 AM

What I'd really like to find are some Star Wars books that give me the sort of characters and stories that I'd enjoy as an adult. I mean, Star Wars in general tends to disappoint because it's geared toward kids, but it's such a great universe that adults keep coming back to it. Unfortunately, I've not been impressed by the Star Wars books I've read, except for the ones by Karen Traviss.

DiapDealer · 03-12-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrlewis

Unfortunately, I've not been impressed by the Star Wars books I've read, except for the ones by Karen Traviss.

Have you tried the ones by Matt Stover or Michael Stackpole? I'm not a huge fan myself, but many of my friends who are, point to those works quite often.

Wooley · 03-13-2011, 09:24 AM

The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons, especially the two first books; Hyperion and The fall of Hyperion. I cant understand why Simmons only gets mentioned in one reply. These books are very much character and plot driven, with alot of refrence to classic literature. The first two books has a female co-lead characer; Brawne Lamia (the story follows a group of 6 people, and their individual stories), her story (too) has romance. I first read "The Endymion Omnibus", not knowing it was book 3 and 4 in the tetralogy known as "The Hyperion Cantos", and I was awestruck. These two books also have a female protagonist; Aenea, though the lead character is a man, she gradually take centerstage with him. These two books also has elements of romance.

Wooley · 03-13-2011, 09:29 AM

The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons,(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperion_cantos) especially the two first books; Hyperion and The fall of Hyperion. I cant understand why Simmons only gets mentioned in one reply. These books are very much character and plot driven, with alot of refrence to classic literature. The first two books has a female co-lead characer; Brawne Lamia (the story follows a group of 6 people, and their individual stories), her story (too) has romance. I first read "The Endymion Omnibus", not knowing it was book 3 and 4 in the tetralogy known as "The Hyperion Cantos", and I was awestruck. These two books also have a female protagonist; Aenea, though the lead character is a man, she gradually take centerstage with him. These two books also has elements of romance.
Thanks for all the suggestions

DiapDealer · 03-13-2011, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wooley

The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons, especially the two first books; Hyperion and The fall of Hyperion. I cant understand why Simmons only gets mentioned in one reply.

I love it... and would recommend it to anybody. I just don't consider it Space Opera. Which is probably why it's not mentioned more often in this thread.

Labels and sub-genre definitions vary, naturally, from person to person... but I would classify Hyperion as Hard Sci-Fi -- and absolutely fantastic!

Joykins · 03-13-2011, 12:29 PM

I read the Hyperion books years ago, and agree: they're wonderful and they're not space opera.

DMcCunney · 03-13-2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wooley

The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons,(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperion_cantos) especially the two first books; Hyperion and The fall of Hyperion. I cant understand why Simmons only gets mentioned in one reply. These books are very much character and plot driven, with alot of refrence to classic literature. The first two books has a female co-lead characer; Brawne Lamia (the story follows a group of 6 people, and their individual stories), her story (too) has romance. I first read "The Endymion Omnibus", not knowing it was book 3 and 4 in the tetralogy known as "The Hyperion Cantos", and I was awestruck. These two books also have a female protagonist; Aenea, though the lead character is a man, she gradually take centerstage with him. These two books also has elements of romance.

Simmons probably only gets mentioned in one reply because The Hyperion Cantos aren't really space opera by the usual definitions.

They are brilliant and multi-layered works. The first book in particular is a literary tour de force, with Chaucer's Canterbury Tales retold as SF. They are also a bit like the proverbial onion: as you read farther, layers are peeled back, and you discover things are not as you were led to think they were.

I was introduced to the series shortly after the publication of the first by a friend who was writer and editor, and thought _Hyperion_ was one of those big books full of ideas that come along periodically and help redefine SF. I thought he was quite right.

I recommended them to a friend, who bought the first in PB. Unfortunately, it was long enough that Bantam had split the first book into two PB volumes, but didn't mention the first book was part one of two. He was so annoyed when he came to the cliff-hanger at the end of book one that he refused to read anything else of Simmons'. My protests that it wasn't the author's fault if the publisher was stupid were to no avail.

I'd call the series one you should read if you're at all serious about SF. It's a bit atypical for Simmons, however - most of his output is normally classed as Horror.
______
Dennis

RexGalore · 03-14-2011, 06:44 AM

I'm suprised no one has suggested Saturn's Children by Charles Stross. Not a saga (though a sequel is in the works), but most definitely space opera. And by a great author as well!

Do please disregard the cover for the book though. Horrible cover for a good book!

Joykins · 03-14-2011, 11:26 AM

I think whoever did the cover of _Saturn's Children_ was riffing on the cover of Heinlein's _Friday_, in the same way the book etc. etc. etc.

drewwa · 05-11-2011, 05:51 AM

I hope this doesn't come off as shameless self promotion from a newbie, but could I humbly recommend my 'Oolite Saga'?

This is a fan-fic series, based on a 80s computer game called 'Elite'. If you're of a certain age you won't need an introduction to this; if not it's probably best described as a sort of Firefly/Farscape mix of advanced tech, political instability and underhanded dealing with a bit of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' thrown in.

The initial offering 'Status Quo' is, by admission, rather lighweight, as it was written to be something of an addendum to the flight manual. However, the sequel 'Mutabilis' bulks ups with more in-depth themes (revenge/despair/betrayal) and the 3rd part 'Incursio' (currently being written) is shaping up to be even more of the same. So far the books have several thousand downloads a piece and have positive reviews via manybooks etc.

Recurring characters include an embittered female pilot who cannot admit her own selfishness. A technical guru who abruptly finds himself out of his depth. There is a light romance between the characters and a shadowy villain to complete the dramatis personae.

Plots are character driven rather than tech driven (particularly in the later two stories)

There are also a bunch of short stories set in the same universe if you want to sample my style before diving in...

If you're interested you can find them (all free) at www.drewwagar.com or a one click link here

All the best,

Drew.

fantasyfan · 05-13-2011, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMcCunney

Simmons probably only gets mentioned in one reply because The Hyperion Cantos aren't really space opera by the usual definitions.

They are brilliant and multi-layered works. The first book in particular is a literary tour de force, with Chaucer's Canterbury Tales retold as SF. They are also a bit like the proverbial onion: as you read farther, layers are peeled back, and you discover things are not as you were led to think they were.

I was introduced to the series shortly after the publication of the first by a friend who was writer and editor, and thought _Hyperion_ was one of those big books full of ideas that come along periodically and help redefine SF. I thought he was quite right.

I recommended them to a friend, who bought the first in PB. Unfortunately, it was long enough that Bantam had split the first book into two PB volumes, but didn't mention the first book was part one of two. He was so annoyed when he came to the cliff-hanger at the end of book one that he refused to read anything else of Simmons'. My protests that it wasn't the author's fault if the publisher was stupid were to no avail.

I'd call the series one you should read if you're at all serious about SF. It's a bit atypical for Simmons, however - most of his output is normally classed as Horror.
______
Dennis

I'm going to have to give the Hyperion sequence a try.

I notice that Baen have two sequels to The Witches of Karres. One by Flint and Freer. The Sorceress of Karres and the other The Wizard of Karres which includes Mercedes Lackey as a contributing author.

I would love to read a Karres sequel so I am interested to know how they stand up to comparison with the classic by Schmitz. Both are quite reasonably priced.

pdurrant · 05-13-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fantasyfan

I would love to read a Karres sequel so I am interested to know how they stand up to comparison with the classic by Schmitz. Both are quite reasonably priced.

I liked them both. At just $6 each, I'd say get the first (The Wizard of Karres) and see if you like it.

03-11-2011, 12:43 AM	#168
Blue Tyson Blue Captain Posts: 1,595 Karma: 5000236 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Australia Device: Kindle Keyboard 3G,Huawei Ideos X3,Kobo Mini	Ruff! Guide to Space Opera Also, this is free at the moment, use RE100 code at checkout :- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/44816 "The Ruff! Guide to Space Opera is a comprehensive guide to large scale and romantic outer space adventures in all media. Movies, television, games, animation, comics, role-playing games, books, stories, computer games and more. Let Ruff help you develop your fascination with fast spaceships roaming the deep void, sword swinging raygun duels on other planets, aliens and the conflicts of Galactic Empires. From the planetary romances of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Leigh Brackett, past Larry Niven and Joe Haldeman to the brilliant New Space Opera of Iain Banks, Alastair Reynolds and Neal Asher. Find visual feasts from Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers via Blake's 7, Dune, Babylon 5, Cowboy Bebop, Dead Space and Farscape to Star Trek, Star Wars and Avatar and beyond. Discover groundbreaking comics from DC, Marvel and others like the Omega Men, Dreadstar and Starslayer along with old favourites. Ruff will not let you put a paw wrong in your quests through hyperspace and ancient Martian landscapes. Includes a comprehensive timeline of Space Opera history in all media and a reading guide.

05-11-2011, 05:51 AM	#178
drewwa Member Posts: 13 Karma: 501010 Join Date: May 2011 Device: HTC Smartphone	I hope this doesn't come off as shameless self promotion from a newbie, but could I humbly recommend my 'Oolite Saga'? This is a fan-fic series, based on a 80s computer game called 'Elite'. If you're of a certain age you won't need an introduction to this; if not it's probably best described as a sort of Firefly/Farscape mix of advanced tech, political instability and underhanded dealing with a bit of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' thrown in. The initial offering 'Status Quo' is, by admission, rather lighweight, as it was written to be something of an addendum to the flight manual. However, the sequel 'Mutabilis' bulks ups with more in-depth themes (revenge/despair/betrayal) and the 3rd part 'Incursio' (currently being written) is shaping up to be even more of the same. So far the books have several thousand downloads a piece and have positive reviews via manybooks etc. Recurring characters include an embittered female pilot who cannot admit her own selfishness. A technical guru who abruptly finds himself out of his depth. There is a light romance between the characters and a shadowy villain to complete the dramatis personae. Plots are character driven rather than tech driven (particularly in the later two stories) There are also a bunch of short stories set in the same universe if you want to sample my style before diving in... If you're interested you can find them (all free) at www.drewwagar.com or a one click link here All the best, Drew. Last edited by drewwa; 05-11-2011 at 05:58 AM.

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03-08-2011, 11:08 PM	#166
sabredog Geographically Restricted Posts: 2,629 Karma: 14933353 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Device: Sony PRS-T3, Kindle Voyage, iPad Air2, Nexus7v2	It is a pity that David Weber did not write more books set within the 5th Imperium setting. Would have been great to see another book or two.

03-12-2011, 10:10 AM	#169
jrlewis SF/F Author Posts: 160 Karma: 349656 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: USA Device: Adobe Digital Editions	What I'd really like to find are some Star Wars books that give me the sort of characters and stories that I'd enjoy as an adult. I mean, Star Wars in general tends to disappoint because it's geared toward kids, but it's such a great universe that adults keep coming back to it. Unfortunately, I've not been impressed by the Star Wars books I've read, except for the ones by Karen Traviss.

03-13-2011, 09:24 AM	#171
Wooley Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: laptop	The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons, especially the two first books; Hyperion and The fall of Hyperion. I cant understand why Simmons only gets mentioned in one reply. These books are very much character and plot driven, with alot of refrence to classic literature. The first two books has a female co-lead characer; Brawne Lamia (the story follows a group of 6 people, and their individual stories), her story (too) has romance. I first read "The Endymion Omnibus", not knowing it was book 3 and 4 in the tetralogy known as "The Hyperion Cantos", and I was awestruck. These two books also have a female protagonist; Aenea, though the lead character is a man, she gradually take centerstage with him. These two books also has elements of romance.

03-13-2011, 09:29 AM	#172
Wooley Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: laptop	The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons,(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperion_cantos) especially the two first books; Hyperion and The fall of Hyperion. I cant understand why Simmons only gets mentioned in one reply. These books are very much character and plot driven, with alot of refrence to classic literature. The first two books has a female co-lead characer; Brawne Lamia (the story follows a group of 6 people, and their individual stories), her story (too) has romance. I first read "The Endymion Omnibus", not knowing it was book 3 and 4 in the tetralogy known as "The Hyperion Cantos", and I was awestruck. These two books also have a female protagonist; Aenea, though the lead character is a man, she gradually take centerstage with him. These two books also has elements of romance. Thanks for all the suggestions

03-13-2011, 12:29 PM	#174
Joykins Wizard Posts: 1,609 Karma: 9211856 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: kindle Oasis 2018, kindle 4 NT, kindle PW2, iPhone, iPad mini	I read the Hyperion books years ago, and agree: they're wonderful and they're not space opera.

03-14-2011, 06:44 AM	#176
RexGalore Connoisseur Posts: 58 Karma: 142 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle 3	I'm suprised no one has suggested Saturn's Children by Charles Stross. Not a saga (though a sequel is in the works), but most definitely space opera. And by a great author as well! Do please disregard the cover for the book though. Horrible cover for a good book!

03-14-2011, 11:26 AM	#177
Joykins Wizard Posts: 1,609 Karma: 9211856 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: kindle Oasis 2018, kindle 4 NT, kindle PW2, iPhone, iPad mini	I think whoever did the cover of _Saturn's Children_ was riffing on the cover of Heinlein's _Friday_, in the same way the book etc. etc. etc.

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