Space Opera Fans discussion

This is a continuation of a previous thread
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Please post below just as you would in that other thread to let us know what space opera book(s) you are currently reading, or just finished. And what did you think of it.

After it languished unread on my shelf for years, I started reading Thousandstar by Pierce Anthony - it’s a novel in his Cluster series from the 1970s/80s. I find the alien species in this series to be some of the most imaginative and truly alien of any space opera I’ve read.

For the first time in several years I wasn’t reading a book when the calendar changed. Finished my last book of 2024 hours before midnight.

Now anything goes!

I'm reading The Iron Heel by Jack London

I had to verify this is the same author as Call of the Wild — what a difference in subject matter for him to take on! And the premise sounds like it would resonate quite a lot with the rise of authoritarianism in many countries today.

Golden Son, Pierce brown

Planetside by Michael Mammay - A seasoned military officer uncovers a deadly conspiracy on a distant, war-torn planet… - sounds good but very military SF, see how I get on with this.

Paul wrote: "Planetside by Michael Mammay - A seasoned military officer uncovers a deadly conspiracy on a distant, war-torn planet… - sounds good but very military SF, see how I get on with this."

I liked this series. Starting with Planetside. Common sense over ideology. I haven't read the fourth one yet, but it's in my TBR.

Caitlin wrote: "I had to verify this is the same author as Call of the Wild — what a difference in subject matter for him to take on! And the premise sounds like it would resonate quite a lot with the rise of auth..."

I had the same reaction Caitlin, but it sort of fits with the author's ideas - over 100 years ago he was an advocate for animal rights, workers rights and socialism. I'm about 25% through the book at the moment and though it's obviously dated, I have to keep reminding myself when he wrote it. Before starting it I wasn't convinced I would enjoy it, or would even finish it, but I was wrong.

I think Mammay has always maintained that Planetside was more SF mystery/thriller that contained elements of military SF, and which would appeal to fans of military SF.

And re Betsy's point - I wouldn't regard Planetside as free of ideology - it's just different ideology.

Caitlin wrote: "After it languished unread on my shelf for years, I started reading Thousandstar by Pierce Anthony - it’s a novel in his Cluster series from the 1970s/80s. I find the alien species in this series t..."

Looks interesting Caitlin - do you think its necessary to read the rest of the series before this one?

Brock wrote: "Golden Son, Pierce brown"

I've had Red Rising on my TBR pile for a while now - would you recommend the series?

@John, I would recommend reading at least the first in the series, Cluster, before taking on this one. Thousand-star assumes the reader understands some important worldbuilding that is set up in Cluster and doesn’t take much time to explain it. Otherwise, the book stands alone pretty well.

I’m reading Loka, the 2nd book in the Meru/alloy series. I am interested in the Red Rising series but need to be convinced to finally add it to my library.

John wrote: "Brock wrote: "Golden Son, Pierce brown"

I've had Red Rising on my TBR pile for a while now - would you recommend the series?"

I tried Red Rising but couldn't get into it. I generally don't like first person narratives, but what really put me off was that it was all present tense. I just found it jarring. But that's just me. A lot of people liked it.

Just finished The Last Watch by J.S. Dewes, and wow—what a ride! Now I’m diving into The Exiled Fleet, and it’s already shaping up to be just as thrilling. This series has me hooked with its mix of edge-of-the-universe stakes, unforgettable characters, and nonstop action.

I’m counting down the days until I can get my hands on The Relentless Legion. If it’s anything like the first two books, I’ll be in for another epic adventure. Anyone else loving this series?

Walter wrote: "Just finished The Last Watch by J.S. Dewes, and wow—what a ride! Now I’m diving into The Exiled Fleet, and it’s already shaping up to be just as thrilling. This series has me hooked with its mix of..."

I've never tried the series yet, Walter - although I remember the debut being very heavily hyped a couple of years ago. I'll watch out for it being on special offer - none of the Glasgow libraries seem to have copies yet.

Hi John,

To be honest, someone suggested this series to me, and I think books are really personal—it’s all about finding what clicks. I’m currently hooked on J.S. Dewes' fast-paced rhythm; it’s like a rollercoaster in space, and The Exiled Fleet is keeping me on the edge of my seat. Hope you manage to track down a copy in Glasgow—it’s such a great city! My wife and I have a soft spot for the Scottish kitchen, too. Can’t go wrong with some haggis or a hearty Cullen skink.

Anyways, keep reading and have a great day! 😊

Hi everyone! I am currently reading Finder by Suzanne Palmer. I'm two chapters in only and know it's a series. Has anyone read it and is the series good? I like the book so far :)

I'm now about 75% of the way through The Iron Heel. I'm not sure what I was expecting...but it wasn't this. An excellent book.

Hi Aeryn,

I haven’t read Finder yet, but I’ll definitely add it to my to-read list. Thanks for the recommendation!

I liked Finder. Looks like there are 3 sequels now about Fergus Ferguson, spaceship repo man. I should read those, as the first one is solid Space Opera.

Trike wrote: "I liked Finder. Looks like there are 3 sequels now. I should read those, as the first one is solid Space Opera.

Fergus Ferguson, spaceship repo man."

It looks interesting, but in the UK at any rate it is not yet available in e-book format, and it's another that isn't available in any of Glasgow's libraries.

I've just finished The Iron Heel. It was a bit slow to get going, but I thoroughly enjoyed it - 4 stars from me.

John wrote: "Trike wrote: "I liked Finder. Looks like there are 3 sequels now. I should read those, as the first one is solid Space Opera.

Fergus Ferguson, spaceship repo man."

It looks intere..."

How the heck did you quote my original post 2 hours after I edited it?

I thought the first version looked like I was signing an email, so I moved that line. Are you a time traveling wizard?!

Trike wrote: "John wrote: "Trike wrote: "I liked Finder. Looks like there are 3 sequels now. I should read those, as the first one is solid Space Opera.

Fergus Ferguson, spaceship repo man."

It..."


That's interesting, Trike. When I replied, your msg was definitely in the "unedited" format. I'm sure of that because the last line stood out.

But then, lots of strange things happen with Goodreads software.

Captain Future - pure fun.

I'd promised myself that after finishing the excellent Surface Detail from Iain M. Banks, I'd go for something shorter and more lighthearted. So I'm going to re-read The Wrath of Vajazzle by Barry J. Hutchison (volume 2 of the Space Team series).

I haven’t found any SF lately that holds my attention. Man I miss getting a new Bob and Nikki book every month. Odds are I’ll be rereading Outcaste by Christie Meierz next month.

Upcoming books that I’m likely to read:
Friends Indeed by David Weber. Due out March 4. This is in the series about the treecats.
Diviner's Bow by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. Due out April 1. Liaden Universe.
Fenrir by Eric Flint and Ryk Spoor. Due out June 3. I think this might be in the same universe as Flint’s Boundary

Teresa wrote: "I haven’t found any SF lately that holds my attention. Man I miss getting a new Bob and Nikki book every month."

Have you read Steve Perry’s “Cutter’s Wars” trilogy? First one is The Ramal Extraction. They’re fast-paced cool MilSF, very easy reading, with the type of flow I mentioned about Scalzi and King.

I'm already about a quarter of the way through The Wrath of Vajazzle and the galaxy's deadliest (and oldest) assassin has just joined the fun.

Finished The Wrath of Vajazzle last night; I'll probably re-read the next in the series in February, but for now I'm planning to re-read Old Man's War.

Just finished re-reading Old Man's War by John Scalzi, which was great fun. I'll probably re-read number 2 in the series sometime next month.

But first I've got to read Use of Weapons, the next book in my "Culture Series" buddy read (which is seriously short of buddies at the moment), and re-read the third book in the "Space Team" series, The Search for Splurt.

Oh, Use of Weapons is an interesting one ! I believe it was the first Culture novel Banks wrote, although not the first one he published.

I listened to the Graphic Audio full cast production of Space Team, which was a hoot. Definitely on the sillier side of Space Opera, but a satisfying story on top of the humor. The voice acting is really great.

Trike wrote: "I listened to the Graphic Audio full cast production of Space Team, which was a hoot. Definitely on the sillier side of Space Opera, but a satisfying story on top of the humor. The ..."

I have an audio edition of the first three books in the series, Trike - but I hadn't heard of a full cast version - I'll have a look for that. And I'd totally agree with your summary - the books are silly, but great fun, even the second time around.

Caitlin wrote: "Oh, Use of Weapons is an interesting one ! I believe it was the first Culture novel Banks wrote, although not the first one he published."

You're correct Caitlin - he'd originally written a much longer, more complicated book (I think possibly while he was still at university). He credits the author (and friend) Ken McLeod with encouraging him to re-write it and suggesting the new structure.

Trike wrote: "I listened to the Graphic Audio full cast production of Space Team, which was a hoot. Definitely on the sillier side of Space Opera, but a satisfying story on top of the humor. The ..."

I especially liked GraphicAudio editions of Ilona Andrews books. GA consulted the authors about how to pronounce names. Knowing that is so satisfying.

In case anyone is interested there are GraphicAudio versions of Murderbot Diaries.

In the UK, if buying from Graphic Audio, it has to be in USD - and it's not cheap. However, it looks like they are increasingly making the books available on Audible UK - and although the Space Team books average at about £16 each, I can listen to them free (at the moment anyway) with audible membership. I'd just recently cancelled my Audible membership but I might think of taking out a new membership for a short time in order to listen to these. The same deal applies to the Murderbot books - although only some of these are available on Audible.

I have started rereading Outcaste by Christie Meierz, which is our Feb Reader Pick.

Now halfway through The Search for Splurt and it's still so funny, but there are some fairly violent sections as well - I'd forgotten about those!

Outcaste was good, even rereading it.

I've finished The Search for Splurt and, similar to Teresa with Outcaste, still enjoyed it despite it being a re-read. It helped that its been about 7 years since I first read it, so I'd forgotten lots of it.

On now to Use of Weapons by Iain M. Banks

I’m currently reading a fantasy novel, but my library system just got the ebook for Last Train Outta Kepler-283c which is an anthology that includes a story by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. So that’s next on my list, at least the Lee & Miller story. For once I don’t have to wait for several months for a library ebook!

The Lee and Miller story in the anthology is titled Last Train to Clarksville. It’s in the Liaden Universe but not connected to any of the other stories there as far as I can recall. It was worth reading but made my brain struggle because not only did the POV change but the timeline hopped back and forth and everyone had both a given name and a nickname (call sign?) so half the time I was confused.

Please note that you may have much better luck. I’m not as sharp as I was ten years ago.

Teresa wrote: "The Lee and Miller story in the anthology is titled Last Train to Clarksville. It’s in the Liaden Universe but not connected to any of the other stories there as far as I can recall. It was worth r..."

Military fiction including military SF seems to be bad about multiple names for same character depending on circumstances and other characters involved. Rank, military call sign, first name, last name, friend nickname, names used by family members...

L J wrote: Military fiction including military SF seems to be bad about multiple names for same character depending on circumstances and other characters involved. Rank, military call sign, first name, last name, friend nickname, names used by family members...

On the plus side, it's easy to introduce new characters (including redshirts) without interrupting the flow of the story to explain who they are. One man down, next man up. If the next man survives, he might get some more development. :)

Another library ebook hold came in, so I’m attempting to read Orbital by Samantha Harvey. Not very interesting yet. Huge paragraphs of description. I’m going to a bit longer though in hopes it finally gets actual characters doing things or at least having dialog.

Update: 15% in and while it had the characters speaking for a brief time the dialog wasn’t interesting and the pages are still mostly huge paragraphs of descriptions and background. I’m giving up.

Chasing Solace. I got the first couple books in the series a while ago. I read the first one, so now I am giving this one a go. So far, this one makes more sense than the first one did.

Sharon Lee just posted a new short story on the Splinter Universe website, so it is free to read until the next time she bundles short stories into an ebook. Title is “Core Values”, and the author says it is a Discovery Story for Geritsi slentAlin, who appears in Liaden Universe® novels Trader’s Leap, Ribbon Dance, and Diviner’s Bow, by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.

Link is https://splinteruniverse.com/?page_id...

I’m maybe halfway through. It probably doesn’t count as Space Opera because it’s entirely set on a planet, but if someone wants to discuss it we can nominate it for Limited and I’ll approve it.