I loved looking at the star and wondering what lies beyond them as a kid. However, isn’t it astonishing and terrifying knowing that the universe is too large and we all have a little play in it? Firstly for all those who love space and galaxy and are fascinated by them, space opera books are perfect for you. What exactly is space opera? Space opera books are stories that are set in space. And we here bring you twelve space operas to help you venture into the galaxy and explore unique technologies.
#1 Dune By Frank Herbert
About the Book
Title: Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Publisher: Chilton Books
Type: Series
No. of Books: 8
Books in it: #1 Dune, #2 Dune Messiah, #3 Children of Dune, #4 God Emperor of Dune, #5 Heretics of Dune, #6 Chapterhouse: Dune, #7 Hunters of Dune, #8 Sandworms of Dune
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
This is the story of a boy, Paul Atreides, heir to a ruling family. They have to rule in an in-hospital situation where nothing on their planet is of value except for “spice” melange, a drug that can extend the life and enhance consciousness. Moreover, after Atreides’s family is betrayed, Paul is set on a journey to change his entire life. However, he is destined for a more significant cause that might bring humankind’s biggest dream to life.
Why do we recommend this book?
Frank Herbert’s prose is so good. Don’t go into this expecting a super cool intergalactic war because then you will be disappointed. Dune is much more than that. It starts very slow, but it is a wild ride when it gets going. Recently, Dune’s movie adaptation also came, and let me tell you that the movie is fantastic. Finally, please read this fine specimen of the best space opera books.
To buy/gift Book 1 in Dune, click on the below link:
#2 The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey
About the Book
Title: The Expanse
Author: James S.A. Corey
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Publisher: Orbit
Type: Series
No. of Books: 9
Books in it: #1 Leviathan Wakes, #2 Caliban’s War, #3 Abaddon’s Gate, #4 Cibola Burn, #5 Nemesis Game, #6 Babylon’s Ash, #7 Persepolis Rising, #8 Tiamat’s Wrath, #9 Leviathan Falls
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
In this futuristic science fiction, humanity has colonized the solar system- the moon, Mars, the Asteroid Belt, and beyond. The stars, however, are still out of their reach. This story follows Jin Holder, who is XO of an ice mining ship making runs from the rings of Saturn to the mining stations of the Belt. Trouble starts when they encounter an abandoned ship, the Scopuli. Jim has to keep his crew safe and secure because the secrets that they find on the Scopuli can cost them their lives.
Why do we recommend this book?
Moreover, this book is perfect for someone who is starting their science fiction journey. Easy to read and easy to follow, it keeps readers on their seats. In addition, this has a mystery around it that makes it all the more fun to read. Finally, it follows a dual POV: Holden and Detective Miller, and the way they cross paths are excellent.
To buy/gift Book 1 in The Expanse Series, click on the below link:
#3 Wayfarers Series by Becky Chambers
About the Book
Title: Wayfarers
Author: Becky Chambers
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Type: Series
No. of Books: 4
Books in it: #1The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, #2 A Closed and Common Orbit, #3 Record of a Spaceborn Few, #4 The Galaxy, and The Ground Within
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
This book follows Rosemary Harper, who joins the crew of aging Wayfarer. Though the ship is not in that good condition, it still provides a shed over her head. It also gives her a much-needed distance from the past. So, Rosemary is okay with it. Life aboard Wayfarer is chatty and anything but lonely. However, with unexpected mishaps on their way, the crew will have to depend on each other and get to know the real meaning of love, trust, and family.
Why do we recommend this book?
Moreover, this book is well-written, and the characters are fantastic. The author can make you so invested in the characters that you want them to stay safe and free from any harm. You’ll get so invested in the characters that you might not care whether the plot is good or not. Read this book if you want to make new fictional friends.
To buy/gift Book 1 in the Wayfarers series, click on the below link:
#4 Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
About the Book
Title: Children of Time
Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Publisher: PanMacmillan
Type: Series
No. of Books: 2
Books in it: #1 Children of Time, #2 Children of Ruin
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
Though earth has been destroyed, humanity’s last survivors now need to find a new home. Their ancestors thought that this day might come soon and prepared for it. However, the survivors only need to find the planet designed for humans. But all is not as it seems. In addition, the earth that was supposed to be prepared for humanity has new occupants. The planet is not waiting for them, pristine and unoccupied. Instead, new masters have turned it from a refuge into humankind’s worst nightmare. Both civilizations have to pass the test for survival, but who will be the winner? To know more, read the book from the best space opera books.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is unlike any science fiction I have ever read. The planet was supposed to have revolutionized humans, but you got giant intellectual spiders instead of humans? That was terrifying and amazing. Finally, this is a unique piece of art, and you all need to read it.
To buy/gift Book 1 in the Children of Time, click on the below link:
#5 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
About the Book
Title: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Publisher: Del Rey
Type: Series
No. of Books: 5
Books in it: #1 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy, #2 The Restaurant at the End of The Universe, #3 Life, The Universe, and Everything, #4 So Long, and Thanks for All The Fish, #5 Mostly Harmless
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
The Earth is about to be demolished to complete the galactic freeway. But, seconds before that, Arthur Dent is saved by his friend Ford Prefect, who is not from Earth and is a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The book has been posing like an out-of-work actor for fifteen years. Together they begin their journey through space, and “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” acts as a good source of information to save their lives and is a good source of space opera books.
Why do we recommend this book?
However, the characters are hilarious! There were so many instances that I laughed out loud because I couldn’t help it. The book is so fun with different types of aliens with their quirks. Lastly, it will light up your life with its witty jokes and sense of humor. You need to read this.
To buy/gift Book 1, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy, click on the below link:
#6 Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
About the Book
Title: Old Man’s War
Author: John Scalzi
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Publisher: Tor Books
Type: Series
No. of Books: 6
Books in it: #1 Old Man’s War, #2 The Ghost Brigades, #3 The Last Colony, #4 Zoe’s Tale, #5 The Human Division, #6 The End of All Things
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
The story follows John Perry. On his 75th birthday, he decided to join the army. However, humanity has reached great heights and has made interstellar space travel easy. Firstly, the Colonial Defense Force is an army for senior citizens. Secondly, CDF has found a way to make people young again and prevent them from aging, and only those who apply for the military get this facility. Moreover, with interstellar space travel made possible, colonizing different planets should be easy, right? Wrong. The aliens fight hard against humanity to prevent their expansion and CDF formation. Lastly, follow John on his journey of CDF, encountering different species of aliens, finding family and secrets, and much more.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book’s characters are so hilarious! The characters and the idea are unique, an army only for senior citizens. You get to see so many great technologies that you wish you had them. The book is so fast-paced that I finished this book within a day and is one of the best space opera books.
To buy/gift Book 1 Old Man’s War, click on the below link:
#7 Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes
About the Book
![Dead Silence by [S.A. Barnes]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FjKTfRI7L._SY346_.jpg)
Title: Dead Silence
Author: S.A. Barnes
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Mystery, Horror
Publisher: Tor Nightfire
Type: Standalone
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
This book follows Claire Kovalik, who is about to be unemployed. Claire and her crew pick up a strange distress signal on her almost last mission. Deciding to follow the sign, they come across the Aurora, a famous luxury space-liner that vanished on its maiden solar system tour more than twenty years ago. Lastly, to claim Aurora as their own, they had to get something from the ship. Things start going sideways when weird things start happening on the Aurora. As a captain, Claire has to figure out what is going on and how to get back to Earth.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book kept me on my toes. I was guessing and trying to figure out what was going on. It brings the crew’s every nightmare to life. It was easy to read, and the horror elements were so great that I couldn’t read it at night. Some of the characters can be annoying, but they are supposed to be. It is more like a psychological thriller in space where you are questioning whether whatever you are seeing is objective or fiction and a fine specimen of space opera books.
To buy/gift Dead Silence, click on the below link:
#8 Teixcalaan Duology by Arkady Martine
About the Book
Title: Teixcalaan
Author: Arkady Martine
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science fiction fantasy
Publisher: Tor
Type: Series
No. of Books: 2
Books in it: #1 A Memory Called Empire, #2 A Desolation Called Peace
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
In this book, we follow Ambassador Mahit Dzmare, who arrives in the center of the Teixcalaanli Empire. However, after arriving there, she knows that her previous predecessor from their small mining station, whose memory she has in the chip is inside her mind, is dead. She wonders whether he died of natural causes or someone killed him. Finally finding the truth behind her predecessor’s death, Mahit gets entangled in a web of politics, lies, and secrets. Moreover, will she be able to discover the truth? Or will the fact end the stability that the empire has established? Read this excellent book from the space opera books genre to know more.
Why do we recommend this book?
Whether word building, politics, character development, or mystery, this book is good in everything. I loved this book so much. However, it can be difficult for many readers as it is a complex world, and not everything is spoon-fed. Therefore, you must pay attention while reading it; otherwise, you might miss some crucial details. It also has excellent LGBT representation, which is also a plus. Lastly, apart from this, the book is fantastic and please try and read it for yourself.
To buy/gift Book 1 Teixcalaan Duology, click on the below link:
#9 The Protectorate Series by Megan E. O’Keefe
About the Book
Title: The Protectorate
Author: Megan E. O’Keefe
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science fiction fantasy
Publisher: Orbit
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 Velocity Weapon, #2 Chaos Vector, #3 Catalyst Gate
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
This book mainly follows two POVs: Sandra, who wakes up in an enemy spaceship and does not recall what happens. However, the spaceship has an Artificial Intelligence that informs Sandra that 230 years have passed and her home planet is now gone, and she is the sole survivor. The other POV is of Biron Greeve the brother of Sandra. He belongs to the group of Protectors, protecting their planet from enemy attacks. After hearing the enemy attacks, Biran uses all his political power to figure out where his sister is and what next step to take. Finally, Sanda and Biran must fight to put things right, separated by time and space.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book has excellent science elements. The AI who calls itself Bero is fantastic. It is hilarious with its dry sense of humor. The plot twist was something that I didn’t even think of. So, this book surprised me. The characters are great, and the mystery is handled very well. Lastly, read this fantastic book from the best space opera books. You will not be disappointed.
To buy/gift Book 1, The Protectorate Series, click on the below link :
#10 Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons
About The Book
Title: Hyperion Cantos
Author: Dan Simmons
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science fiction fantasy
Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group
Type: Series
No. of Books: 4
Books in it: #1 Hyperion, #2 The Fall of Hyperion, #3 Endymion, #4 The Rise of Endymion
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
In the world of Hyperion, there wait the creatures called Shrines. People are divided between those who worship these shrines, those who fear them, and those who have vowed to destroy them. Seven pilgrims set forth their journey to Hyperion to figure out what the shrine is and how to destroy it. Each carries a desperate hope and a terrible secret. And one may hold the fate of humanity in his hands.
Why do we recommend this book?
This classic is incredible. There are so many science fiction elements done right. It also has time tombs that are used to travel back in time. I mean, how cool is this? We follow seven pilgrims who are unfamiliar with each other, but each story feels like a short story. I love the way how it is told. However, many people might not like the author’s prose and how the story is told. But, you never know in which category you fall unless you try this book. So please give this a shot.
To buy/gift Book 1 Hyperion Cantos, click on the below link :
#11 Sun Eater Series by Christopher Ruocchio
About the Book
Title: Sun Eater
Author: Christopher Ruocchio
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science fiction fantasy
Publisher: DAW
Type: Series
No. of Books: 4
Books in it: #1 Empire of Silence, #2 Howling Dark, #3 Demon In White, #4 Kingdoms of Death
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
This book follows Hadrian Marlowe; a man referred to as a hero and a murderer. He is the reason why the enemy alien race Cielcin is no more. But, on the other hand, he is the reason behind the destruction of the Sun, casually annihilating four billion human lives, even the emperor. FIs he a hero? Or destroyer of humankind?
Why do we recommend this book?
I adore this book. We follow Hadrian’s POV and see how things came to be. This book is like The Name of the Wind meets Red Rising. The prose is incredible in this book. It is a perfect blend of science fiction with fantasy. There is so much emotion invested in this story that you could feel them. Please give this book a chance; a fine specimen of space opera books, you will not be disappointed.
To buy/gift Book 1 Sun Eater, click on the below link :
#12 Revelation Space Series by Alastair Reynolds
About the Book
Title: Revelation Space
Author: Alastair Reynolds
Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Publisher: Ace Books
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 Revelation Space, #2 Redemption Ark, #3 Absolution Gap
Goodreads rating: 4/5
In this book, we follow Dan Sylveste, who is trying to solve the mystery of how the species called Amarantin became extinct. The Amarantine used to live on their planet named Resurgem, and they were on the verge of achieving technological advancement. Then suddenly, they disappear without a trace, and no one knows what happened to them. With the help of Ilia Volyova, who made the spaceship called Nostalgia for Infinity, Dan tries to uncover this mystery. However, things go sideways. As he closes on to the unknown, a killer closes on him too. Will he be able to make it out alive? Will he be able to uncover the mystery?
Why do we recommend this book?
This book pays great attention to detail. It is a hard science fiction novel. So, I would not recommend it for beginners to science fiction. But, apart from this, the book packs a punch. The science elements, the mystery, and how can I forget the spaceship. It was awesome. I think the character work is not that great in the first book, but the book is worth the time. The book is a fine specimen of space opera books.
To buy/gift Book 1 Revelation Space Series, click on the below link :
That’s it for the recommendations. This science-fiction helped build my imagination, and I hope it does the same for you. Moreover, give this genre a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it.
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, you can read these books. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
That’s it. SO to conclude, here is the list of 12 Best Space Operas To Venture Into The Galaxy:
| 1 | Dune By Frank Herbert | Buy Now |
| 2 | The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey | Buy Now |
| 3 | Wayfarers Series by Becky Chambers | Buy Box set |
| 4 | Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky | Buy Now |
| 5 | The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams | Buy Box set |
| 6 | Old Man’s War by John Scalzi | Buy Now |
| 7 | Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes | Buy Now |
| 8 | Teixcalaan Duology by Arkady Martine | Buy Now |
| 9 | The Protectorate Series by Megan E. O’Keefe | Buy Now |
| 10 | Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons | Buy Now |
| 11 | Sun Eater Series by Christopher Ruocchio | Buy Now |
| 12 | Revelation Space Series by Alastair Reynolds | Buy Now |
Do read all the books on this 12 Best Space Operas To Venture Into The Galaxy. You are going to enjoy reading them.
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Happy Reading, and Keep Smiling!! Sharing is caring! Sharing is caring!
Very good blog post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.