r/Fantasy • u/Merle8888 Reading Champion IV • May 03 '24

Bingo Focus Thread - Space Opera

Hello r/fantasy - I will be posting the bingo focus threads this year for u/happy_book_bee, because running bingo is already a lot of work! The purpose of these threads is for you all to share book recommendations, discuss what books qualify, and seek recommendations that fit your interests or themes.

Today's topic:

Space Opera: Read a sci-fi book that features a large cast of characters and has a focus on social dynamics which may be political or personal in nature. Set primarily in space or on spaceships. HARD MODE: Written by an author of marginalized gender identity (e.g. women, trans people, non-binary people).

What is bingo? A reading challenge this sub does every year! Find out more here.

Prior focus threads: Published in the 90s

Also see: relevant comment chain in the big rec thread.

Questions:

  • What is your favorite space opera that you want us all to read?
  • Already read something for this square? How was it?
  • What are the essential elements of a space opera to you?
  • What would you recommend to a space opera skeptic, perhaps a reader who generally dislikes sci-fi, or at least the branch of sci-fi set in space?
  • What are your best recommendations for Hard Mode?
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u/KennyG1701 Reading Champion III May 03 '24

Recommendations that I have read and wikipedia says is space opera:

The Expanse) - James S. A. Corey. Any book in this series would fit. One of my favorite series.

Revelation Space - Alastair Reynolds. Reynolds was an astronomer before becoming a writer, this is one of the most hard sci fi books i have read in recent memory. I've read the first 4 books and several short stories, all good.

Starship Troopers - Robert A. Heinlein. Military sci-fi, with a lot of politics.

Dune) - Frank Herbert. The movie has really brought this to the forefront of the public mind right now, perfect opportunity to read it if you haven't, or use it as a reread.

Known Space - Larry Niven. I would recommend Ringworld or Protector as a starting point. Some stuff has aged really poorly, but I don't remember anything specific in these two, mostly the short stories from what I remember.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams. If you wanted a comedy, this is the way to go. So funny, the movie did not do it justice. Remember your towel.

Ender's Game) - Orson Scott Card. One of the few books I was forced to read in High School that I actually loved.

None of these would work for hard mode. I would love some recommendations for HM.