Score

Great list of wonderful books.

Melanie

Added Io Deceneus Journal of a time traveller. A brand new author but quite good in creating new worlds and conflicts between civilizations.

I was surprised The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester was not included in the list. If you've never read it, I highly recommend it, it's probably the best singular Science Fiction novel I've read thusly

Saga does not forget to be awesome!

Could someone define the difference between "space opera" and "sci-fi that happens to take place in space"?

Jamie wrote: "Could someone define the difference between "space opera" and "sci-fi that happens to take place in space"?"

Space opera is a branch of science fiction where the story generally takes place in outer space. Its focus is usually on interplanetary adventure on a grand, epic scale, rather than the technical aspects of space exploration which you might associate with Hard Science Fiction which places the focus on the science, rather than the humanistic elements found in space opera.

When you say Space Opera, think Star Wars or Dune. Science Fiction in space is more akin to 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Kevis wrote: "Space opera is a branch of science fiction where the story generally takes place in outer space. Its focus is usually on adventure on a grand, epic scale, rather than the technical aspects of space exploration which you might associate with Hard Science Fiction which places the focus on the science, rather than the humanistic elements found in space opera.."

Kevis.

I like your descripion of space opera vs science fiction. It's clear and concise.

Thomas wrote: "Kevis wrote: "Space opera is a branch of science fiction where the story generally takes place in outer space. Its focus is usually on adventure on a grand, epic scale, rather than the technical as..."

Glad you like it, Thomas!

Kevis wrote: "When you say Space Opera, think Star Wars or Dune. Science Fiction in space is more akin to 2001: A Space Odyssey. ..."

Thank you. I was confused because 2001 is on this list (so I must not be the only one...) :-)

Jamie wrote: "Kevis wrote: "When you say Space Opera, think Star Wars or Dune. Science Fiction in space is more akin to 2001: A Space Odyssey. ..."

Thank you. I was confused because 2001 is on this list (so I ..."

No problem, Jamie. There's a lot of confusion about what's space opera and what isn't and it leads to some interesting book choices for this list.

How is the saga of seven suns not on here

I've read quite a few on this list but I think I will go through and read or re-read as many as possible, looks like a great list!

Xantha wrote: "Awful lot of hard science fiction here."

See my question (above) about space opera vs. sci-fi.

dystopia does not equal space opera