Space Opera Fans discussion

What do you think about Space Opera with larger scope, such as CJ Cherryh's Union-Alliance, Anne Leckie's Justice, and EG Manetti's Apprentice series? All technically space opera (space ships, planets, shoot-em-ups), but also expansive and complicated. Does that make them better or worse than something more contained (but still good) like Nathan Lowell's books?

Yes, I like these big stories. I just finished CJ's and EG's latest and my brain is tired, but I'm a very happy reader.

I tend to get hooked by specific characters. I liked the Cyteen trilogy but haven’t reread it in at least 15 years because it’s not out as ebook and I don’t like audiobooks. I’m not sure whether I’d enjoy rereading it now, for that matter. I read some of the other Union-Alliance books but they didn’t really catch my interest.

The more characters I have to keep straight in order to follow the action in a book, the less likely I am to enjoy it, no matter how great the world building is.

Teresa wrote: "The more characters I have to keep straight in order to follow the action in a book, the less likely I am to enjoy it, no matter how great the world building is. "

Good point. EG's series gets pretty complicated, but it's gradual so I didn't really notice. But by the end I had trouble keeping track of everyone.

I really like "big" series. One of my very favorites is the Honorverse, which has more than 36 works. Really detailed world building, complex politics, lots of exciting action, great characters. And yes, sometimes it's hard to remember who is who of the minor characters, but the main ones are really well drawn and compelling.

But I also like Nathan Lowell's books very much. They're just different.

I suppose the "Tour of the Merrimack" series by R.M. Meluch comes in at the smaller end of "big", being only six novels long (so far).

The series is set on the warship U.S.S. Merrimack in a future where the United States and a recreated Roman Empire are at war with the alien "Hive".

Little bit of "Star Trek" (space exploration), little bit of "Battlestar Galactica" (fighter combat), tiny bit of "Starship Troopers" (insect-like enemy), and a huge dollop of "I, Claudius" (the Roman Empire).

The Frontiers Saga " 75 Books" Split in 5 Acts. I've read the first two Acts. Great Read !

I don’t have a preference, but I have to say that just contemplating reading dozens of books in a series is terrifying.

It can be daunting, but I actually like it. One of my favorite series (not space opera) is at 48 books, and counting. And the Liaden Universe, which is generally space opera, consists of 21 primary works, 30 short story collections, and assorted omnibuses.

Oh yes ! The Liaden Universe is a long series but so enjoyable. That's the thing, if you enjoy your characters or world building, or both, you just keep going.
There is the David Drake's series Lt Leary (or RCN) or the Vorkosigan Saga ...