Best Space Opera Books

Explore a world where humanity has colonized our solar system, but the stars are still out of reach. Follow Jim Holden, XO of an ice miner, and Detective Miller as they uncover a dangerous secret aboard a derelict ship. Tensions rise between Earth governments, revolutionaries, and corporations as Holden and Miller strive to unravel the mystery and prevent a war that could change the fate of the entire universe.

Explore a unique and captivating world in this bestselling science fiction novel, now available in a deluxe hardcover edition. Set on the harsh desert planet Arrakis, the story follows the young Paul Atreides as he navigates a treacherous political landscape where the only valuable resource is a coveted drug called "spice." As Paul's family is betrayed and destroyed, he embarks on a journey that will lead him to a destiny beyond his wildest dreams. With a stunning blend of adventure, mysticism, and politics, Dune is a triumph of the imagination and a true masterpiece of science fiction.

A soldier named Breq, once part of a vast empire, is left with only one human body and a thirst for revenge after an act of treachery. Will she complete her mission on a remote, icy planet?

A scientist must solve the mystery of the ancient Amarantin civilization before history repeats itself. With the help of a dangerous alliance, he gets closer to discovering the truth, but a killer is on his tail. Uncovering the reason for their destruction could irreversibly alter the universe and reality itself.

In this exhilarating space opera, Captain Kel Cheris must redeem herself by recapturing a conquered fortress. To achieve this, she must ally with the undead and notorious tactician Shuos Jedao. But as the siege wears on, Cheris must decide whether she can trust the madman or end up as his next victim. Get ready for an impossible war, unconventional methods, and ancient weapons in this first installment of an epic trilogy.

Child prodigy Ender Wiggin has spent his entire life training for one purpose: to save humanity from an impending alien invasion. But the pressure and isolation of Battle School, where he is taught to be a tactical and strategic mastermind, may be taking its toll on him. Can Ender lead Earth's military to victory in a real-life battle against the enemy? This bestselling sci-fi novel is now a major motion picture event, starring Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, and Ben Kingsley.

In this science fiction epic, a creature known as the Shrike awaits on the world of Hyperion, beyond the reach of galactic law. Some worship it, others fear it, and some have vowed to destroy it. On the brink of Armageddon, seven pilgrims set out on a final voyage seeking answers to the unsolved riddles of their lives. With each carrying a desperate hope and a terrible secret, one among them may hold the fate of humanity in their hands. This masterwork by the award-winning author of The Hollow Man is a stunning, inventive narrative that transcends space opera into a new kind of poetry. An essential part of any science fiction collection, Hyperion is a tour de force filled with awe, wonder, and excitement.

Discover the meaning of family in the far-off corners of the galaxy with a motley crew on an exciting journey through space. Join Rosemary Harper as she unexpectedly finds herself aboard the aging Wayfarer and among a diverse crew unlike any she's ever met. Chaos and danger ensue when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime, and they must rely on each other to survive. This light-hearted debut space opera from a rising sci-fi star offers thrilling adventures, love, and trust in the depths of deep space.

In this seminal science fiction series, readers are introduced to a utopian conglomeration of human and alien races that explores the nature of war, morality, and the limitless bounds of mankind's imagination. As a galactic war rages, billions are doomed and principles are at stake. A fugitive Mind becomes the object of both sides' desires and only a motley crew of unpredictable mercenaries can find it. Will they save the world or find their own destruction?

This hilarious sci-fi adventure follows Arthur Dent, a man saved from Earth's destruction by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Using advice from the guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have"), they traverse space with eccentric characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox and the depressed robot Marvin. Get ready for a galaxy full of laughs and absurdity.