Venture into the Galaxy with These Essential Space Opera Books

First, Breq was a massive starship. She traversed the galaxy, serving the empire and the soldiers who fought for it. Now... she's a human. Unsure of who she is without her previous body and abilities, Breq must navigate a new life and possibly find those who took what mattered most. Ancillary Justice also presents a fascinating future in regard to gender, culture, and the nature of consciousness. This is one that will sit with you and make you think for a while afterward.

For a long time, the most visible science fiction authors were all white, and black authors fell through the cracks and were not recognized by the larger sci fi community as a vital part of the genre's cultivation and growth. Thankfully, Dark Matter by Sheree R. Thomas works to undo that lack of acknowledgment. Featuring seasoned authors like Octavia Butler, Walter Mosley, and more, this anthology collects a well-rounded selection of sci fi stories by authors from the African diaspora. Some of my favorite works in Dark Matter include Nalo Hopkinson's "Ganger (Ball Lightning)"  and Nisi Shawl's "At the Huts of Ajala".

Kass Morgan wrote the books that turned into one of the boldest shows on television—CW's The 100. It's no surprise she's written another series of nail-biting futuristic adventures. Supernova is the sequel to Light Years, which both take place in a galaxy on the brink of war. Supernova continues the story of the earnest cadets from Quatra Fleet academy as they fall further and further into trouble. Featuring romance, action, and the future of humanity at stake, Kass Morgan reminds us all why she's a master YA storyteller.

Hey, look who's on the list again! It makes perfect sense—Kim Stanley Robinson is somewhat of a virtuoso when it comes to the space opera. Red Moon is set in a different time than 2312; this time, the human race is only around the year 2050 or so. We're still starting up in our journey into space, and so our characters here reside on the brutal world of the moon. After Fred Fredericks makes his first trip to the moon, he witnesses a murder that will turn the tides of politics on both the moon and Earth.

Last but not least, we have a book that might also be known as the award-winning television show it spawned: The Expanse.  This is just the start of a nine book series that chronicles humanity's tense future as they colonize the solar system. Conflict is already rife between the Earth, the Moon, and the outer planets when Leviathan Wakes begins, and things don't get better. This space opera is one of the best characterizations of the genre, complete with alien threats, space empires, starship battles, and a rich, detailed universe.