Science fiction - Space Opera - Christchurch City Libraries
Storytelling on the grandest of scales. Whether it be intergalactic travel, deep Space warfare, or alien encounters, no other genre will ever hold a candle to the Space Opera in terms of the sheer vision of storytelling. Less focused on scientific accuracy than it is on the relationships between characters, the overall story, and overarching themes, Space Operas make for great escapist science fiction. A Christchurch City Libraries List.
'Ancillary Justice' remains the only novel to date to win all three of the Nebula, Hugo, and Arthur C. Clarke awards for best novel. First book of the Imperial Radch series, 'Ancillary Justice' is a fantastic fast paced and complex novel, spread out…
One of the foundational novels of the Science Fiction genre (excuse the pun), that was awarded the “Best All-Time Series” at the Hugo Awards in 1966. A galaxy-spanning space opera comprised of many parts, 'Foundation' epitomises the epicness of…
One of the great novels of the genre, Frank Herbet’s 'Dune' stands the test of time and to this day sets the benchmark for otherworldly storytelling. A great story that blends politics, environmentalism, and adventure, it became the platform upon…
With aspects of noir and horror, 'Leviathan Wakes'—the first book of The Expanse series—is a fun and dynamic story with memorable characters. We have a solar system that is being held hostage by the geopolitical feud between Earth, and fully…
A collaborative effort between two heavy hitters in the sci-fi/fantasy world. The publicising of a design of an inexpensive device called a "stepper" gives humans the ability to enter parallel worlds similar to Earth. All of these worlds have one…
Hundreds of years ago, refugees from Earth fled into interstellar space in the hope of finding a new home. What they found instead was a technologically advanced race that governed most of the Milky Way. Many of the survivors are welcomed and…
'Children of Memory' is a gripping space opera about a failed human colony on a distant terraformed planet, from an award-winning master of sci-fi and fantasy. As the survivors eke out an existence and face strange, shifting realities, they confront…
A prequel to 'To Sleep in a Sea of Stars,' 'Fractal Noise' also works just as well as a standalone story. A team of explorers on the planet of Talos VII investigates a massive, mysterious crater, uncovering dark secrets while facing personal…
Set in a future where Earth has fallen to alien conquerors, this is a riveting military space opera. Kyr, raised in a brutal military camp, has been trained to reclaim humanity’s glory. But when she uncovers the truth behind her mission, Kyr must…
From Star Wars: New Expanded Universe comes a story from popular author Chuck Wendig (The Staircase in the Woods). The New Republic is establishing itself. Sporadic attacks are still a danger while the Republic hunts the Empire's scattered leaders.…
A space opera with aspects of social commentary, 'Dissidence' is set in a future where corporations have led the push into interstellar space—all in the name of profit and as much as possible, expendable robots are used to fight their battles for…
Teixcalaan is the only empire left, a ruthless, militant beast, and eventually all the galaxy will belong to it. Mahit Dzmare’s predecessor, ambassador to Teixcalaan for a small independent republic, has been murdered, and now she carries his…
Most humans live as part of the Culture, a galaxy spanning utopia where every need is met by the AI “Minds” that both lead and serve humanity. Beyond the safety of its borders lie wonders and treasures beyond the wildest of imaginations: hostile…
It’s the future, and megacorporations use part-machine, part-organic “SecUnits” to violently protect their interests. One small problem: this one has grown self-aware, sardonically naming itself “Murderbot”, and would REALLY just like to be left…
It hard to reinvent yourself after having your whole destiny snatched away from you, but Ocean Yoon has tried to make it work. After being cast out of her traditional pearl diving family, she has done her very best to build a new life in space.…
The latest in Scalzi’s long-running Old Man’s War series, after a decade’s wait. A lasting peace is threatened by new players in the game galactic of diplomacy. With humanity on the verge of being pulled into someone else’s civil war, tensions are…
