RIP Ursula K Le Guin. "The Left Hand of Darkness", one of the best SF books I ever read.
US fantasy author Ursula K Le Guin dies
Have you read Larry Niven?
He's a bit patchy, especially in his later books, but I can recommend the Known Space series, which includes Ringworld, possibly my favourite SF novel.Also there's his Hereot series (2 books); and the two Mote books.
You mention Peter Hamilton's Commonwealth series, but not the Night's Dawn trilogy.If you haven't read the latter, I strongly suggest you do.
David Brin - The Uplift War, part of a series.
Thanks for the additional suggestions
Just finished Alastair reynolds sequel to the Prefect which was excellent and also the most recent book in the Spec ops series. The books are chalk and cheese but both enjoyable
Currently finishing off Bernard Cornwells last kingdom series, about 3 books to go and then will take a look at those suggested here
I'm surprised that there's no mention of Frank Herbert's Dune. One of the best novels ever written imo. The series went on too long and even continued after his death but the early novels are very good with the first being the very best of them.
Bri
I'd also as per post 2 recommend the The Expanse (novel series) Leviathan Wakes etc as seen on Netflix.
I loved the Iain Banks Culture books and looking for something similar. I also loved the Dune books too but I think his son has milked the series too much. The first prequels were really good House Harkonnen etc but I feel the the very start with the build up to the Butlerian Jihad stuff and the very end of the saga was a bit rushed.
Ringworld and Ringworld: Engineers were fantastic. Are Larry Nivens other works as good as these too?
Is there something that does not take itself so serious but still keeps you hooked in?
Whilst not a space opera has anyone read all the Colin Wilson, Spider World books? I read "The Tower" which I've since found out is out of sequence and thoroughly enjoyed it. Are the others worth getting?
EDIT: I forgot to say I totally loved Roadside Picnic. I know I'm going a but OT but stuff like this is great.
Lots of questions but I always get good advice here!
I agree about the Culture and Dune.
Not science fiction but for detail, logic, understanding people and not taking itself too seriously you can't beat the Discworld series.
Totally with you. I love the Terry Pratchett books. My older brother leant me the Light Fantastic in 86/87! Rincewind ftw!
Have you tried alastair Reynolds? And Peter fHamilton?