As a long-time reader of science fiction (and space operas in particular), I loved scouring through some of my personal favorite reads as well as other seminal works of the genre and new classics to create a list that I think will appeal to anyone who loves a good sci-fi novel focused on character and story. That’s what space opera is, essentially: science fiction that’s more concerned with exploring the characters and world than getting into the nitty gritty of plausible science. It’s got the drama and heart of the very best of fiction, but set in a sci-fi universe, whether on a spaceship or alien planet. And these 25 books are among the best space opera books out there — in this universe or any other. 10 Space Opera Series 8 of the Best Queer Space Opera Books 20 Must-Read Space Fantasy Books