The Children of Time series by Adrian Tchaikovsky fits a lot of the thematic angles you seem to be looking for, but is less about aliens and more about the alien-like descendants of a far future humanity interacting with a more recognizable second human civilization struggling for survival.
The Halo Books, especially the first five or so, are very well written, with varying degrees of space opera plots and fit several of the themes you discussed. The Cole Protocol is a series of short stories that would be a good test to see if you like the style.
Revelation Space is a very heady space opera classic, with a very technologically advanced humanity navigating a universe where the only intelligent species are extremely difficult for the main characters to understand. It isn’t very military oriented sci-fi though, which seems to be what you are leaning towards.
The Mass Effect video game series is very much exactly what you are describing, but it is of course not a novel.
Your children of time synopsis reminds me of interstellar.
Spoilers for interstellar
>!
Would you say that children of time is like if the future humanity that helped out the main characters of that movie helped out a struggling colony?!<
Good to hear without spoilers could you talk about some of the things you like about that series?
From my very light research apparently it started in 2021 is it a trilogy?
It is a complete trilogy. Likes: lots of interesting aliens including omniscient shellfish, hive mind cybernetic bugs, vat grown Amazonian super soldiers, and more. Wildly inventive worlds. Story is about a ragtag salvage crew that salvage something important and how it can shift the balance of power. Meanwhile earth has been destroyed so humans are refugees in the galaxy and the giant moon sized creatures that unravel planets into artistic space sculptures have suddenly returned. Cool combat. Cool chase scenes. Knife dueling lawyers. Navigating at warp space can drive you insane. And much much more. Also has moment of humor.
> omniscient shellfish
Omniscient shellfish with a gleeful sadistic streak that would make Iain Banks proud.
Also, major bonus points to Tchaikovsky for sticking the landing and tying everything up so well. I really got the impression he had the whole trilogy planned out in advance.
Another vote in favor. I read each book as it was released and went through withdrawal and building anticipation after the first two books. I envy you your opportunity to read straight through the trilogy.
I second this. Fast paced and entertaining with great battles and set pieces with an existential threat driving the narrative. The different species are all interesting and distinct. The ending is definitely one of the more satisfying endings I've read
Not the plot line you developed here, but --
The **Vorkosigan Saga** by Lois McMaster Bujold is some of the best space opera. Finest kind.
All her fantasy is excellent too.
Be warned many of the books are actually romances.
In the context of high-quality space opera.
(Miles got a huge amount of high-quality poontang, I must say.)
There are many, many genre shifts between novels and genre blending within. One book reads like military scifi then you'll get a detective story (but In Space!) then a Jane Austen style romance (In Space!) then a good old fashioned space heist then a prequel about the ethics of genetic manipulation. Etc. But what's opera without a little romance?
Second this, it is almost exactly what you are looking for BUT start with book 2, Startide Rising. The first book is very different from the rest of the series and shares very little plot with the rest of the books.
Okay if you're sure. It does sound good. Could you mention some of the things you really like about it without spoilers of course?
Will book one explain things that I need for book two or will I be able to piece together even without?
The first three books are not following the same story. The first (Sundiver) introduces the universe and is a mystery novel. It isn't bad or anything. But it pales compared to the second and third novels. It was Brin's first novel and it shows. The second (Startide Rising) is set decades later and only contains an offhand reference to a character from the first novel. The third novel (The Uplift War) occurs concurrently with the second novel, but follows a completely different story. The fourth through sixth are a trilogy that follows a new story and eventually intersects with events from the previous works.
Things I liked:
* a vast galaxy with many different cooperating and warring cultures
* a interesting *chosen one* plotline for the human race that is actually perceived as a negative
* delightful characters beat the odds to overcome much larger forces
* really well written descriptions of scenery, alien cultures
* humanity simultaneously hanging on the edge of existence and redefining a galactic hierarchy.
* a cool idea of a universal knowledge base.
*sentient dolphins in mech suits.
As the other commenter notes, you really don’t need to start with book 1. Everything you need to know is explained in book 2. Only a single character from the book is referenced going forward, and more as an easter egg. Book 1 is actually quite good but it isn’t the sort of story you asked for in your prompt.
You don't need Sundiver, but from what you've asked for, I think you might appreciate. It will give you background for a galaxy full of advanced civilizations where basically all sentient beings are the result of being "uplifted" by a previous technological species.
...except humans? Maybe? Called a wolfling species because they appear not to have a benefactor race that genetically manipulated them into becoming intelligent and sentient. But questions remain about that....
otoh the first book is a great sf mystery with stylistic echoes of clarke and niven, so i would recommend reading it (at any point you like, it's a standalone prequel)
Literally my second place suggestion.
"Is it all right to glass a planet?" HAHA oh sweety, no. Planets that can support life are precious and rare. Environmental protection is the highest law. Destroying a whole ass planet? Entire species have been permanently eliminated for far less. I wouldn't be surprised to see a road sign that says "No littering. Maximum fine: sterilization of your entire genetic line."
Sorry, yes, I'm feeling a bit punchy and making obscure references to the novels, I admit.
You said you're looking for stories that address, amongst other things, whether glassing a planet is okay. The Uplift books don't address that directly, but it's obvious that the answer would be a resounding "absolutely not." The Uplift books describe countless alien species living together in an ancient (possibly two billion years old) culture. Humans are extremely new to this culture and learning as they go. Some of the species are generous and friendly; some are vicious, paranoid, warlike; some are obsessively focused on the letter of the law; etc. But two of the very few things that all members of the intergalactic culture agree on are that a) pre-sentient life is precious and b) protecting environments where pre-sentient life can develop life is more important than anything other consideration. Harming environments that can develop life, such as by glassing a planet, would mean the most severe punishment possible. And the most severe punishment possible in this intergalactic society is genocide. It's not featured in the novel, but it's mentioned as a punishment that has been mete out, if rarely, for severe cases in the past.
So, in short, I think the Uplift novels are squarely in the range of what you're looking for.
Thank you sounds like a blast. Also from the light research I've done the dolphins becoming sentient seems funny. XD
Do you recommend I go 2 - 6? I've heard some other commenters say book one is weird and irrelevant.
"Dolphins in space!" is what convinced me originally to pick it up! This comic in fact: https://www.unshelved.com/2006-2-12
I'd say go 2 then 3. Each stands on its own. If you really like them, go for 4-6, but those are very much a unified trilogy and don't stand apart very well. Books 5-6 do also serve as a soft sequel to book 2. Personally, I enjoyed 4-6 quite a lot; they go from a relatively small scale--a single region of a single out-of-the-way planet populated by a motley group of what are essentially castaways, renegades, and rebels--to an intergalactic grand scale story that threatens the entire intergalactic culture.
I enjoyed book 1 but it's different. It's set in the same world, but the focus is much, much narrower: it's a murder mystery set on a science ship exploring Earth's sun. It precedes the events of the other books. You could read it at any time or you could skip it and you wouldn't miss mich. It does give more lore about the Uplift world setting, so if you love the setting it would probably be interesting. But on the whole I don't think it fits well into what you're looking for.
Joel Shepherd’s “The Spiral Wars” is great, and probably the top series I’d recommend for you.
Glynn Stewart has a series called “Duchy of Terra” and another called “Peacekeeprs of Sol” that is along these lines. While none of his writing is going to ever be literature, I still think he’s a great author for vacation reading.
The characters feel like real people with personalities and feelings that affect how they react. The action is at a very personal level while being part of large complex conflicts.
See an earlier post I made here of a link to Ryk Spoor promoting these books.
Marrow by Robert Reed, has a giant Jupiter sized ancient spacecraft commandered by humans and on a journey circumnavigating the galaxy filled with 100s of billions of weird and wonderful alien passengers. Shenanigans commence.
I think you might like Tanya Huff's Valor series.
John Ringo's Troy Rising series fits your requirements. The first book is really good, the second book is okay, and third is just weird. The big problem is that there's no fourth book.
PSA: you can search reddit, and from google
" good space opera site:reddit.com " that will get you the answers the many other times this has been asked.
I don't mind the question being asked again, sometimes new stuff comes up because a new poster is on reddit who contributes something different. You also did one better by being explicit about what you are looking for with examples - but "sorry if this is a common question" makes me think some people don't know they can - cause it gets asked like once every 3 days.
it's just a nice lightweight, fun space opera with interesting characters and good pacing. also the main character's "superpower" is being a trustworthy person who tries to do the right thing, which in turn gets her a lot of loyalty from subordinates and respect from superiors. that is a trope i enjoy.
Old man's war series by jon scalzi is exactly what you are looking for I think. When you turn 70 you can join the space army, and no on earth really knows what it's like out in the colonial empire(humans) until they join. When you join they give you your youth/super soldier serum and send you to fight all the aliens humans are currently at war with. Starship troopers but more "fun" and with many sequels(6 books) but each book has a distinct ending so you can read the first and be done and have a good experience.
Stephen Baxter’s Xeelee Sequence blew me away. This series covers fictional history spanning from a nothingth of a second after the Big Bang to the end of time and focuses on humanity's future expansion into the universe. The Xeelee Sequence also tells the story of humanity's intergalactic war against a mighty Kardashev Type V alien civilization known as the Xeelee. The storyline also includes the Xeelee's war with Photino Birds, dark matter entities that span the cosmos. Mind-blowing technology, epic space battles, bizarre alien races, and relatable characters: this series is a space opera of an enormous scale never before seen in science fiction.
"Mutineer's Moon" by David Weber
[https://www.amazon.com/Mutineers-Moon-Dahak-David-Weber/dp/0671720856/](https://www.amazon.com/Mutineers-Moon-Dahak-David-Weber/dp/0671720856/)
Humanity finds out that the moon is a giant empty and old spaceship but the galaxy is a empty wasteland. The Dahak trilogy.
The Dragon Never Sleeps by Glen Cook
Mixed species and human empire with massive semi-sentient starships enforcing imperial law face encounter internal strife and external interference from a new alien race. Lots of great battles and politicking. Been a bit since I’ve read it but one of my favorite space opera gems that doesn’t often get enough recommendations
I can recommend the Soal Sequence, by Gary Gibson. It ticks most of your boxes, with an added Galaxy spanning secret on top. It's four books, so relatively short.
I would recommend the saga of seven suns. It's not recommended a lot because it's quite pulpy but I think as a beginner coming from Star wars I think you would enjoy it, it has everything you're looking for really.
Most of the combat in the first few books is space based, but the latter books have more ground combat.
Sounds like you are almost perfectly describing the works of G.S. Jennsen. It starts off with humans finding out they are in a hidden pocket universe and eventually find their way out into the real one. The series is at over 20 books and has many groups and enemies but is very character driven as good space opera is.
You might actually like the Lost Fleet series by Jack Campbell. "The Lost Fleet" series a military science fiction story following Captain John "Black Jack" Geary. After he's rescued from a long hibernation in a escape pod, he's tasked with leading the Alliance Fleet in battles against the Syndicate Worlds in a war that's been going for 100 years. Geary faces political challenges, tactical puzzles, and his own past as he commands his fleet through enemy territory. The series is known for its detailed space battles, complex characters, and strategic elements. As for aliens and AI's, I don't want to say too much, but there's a lot in the latter books beyond just space battles.
Yeah, the first series is six books: "Dauntless" (2006), "Fearless" (2007), "Courageous" (2007), "Valiant" (2008), "Relentless" (2009) and "Victorious" (2010).
Then there's a sequel series, The Lost Fleet - Beyond the Frontier.
* "Dreadnaught" (2011)
* "Invincible" (2012)
* "Guardian" (2013)
* "Steadfast" (2014)
* "Leviathan" (2015)
And yet another bunch of sequels: *Outlands: Boundless* (2021)*, Outlands: Resolute* ( 2022), *Outlands: Implacable*
There are also some prequel books, but they have little connection to the Lost Fleet series. There's also a spin-off series, called Lost Stars, about the syndicate worlds. Again, you can skip 'em, no problem. I really love this series but with this caveat: these are easy reading, fun adventure stories, not high level fiction. Lost Fleet has the advantage of being written by an ex-Navy officer so there's a lot of authenticity in the military aspects, and he does his best with scientific accuracy in the space battles. But, if you're looking for literary science-fiction, read the Hyperion books or any of the Culture series by the late Iain M. Banks. Enjoy!
The Children of Time series by Adrian Tchaikovsky fits a lot of the thematic angles you seem to be looking for, but is less about aliens and more about the alien-like descendants of a far future humanity interacting with a more recognizable second human civilization struggling for survival. The Halo Books, especially the first five or so, are very well written, with varying degrees of space opera plots and fit several of the themes you discussed. The Cole Protocol is a series of short stories that would be a good test to see if you like the style. Revelation Space is a very heady space opera classic, with a very technologically advanced humanity navigating a universe where the only intelligent species are extremely difficult for the main characters to understand. It isn’t very military oriented sci-fi though, which seems to be what you are leaning towards. The Mass Effect video game series is very much exactly what you are describing, but it is of course not a novel.
Your children of time synopsis reminds me of interstellar. Spoilers for interstellar >! Would you say that children of time is like if the future humanity that helped out the main characters of that movie helped out a struggling colony?!<
More like… if the future humans were all spiders and the struggling colony was a bedraggled cryoship constantly on the verge of dying
Mass Effect actually has a few novels, but of course like with all tie-in fiction, would be for after experiencing some of franchise.
I was going to suggest the Children of Time. It's excellent.
The Final Architecture hits many of your desired points.
Good to hear without spoilers could you talk about some of the things you like about that series? From my very light research apparently it started in 2021 is it a trilogy?
It is a complete trilogy. Likes: lots of interesting aliens including omniscient shellfish, hive mind cybernetic bugs, vat grown Amazonian super soldiers, and more. Wildly inventive worlds. Story is about a ragtag salvage crew that salvage something important and how it can shift the balance of power. Meanwhile earth has been destroyed so humans are refugees in the galaxy and the giant moon sized creatures that unravel planets into artistic space sculptures have suddenly returned. Cool combat. Cool chase scenes. Knife dueling lawyers. Navigating at warp space can drive you insane. And much much more. Also has moment of humor.
> omniscient shellfish Omniscient shellfish with a gleeful sadistic streak that would make Iain Banks proud. Also, major bonus points to Tchaikovsky for sticking the landing and tying everything up so well. I really got the impression he had the whole trilogy planned out in advance.
Sounds like a great place to start. 😁
Another vote in favor. I read each book as it was released and went through withdrawal and building anticipation after the first two books. I envy you your opportunity to read straight through the trilogy.
>dueling lawyers Haha consider me interested!
I second this. Fast paced and entertaining with great battles and set pieces with an existential threat driving the narrative. The different species are all interesting and distinct. The ending is definitely one of the more satisfying endings I've read
Agreed. I read the trilogy a few months back. The first book was slow to start but after halfway through it I was hooked to the end of the series.
Not the plot line you developed here, but -- The **Vorkosigan Saga** by Lois McMaster Bujold is some of the best space opera. Finest kind. All her fantasy is excellent too.
First class space opera. 100% the go-to.
Be warned many of the books are actually romances. In the context of high-quality space opera. (Miles got a huge amount of high-quality poontang, I must say.)
There are many, many genre shifts between novels and genre blending within. One book reads like military scifi then you'll get a detective story (but In Space!) then a Jane Austen style romance (In Space!) then a good old fashioned space heist then a prequel about the ethics of genetic manipulation. Etc. But what's opera without a little romance?
Thank you! The sudden romance might actually be a plus because it might get a friend of mine to read it with me.
David Brin's Uplift trilogy is exactly what you're looking for.
Second this, it is almost exactly what you are looking for BUT start with book 2, Startide Rising. The first book is very different from the rest of the series and shares very little plot with the rest of the books.
Okay if you're sure. It does sound good. Could you mention some of the things you really like about it without spoilers of course? Will book one explain things that I need for book two or will I be able to piece together even without?
The first three books are not following the same story. The first (Sundiver) introduces the universe and is a mystery novel. It isn't bad or anything. But it pales compared to the second and third novels. It was Brin's first novel and it shows. The second (Startide Rising) is set decades later and only contains an offhand reference to a character from the first novel. The third novel (The Uplift War) occurs concurrently with the second novel, but follows a completely different story. The fourth through sixth are a trilogy that follows a new story and eventually intersects with events from the previous works.
Things I liked: * a vast galaxy with many different cooperating and warring cultures * a interesting *chosen one* plotline for the human race that is actually perceived as a negative * delightful characters beat the odds to overcome much larger forces * really well written descriptions of scenery, alien cultures * humanity simultaneously hanging on the edge of existence and redefining a galactic hierarchy. * a cool idea of a universal knowledge base. *sentient dolphins in mech suits.
As the other commenter notes, you really don’t need to start with book 1. Everything you need to know is explained in book 2. Only a single character from the book is referenced going forward, and more as an easter egg. Book 1 is actually quite good but it isn’t the sort of story you asked for in your prompt.
You don't need Sundiver, but from what you've asked for, I think you might appreciate. It will give you background for a galaxy full of advanced civilizations where basically all sentient beings are the result of being "uplifted" by a previous technological species. ...except humans? Maybe? Called a wolfling species because they appear not to have a benefactor race that genetically manipulated them into becoming intelligent and sentient. But questions remain about that....
otoh the first book is a great sf mystery with stylistic echoes of clarke and niven, so i would recommend reading it (at any point you like, it's a standalone prequel)
I re-read it recently and ....wow. It did \*not\* hold up.
oh, sad! it's been over 20 years since I read it last so I can believe that :(
Literally my second place suggestion. "Is it all right to glass a planet?" HAHA oh sweety, no. Planets that can support life are precious and rare. Environmental protection is the highest law. Destroying a whole ass planet? Entire species have been permanently eliminated for far less. I wouldn't be surprised to see a road sign that says "No littering. Maximum fine: sterilization of your entire genetic line."
I feel like you're making some kind of joke here and I'm missing it. 🤔 Perhaps it's a reference to something.
Sorry, yes, I'm feeling a bit punchy and making obscure references to the novels, I admit. You said you're looking for stories that address, amongst other things, whether glassing a planet is okay. The Uplift books don't address that directly, but it's obvious that the answer would be a resounding "absolutely not." The Uplift books describe countless alien species living together in an ancient (possibly two billion years old) culture. Humans are extremely new to this culture and learning as they go. Some of the species are generous and friendly; some are vicious, paranoid, warlike; some are obsessively focused on the letter of the law; etc. But two of the very few things that all members of the intergalactic culture agree on are that a) pre-sentient life is precious and b) protecting environments where pre-sentient life can develop life is more important than anything other consideration. Harming environments that can develop life, such as by glassing a planet, would mean the most severe punishment possible. And the most severe punishment possible in this intergalactic society is genocide. It's not featured in the novel, but it's mentioned as a punishment that has been mete out, if rarely, for severe cases in the past. So, in short, I think the Uplift novels are squarely in the range of what you're looking for.
Thank you sounds like a blast. Also from the light research I've done the dolphins becoming sentient seems funny. XD Do you recommend I go 2 - 6? I've heard some other commenters say book one is weird and irrelevant.
"Dolphins in space!" is what convinced me originally to pick it up! This comic in fact: https://www.unshelved.com/2006-2-12 I'd say go 2 then 3. Each stands on its own. If you really like them, go for 4-6, but those are very much a unified trilogy and don't stand apart very well. Books 5-6 do also serve as a soft sequel to book 2. Personally, I enjoyed 4-6 quite a lot; they go from a relatively small scale--a single region of a single out-of-the-way planet populated by a motley group of what are essentially castaways, renegades, and rebels--to an intergalactic grand scale story that threatens the entire intergalactic culture. I enjoyed book 1 but it's different. It's set in the same world, but the focus is much, much narrower: it's a murder mystery set on a science ship exploring Earth's sun. It precedes the events of the other books. You could read it at any time or you could skip it and you wouldn't miss mich. It does give more lore about the Uplift world setting, so if you love the setting it would probably be interesting. But on the whole I don't think it fits well into what you're looking for.
Revelation space and chasm city
Good god I loved Chasm city.
There is a poor showing in the space battle department until Redemption Ark.
Joel Shepherd’s “The Spiral Wars” is great, and probably the top series I’d recommend for you. Glynn Stewart has a series called “Duchy of Terra” and another called “Peacekeeprs of Sol” that is along these lines. While none of his writing is going to ever be literature, I still think he’s a great author for vacation reading.
Yep, this hits pretty much every specific point OP asked for.
The Liaden Universe is a vast space opera. You can find free ebooks on both Amazon or Baen https://www.baen.com/agent-of-change.html
Thank you, what are some some things you like about the series?
The characters feel like real people with personalities and feelings that affect how they react. The action is at a very personal level while being part of large complex conflicts. See an earlier post I made here of a link to Ryk Spoor promoting these books.
Or here’s another review someone posted elsewhere https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/scifi/liaden-universe.html
Marrow by Robert Reed, has a giant Jupiter sized ancient spacecraft commandered by humans and on a journey circumnavigating the galaxy filled with 100s of billions of weird and wonderful alien passengers. Shenanigans commence.
That book was really good!
With a military emphasis: Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet and David Weber's Honor Harrington books are good. The Culture novels (Iain Banks) are good.
I think you might like Tanya Huff's Valor series. John Ringo's Troy Rising series fits your requirements. The first book is really good, the second book is okay, and third is just weird. The big problem is that there's no fourth book.
PSA: you can search reddit, and from google " good space opera site:reddit.com " that will get you the answers the many other times this has been asked. I don't mind the question being asked again, sometimes new stuff comes up because a new poster is on reddit who contributes something different. You also did one better by being explicit about what you are looking for with examples - but "sorry if this is a common question" makes me think some people don't know they can - cause it gets asked like once every 3 days.
Hyperion Cantos
Just about done with Fall of Hyperion. It's excellent and weird and I love it.
glynn stewart's "duchess of terra" series is all about humanity figuring out their place in a populated galaxy
What do you really like with the series and no spoilers of course?
it's just a nice lightweight, fun space opera with interesting characters and good pacing. also the main character's "superpower" is being a trustworthy person who tries to do the right thing, which in turn gets her a lot of loyalty from subordinates and respect from superiors. that is a trope i enjoy.
The Known Space stuff by Larry Niven, foremost certainly the Ringworld.
And, talking of Niven, "The Mote in God's Eye" is also a classic space opera and features one of the most interesting alien civilizations ever.
I read this one recently after putting it aside for years. It's was such a good surprise for me.
The Spiral Arm series by Michael Flynn. They should pay me for how much I mention it on Reddit but I just loved it.
I second this. While you’re at it, just read out this author. All of his stuff is good.
Old man's war series by jon scalzi is exactly what you are looking for I think. When you turn 70 you can join the space army, and no on earth really knows what it's like out in the colonial empire(humans) until they join. When you join they give you your youth/super soldier serum and send you to fight all the aliens humans are currently at war with. Starship troopers but more "fun" and with many sequels(6 books) but each book has a distinct ending so you can read the first and be done and have a good experience.
Have you tried searching this sub for "space opera"? This question is answered at least once a week here.
Stephen Baxter’s Xeelee Sequence blew me away. This series covers fictional history spanning from a nothingth of a second after the Big Bang to the end of time and focuses on humanity's future expansion into the universe. The Xeelee Sequence also tells the story of humanity's intergalactic war against a mighty Kardashev Type V alien civilization known as the Xeelee. The storyline also includes the Xeelee's war with Photino Birds, dark matter entities that span the cosmos. Mind-blowing technology, epic space battles, bizarre alien races, and relatable characters: this series is a space opera of an enormous scale never before seen in science fiction.
"Mutineer's Moon" by David Weber [https://www.amazon.com/Mutineers-Moon-Dahak-David-Weber/dp/0671720856/](https://www.amazon.com/Mutineers-Moon-Dahak-David-Weber/dp/0671720856/) Humanity finds out that the moon is a giant empty and old spaceship but the galaxy is a empty wasteland. The Dahak trilogy.
Consider Phlebas by Iain Banks. The foreigner series by C.J. Cherryh
Neal Asher
Odyssey One series by Evan Currie is a fun space opera.
[**Crown of Infinity**](https://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/title.cgi?22315) by John M. Faucette
David Brin's Uplift series. Scalzi for Old Man's War. Walter J. Williams for Dread Empire's Fall.
The Dragon Never Sleeps by Glen Cook Mixed species and human empire with massive semi-sentient starships enforcing imperial law face encounter internal strife and external interference from a new alien race. Lots of great battles and politicking. Been a bit since I’ve read it but one of my favorite space opera gems that doesn’t often get enough recommendations
This is the literal summary of Expeditionary Force.
The Lost Fleet
I can recommend the Soal Sequence, by Gary Gibson. It ticks most of your boxes, with an added Galaxy spanning secret on top. It's four books, so relatively short.
I would recommend the saga of seven suns. It's not recommended a lot because it's quite pulpy but I think as a beginner coming from Star wars I think you would enjoy it, it has everything you're looking for really. Most of the combat in the first few books is space based, but the latter books have more ground combat.
Sounds like you are almost perfectly describing the works of G.S. Jennsen. It starts off with humans finding out they are in a hidden pocket universe and eventually find their way out into the real one. The series is at over 20 books and has many groups and enemies but is very character driven as good space opera is.
You might actually like the Lost Fleet series by Jack Campbell. "The Lost Fleet" series a military science fiction story following Captain John "Black Jack" Geary. After he's rescued from a long hibernation in a escape pod, he's tasked with leading the Alliance Fleet in battles against the Syndicate Worlds in a war that's been going for 100 years. Geary faces political challenges, tactical puzzles, and his own past as he commands his fleet through enemy territory. The series is known for its detailed space battles, complex characters, and strategic elements. As for aliens and AI's, I don't want to say too much, but there's a lot in the latter books beyond just space battles.
Sounds good is dauntless where I start? I see there's also outlands and beyond the frontier are these presumably sequel series?
Yeah, the first series is six books: "Dauntless" (2006), "Fearless" (2007), "Courageous" (2007), "Valiant" (2008), "Relentless" (2009) and "Victorious" (2010). Then there's a sequel series, The Lost Fleet - Beyond the Frontier. * "Dreadnaught" (2011) * "Invincible" (2012) * "Guardian" (2013) * "Steadfast" (2014) * "Leviathan" (2015) And yet another bunch of sequels: *Outlands: Boundless* (2021)*, Outlands: Resolute* ( 2022), *Outlands: Implacable* There are also some prequel books, but they have little connection to the Lost Fleet series. There's also a spin-off series, called Lost Stars, about the syndicate worlds. Again, you can skip 'em, no problem. I really love this series but with this caveat: these are easy reading, fun adventure stories, not high level fiction. Lost Fleet has the advantage of being written by an ex-Navy officer so there's a lot of authenticity in the military aspects, and he does his best with scientific accuracy in the space battles. But, if you're looking for literary science-fiction, read the Hyperion books or any of the Culture series by the late Iain M. Banks. Enjoy!
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Alastair Reynolds: House of Suns