Confessions of a Space Opera Junkie

October 8, 2008 in Science Fiction | 4 comments

I’ve always loved science fiction, but I really, really love space opera. Whether that’s on TV, in the movies, in comic books or novels or short stories, there’s nothing quite like curling up with something like that on a Sunday afternoon or on the train on the way home from work.

So I’m really enjoying Neal Asher’s Polity series with it’s space ships, artificial intelligence, cyborgs, alien invasions, political intrigue, biotech etc. etc. etc. It’s probably on the fringe of moving from space opera to more serious science fiction given some of the deeper themes in it in places, but that’s not a problem. Some of the transhuman and posthuman themes in it intersect with those of Alistair Reynolds

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October 16, 2008 at 8:52 am

andii

andii’s avatar

I’ve recently been reconnecting with my adolescent love of space opera, so your recommendation is welcome as to possibles once I’ve finished the Iain Banks stuff I’m on at the moment (Trancendant etc). Gotta say I’m really interested in the way that Banks reproduces theological themes without God.

October 16, 2008 at 10:03 am

Stephen

Stephen’s avatar

Yes, I must read more of Banks.

October 20, 2008 at 5:53 am

andii

andii’s avatar

I’ve just realised that I’ve confused the names, though. Stephen Baxter is who I meant wrt Transcendent etc. That said, Banks is really interesting too. I’ve enjoyed Alistair Reynolds too.

October 20, 2008 at 7:56 am

Stephen

Stephen’s avatar

I’ve enjoyed some of Baxter’s work - like his short stories - but I found things like his ‘Evolution’ novel okay, a bit repetitive in places. But, as you say, some good ideas in there.