One characteristic is the grandiosity of the plot. These books often have a large scope that involves multiple planets, civilizations, and power blocs. The romance in them is usually a key part of the character development. It can be a source of conflict or a reason for unity. For example, in some space opera romance books, two characters from warring factions fall in love, and this relationship either causes more chaos or becomes a bridge for peace. Also, the books usually have a sense of wonder about the unknown in space, and the romance is set against this backdrop of the infinite and mysterious universe.
The space opera aspect means there are high - tech or advanced concepts. In many such books, there are spaceships, strange alien races, and unique technologies. Regarding romance, it's not just simple love. It's a deep connection that can sometimes span across different species or cultures. In some books, the characters' romantic relationships are what drive them to make important decisions in the galactic - scale events. For instance, a character might risk everything for their loved one in the middle of a war between star systems.
The 'Saga of the Skolian Empire' series can also be considered in this category. It combines space opera elements like interstellar politics, battles, and advanced technology with romantic relationships between the characters. The love stories are intertwined with the fate of the empires in the space - faring setting.
They often have a large - scale setting, usually spanning across galaxies or at least a large part of a galaxy. For example, in 'Dune', the entire desert planet of Arrakis and the galactic political structure are important settings. Another characteristic is the presence of advanced technology like faster - than - light travel, as seen in many space opera books. They also tend to have complex characters with different motives and backstories.
Complex characters are also a big part. These characters come from different backgrounds and cultures. In 'Light of the Jedi', the Jedi have their own set of values and beliefs which are different from the other characters in the story. And there are often moral and ethical dilemmas that the characters have to face. They might have to make difficult choices between the good of their own people and the greater good of the galaxy.
Space opera science fiction books often feature a hero or a group of heroes on a grand adventure. They might have to save the galaxy or a particular civilization. The technology is often central, with things like huge starships, energy weapons, and advanced communication devices. Also, the books tend to explore social and political structures on a galactic level, with different races having their own cultures and power dynamics. For example, in 'Dune', the political struggle for control of the spice is a major part of the story, and it involves multiple noble houses and alien species. The technology in 'Dune' like the personal shields and the ability to predict the future through the spice also adds to the space opera feel.
New space opera novels often have really detailed world - building. They create entire galaxies with different species, cultures, and technologies. For example, in 'The Expanse' series, there are different planets with their own ecosystems and political systems.
Great space opera novels often have a vast and detailed universe. For example, in 'Dune', the world - building is extensive, from the desert planet of Arrakis to the complex political systems. They also usually have a hero or a group of heroes on a grand adventure. In 'Foundation', Hari Seldon is like a hero guiding the future of the galaxy through his psychohistory. Another characteristic is the presence of different alien species or cultures, like in 'Hyperion' where we see a variety of strange and interesting beings.
Some of the best include 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has complex politics, a unique desert planet setting, and deep exploration of human nature. Another great one is 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov. It presents an epic view of a galactic empire's fall and the attempts to rebuild civilization. Also, 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a classic. It tells the story of a child prodigy in a military school for future space battles.
Well, 'Honor's Knight' by Rachel Bach is a top choice. It has a strong female lead and a great deal of action and adventure in space, along with a really engaging romance sub - plot. 'Across the Universe' by Beth Revis is also quite good. It's set on a spaceship traveling to a new planet and the romance that develops between the characters is both sweet and full of tension. Then there's 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. While it's mainly a survival story on Mars, there are some elements of a sort of long - distance 'romance' with Earth that add an interesting dimension to the story.
One popular one is 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers. It combines elements of space adventure with lovely romantic sub - plots among the diverse crew members.
Some good ones are 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's about a young boy, Ender, who is trained to fight in a future war against an alien race. The story delves deep into military strategy and the psychological effects on a child in such a situation. Also, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a classic. It's a humorous take on space travel and the various strange creatures and planets one might encounter. Then there's 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein, which focuses on the military aspects of a future where humans fight bugs in space.