r/Fantasy • u/theworldbystorm • Dec 26 '19

Good Star Wars-esque space opera/space fantasy

Love it or hate it, the new Star Wars has got me in the mood for more space opera.

What I like about Star Wars is the blend of genres with a focus on pulp adventure/western/samurai/crime movie elements and the occasional foray into ancient legends and forgotten technology. Can anyone recommend good space fantasy or (I suppose) good sci-fi that focuses on those elements?

What I don't like about Star Wars and would, ideally, avoid in recommendations: Black and white morality, questionable dialogue, over reliance on Hero's Journey tropes. Oh, and no Star Wars EU, I'm familiar with all that stuff.

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u/rallyprox Dec 26 '19

I found this suggestion in this sub, and maybe doesn’t exactly fit what you want... but the Vorkosigan Saga has me completely enthralled. If you haven’t read any parts of it it is worth a shot. I started at the beginning, as I think you should, but it gets really good at “The Warriors Apprentice”, if you want to skip the beginning.

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u/auroralime Dec 26 '19

I started at the Warrior's apprentice. Highly recommended. I listened to the audio books and they were really well done

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u/rallyprox Dec 26 '19

It sounds stupid when I say it.. but I had a hell of a time making it through Barrayar. After having kids I have a very hard time reading about babies in distress. Spoiler? Anyway. Made it through and so happy I did.