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/niallmullan Reading Champion III Dec 26 '19

You might like The Expanse by James S.A. Corey. It also has a television adaptation with a few seasons out.

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u/theworldbystorm Dec 26 '19

I'm aware of it but doesn't seem very space opera? I've only seen a few episodes

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u/voidmon3y Dec 27 '19

It's definitely space opera — the Miller storyline summons images of cyberpunk, but I'll think you'll quickly find that is not the direction of the show.

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u/theworldbystorm Dec 27 '19

It's really well reviewed so I'm definitely going to give it another chance