I’ve just started reading Kevin J. Anderson’s Saga of Seven Suns. It is Space Opera - Yeah, yeah, I read your comment DavidS, hehe. The series is currently up to book 4 or 5, with an expected total of 7 books. The first is Hidden Empire. Mankind finds itself in a war with a mighty hidden empire, after converting one of their gas giant worlds into a star. “Oops- we didn’t know you were there.” At page 125, I’m seeing political machinations, conniving earth corporations, and brilliant alien races. Once I finish this, it’s on to Starfist #10: World of Hurt!
Peter F. Hamilton is known for Space Opera, broad sweeping series that encompass a large number of characters, worlds, technology, etc. Night's Dawn Trilogy is one of my all time favorite series. I devoured these books. The characters were very real and the technology was very cool. It was released as 3 books in the UK and 5 in the US.
Allen Steele’s Coyote trilogy is another good one. The books take the form of short story format, weaving tales from various characters viewpoints, binding them to the overall plot of building the first colony beyond Earth. I enjoyed the wonderment of his characters exploring the new world. It’s filled with political statements, but rather than take one side or another, I chose to take the book as written and enjoyed it.
I've read 3 out of the 4 or 5 books in the Saga of Seven Suns. I liked the first 2, the third one was ok but really slow. I tried to read the 4th book and I just couldn't stay focused on the story. I guess I've got attention deficit disorder when it comes to some series. :-) The concept in the series is interesting and well thought out.