Can you list the most popular hard science fiction space opera books?

It depends on different audiences. Space opera is generally more accessible and has a wider appeal due to its focus on action and adventure. However, hard science fiction has a dedicated following among those interested in science and technology.

One great hard science fiction space opera book is 'The Expanse' series by James S.A. Corey. It features a realistic and detailed portrayal of future space exploration, politics, and human survival in a colonized solar system. Another is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It combines elements of mystery, epic adventure, and complex characters in a far - flung galactic setting. And 'Altered Carbon' by Richard K. Morgan is also a notable one, with its exploration of concepts like consciousness transfer and a gritty, future noir - like universe.

Well, 'A Fire Upon the Deep' is quite popular. It offers a unique view of a universe with different levels of intelligence and how they interact. 'Gateway' has its fans as well. The idea of exploring an ancient alien space station full of secrets is very appealing. 'Rendezvous with Rama' is also popular. The discovery of the huge, seemingly empty alien spacecraft and the mystery surrounding it draw in many readers.

Sure. 'Iain M. Banks' Culture series is excellent. These books feature a post - scarcity, utopian - like civilization known as the Culture that interacts with other species in the galaxy. 'Altered Carbon' by Richard K. Morgan is also a great one. It has a unique concept of digitized consciousness and people being able to 'resleeve' into different bodies. And 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming space opera about the crew of a tunneling ship.

Sure. 'Dune' is a must - read. It's got a richly detailed world with its own ecology, religions and political systems. Then there's 'Foundation'. Asimov's vision of a future galactic society and its decline is really fascinating. And 'Ender's Game' is great for its psychological exploration of a young boy in a high - stakes military situation.

Well, 'Artemis' was quite popular. It had a lot of buzz because it was by Andy Weir, who had already made a name for himself with 'The Martian'. People were excited to see his take on a lunar - based story. It has an exciting plot that involves a lot of action and intrigue in a future moon colony.

Space opera often focuses on adventure, epic battles, and large - scale political intrigue in a space - faring setting. It may not adhere strictly to scientific principles. Hard science fiction, on the other hand, is based firmly on scientific facts and theories. It tries to predict future technologies and their implications realistically.

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.

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.

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.