Zebrowski was a Nebula Award Finalist.Ħ - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. The scientists are soon hurtling through space on an adventure that is as incredible as it is frightening. Pulpy, but an incredible read. A UN research team finds a ship in the Arctic. The world must prepare for mankind's first encounter with alien intelligence.ĥ - The Star Web by George Zebrowski. Then a space probe confirms it is no natural object. It is huge and flying through the solar system at great speed. There is a celestial object that astronomers call Rama. And epic sci-fi tale that should not be missed.Ĥ - Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C.

Because it's that good, and it takes place partly in space. Wait, how can the Dune series be on our 'grounded' list and our Space Opera list. This sanctuary is called the Foundation.ģ - God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert.

To preserve knowledge and save mankind, Seldon gathers the Empire's best minds, takes them to the edge of the Galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for a future generations. Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. Now Kim must find out the purpose of the Lens before the Boskone dynasty does.Ģ - Foundation by Isaac Asimov. The Galactic Empire has ruled supreme for millenia, but now it is dying. As the man was dying, he mysteriously passed on the Lens to Kim.

Kim, young man from an agricultural planet, finds a dying man with a legendary crystal lens embedded in his hand. Doc Smith (1950). Here Smith lays down the foundation for much of the next sci-fi and all space operas to come.

1 - First Lensman by Edward Elmer 'Doc' Smith aka E.E.

Good space opera books