“Science fiction is for real, space opera is for fun.”
It can be easy to dismiss science fiction as merely ‘techy’, ‘sciency’, or ‘space-based’. Compared to other genres, science fiction doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves despite its diverse forms and subgenres. One such example of this is the space opera genre. Far more than just any sci-fi story in space, space operas have their characteristics, charms, and differences from other works in the genre. So join us at What We Reading as we embark on an adventure to explore space opera books, discover why people love them, and learn how to write your own!
What Is The Space Opera Genre?
First up, what do we mean by the term ‘space opera’? Rather than being about classical music and orchestras in space, space operas are stories set in a futuristic setting with major plot points focusing on wars between civilizations, the political landscape within these civilizations, and love stories between characters.
In this sense, these tales more closely resemble typical soap operas rather than other sci-fi books or shows where the emphasis is on technology and exploration.
If you’re the type of reader who loves profound romance stories and complex character studies set across warring planetary systems, this is the genre for you!
How Do Space Operas Differ From Sci-Fi?
The main difference between sci-fi and space operas is their emphasis on science. Sci-fi writers pour countless hours into researching the machinations behind their stories, making their themes as scientifically feasible and realistic as possible.
Whereas space opera books revel in being unrealistic. These stories are inspired by the setting of space but feature planets, galaxies, and completely fictional systems. These are known as ‘relationship arcs’, depicting huge battles contested between characters, corporations, and civilizations where good typically clashes against evil.
Examples Of Space Opera Books
Now that you’re aware of what the space opera genre is, let’s take a look at some examples of space opera books:
- Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse #1) – James S.A. Corey
- Why it’s space opera: The Expanse follows a diverse cast of characters navigating political struggles, the discovery of an alien protomolecule, and interstellar conspiracies in a far-flung future where humans have colonized the solar system.
- Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos #1) – Dan Simmons
- Why it’s space opera: Dan Simmons’ Hyperion Cantos is a space opera that follows a group of pilgrims on a journey to the far-flung planet of Hyperion. Each of them comes with their backgrounds and motivations, where mystery and mythology create a compelling narrative.
- Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch #1) – Ann Leckie
- Why it’s space opera: The Imperial Radch is a space opera trilogy that follows the story of Breq, a former AI of a spaceship. It is set in a universe dominated by a repressive galactic empire where themes of identity, gender, and colonialism come through over Ann Leckie’s emphasis on scope, world-building, and intrigue.
- Dune (Dune #1) – Frank Herbert
- Why it’s space opera: Frank Herbert’s Dune takes place in a distant future where noble houses, a galactic empire, and a potent substance known as “spice” jostle for control of the desert planet Arrakis. The book features political intrigue, detailed world-building, and a messianic theme.
Check Out The Best Books Like Dune
How To Write A Space Opera Story
The space opera genre is one of the most popular communities in the sci-fi world. If you’re interested in writing your space opera for the ages, let’s check out some of the most typical tropes and components involved with the formula:
Establish A Quest
One of the defining features of a space opera story is that the characters are traversing through the cosmos for a reason. Take a sci-fi book like Alien or a story like Dead Silence; the characters happen upon the events that occur across them, rather than actively going out of their way to discover them.
The characters in space opera books should have a quest to follow, with peril occurring along the way and an end goal to reach. Usually, this end goal is either preventing a cataclysmic escalation, conflict, or even the end of the universe as we know it.
Characters In Peril
As mentioned, having your characters find themselves in some form of crisis is crucial for creating a space opera story that is entertaining.
And, when it comes to challenges and obstacles to overcome in space operas, bigger is always better. From having all the power drained from a spaceship as it hurtles towards a black hole to being cornered by some power-crazed, trigger-happy alien foes, flex your creativity by emphasizing the peril these characters find themselves in.
Create Some Space Creatures One of the best ways to increase the stakes is by filling the story with unique alien beings with whom your characters can interact.
One of the best ways of showcasing your world-building skills is by demonstrating how not all of these creatures are malevolent. Some can even be allies your character relies on during their quest. Take the time to think about the environments they are found in and how that might affect their physical appearance, their abilities, and personalities. For instance, an alien from a planet made up only of oceans might have the ability to breathe underwater, which you can make use of during the story.
A Happy Ending
Some genres of books thrive on leaving things mysterious, vague, or even with tragic endings for the protagonist. Typically, space operas aren’t among these. As classics like Ready Player One showcase, space operas tend to celebrate good triumphing over evil, the hero getting the girl and other good ending tropes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with some cliffhangers here and there, but be mindful that the genre has grown used to things being tied up nicely for the heroes.
Boldly Go… Into A New Genre Of Writing
Space operas have grown to become one of the most popular genres in both the book and film industries. They combine fast-paced action with their technological space-age combat with an author’s ability to let their imaginations run wild with expansive world-building.
While the formula for space opera books has been set for several decades now, it has also shown it is a genre that continues to evolve as our technologies here on Earth inspire writers. So, who knows, you may be the one who ignites a new age of space opera writing! (Just be sure to credit this article as your guide to the genre when you do).
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
