looking for some good science fiction

Since I've read all the Song of Ice and Fire books and once I'm finished with the latest Malazan book (Stonewielder), I want to get away from the sword and sorcery for a while and back into science fiction. Anyone know of any good books or series out there? I'd like something along the lines of Heinlein's Starship Troopers (which is awesome) and Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy (which is epic). Preferably I'd like it to be well-written (as in not a poorly-written Babylon 5 clone like Kevin J Anderson's Saga of Seven Suns).

I picked up a book in the airport called Mission of Honor by David Weber, but not started it yet.

Well I would say Stargate but it is clear you are already well aware of that series and book series...

If you can find them, Herbert's series of books: 'The Jesus Incident', The Lazarus Effect, and 'The Ascension Factor' are some of my favorite Scifi books. Those and the Rama series.

Originally Posted by Ramashan

If you can find them, Herbert's series of books: 'The Jesus Incident', The Lazarus Effect, and 'The Ascension Factor' are some of my favorite Scifi books. Those and the Rama series.

I believe they are all sequels to Herbert's original standalone novel Destination:Void (1966).

However, it sounds to me that you are looking for something more action-adventure (Thrawn) or maybe rite-of-passage (Starship Troopers).

More Heinlein's books with a similar feel to Starship Troopers would be: Tunnel in the Sky, Have Spacesuit Will Travel, Space Cadet, Time for the Stars, Citizen of the Galaxy, The Star Beast.

More top-notch Heinlein action-adventure with adult protagonists: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Glory Road, The Day After Tomorrow, The Puppet Masters.

Alternatively you might consider Harry Harrison's satire of Starship Troopers: Bill the Galactic Hero.

On a military theme there is Joe Haldeman's Forever War trilogy.

For military themes with sociology, try Gordon R. Dickson's Childe Cycle.

You might also like Larry Niven's Known Space work.

Originally Posted by GreyFox

Since I've read all the Song of Ice and Fire books and once I'm finished with the latest Malazan book (Stonewielder), I want to get away from the sword and sorcery for a while and back into science fiction. Anyone know of any good books or series out there? I'd like something along the lines of Heinlein's Starship Troopers (which is awesome) and Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy (which is epic). Preferably I'd like it to be well-written (as in not a poorly-written Babylon 5 clone like Kevin J Anderson's Saga of Seven Suns).

I picked up a book in the airport called Mission of Honor by David Weber, but not started it yet.

mission of honor is the last released book of the space opera series "Honor Harrington" by David Weber.

Known Space is a good suggestion for a series, also Dune. Dune is a incredibly long series if you want to be occupied for a while.

For a stand alone novel read a Mote in Gods Eye read that a while back and it was good. Also a Larry Niven work.

Originally Posted by Kanaric

...For a stand alone novel read a Mote in Gods Eye read that a while back and it was good. Also a Larry Niven work.

It has a sequel: The Gripping Hand (in the USA, although my UK copy is entitled The Moat Around Murcheson's Eye). I recall rather enjoying it.

Apparently Jerry Pournelle's daughter has written another sequel: Outies.

Originally Posted by Juvenal

I believe they are all sequels to Herbert's original standalone novel Destination:Void (1966).

You are correct, I have that one as well. Personally I think it's a better series than Dune. The first two Dune books are really great, but then I felt it sort of weakened after. The these others are just solid all the way through.

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I'm looking for a more action/war type thing. I've heard of something called the Lost Fleet by John Hemry, anyone know if it's good?

Didn't know there was a sequel, i'll have to check that out.