Hi, does anyone know any good space opera books .. hopefully not too technical and complicated... preferably a series ?
thanks

[Tidal]

Three of my favourites, all with over 10 novels published so far:

• The Skolian Empire by Catherine Asaro
• The Liaden Universe by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
• The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold

First some classics :
Dune by Frank Herbert. The series is very good, but particularly the first two. It has multiple sequels/prequels by his son, which I haven't read. It can be complex at times but I recommend it.
The Heechee Saga by Frederik Pohl
Rama by Arthur C. Clarke. Clarke writes hard sci-fi but Rama is quite readable nonetheless even if you are wary of too "technical" books.
Foundation by Isaac Asimov

And more recent ones :
The Company Wars and The Faded Sun by C.J. Cherryh
The Uplift Saga by David Brin
Expanse by James S.A. Corey
Succession by Scott Westerfeld (YA so more accessible than traditional space operas, still a good one though)
Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons
In Her Name by Michael R. Hicks
The Saga of Seven Suns by Kevin J. Anderson

You should also check Peter F. Hamilton. He has several series. If you are intimidated you can start with his standalone books which are more accessible but still great reads like
Fallen Dragon and Great North Road.

Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle - The Mote in God's Eye and The Moat Around Murcheson's Eye.
Edward M. Lerner and Larry Niven - Fleet of Worlds series. You should read Niven's book Ringworld before reading the Fleet books.
Classic Space Opera should definitely include E. E. "Doc" Smith's Lensman series.
Peter Hamilton - Night's Dawn trilogy; The Reality Dysfunction, The Neutronium Alchemist and The Naked God.
Greg Bear's Galactic Centre series.

thanks guys, i'll check them out

The Honor Harrington series by David Weber or the Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn. The latter is a part of the Star Wars expanded universe which might put some people off, but it is really well written and definetely an enjoyable read.

haha , I've actually read a lot of books from the star wars expanded (the legacy of force series).. I actually liked it !

Ancillary Sword/Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie might fit the bill, although I don't know whether it meets your 'not too technical/complicated' preference. It can be a bit disorienting at first. Very big and dramatic and spaceshippy though

[condorheroes]

My favourite space opera series:

1) Vorkosigan series by Lois M Bujold
2) RCN series by David Drake
3) Liaden universe series by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
4) Foundation series by Isaac Asimov
5) Helmsman series by Bill Baldwin
6) StarFIST series by David Sherman & Dan Cragg
7) Vatta series by Elizabeth Moon

All right, got a long list to go through.. thanks a lot guys , I appreciate it

[sleepwalkingdreamer]

I highly, HIGHLY recommend the Paradox Trilogy by Rachel Bach. They're focused on a female armoured mercenary named Deviana "Devi" Morris, who's got some big dreams and the equally big guns needed to go after said dreams. It's full of action, adventure, and romance - yes, romance features rather prominently in the books, though it doesn't really interfere with the storyline until you get to the third book. By then, though, the first and second books will hopefully be enough to get you to overlook the third book's particular failing (not on Devi's part, mind; she's consistent all throughout).

I'll be sure to give it a go. Thanks

I have to add the Kris Longknife series by Mike Shepherd.

[BillyBoBob]

Try Susan R. Matthews Judiciary series. It's a little uncomfortable to read on occasion due to subject matter, but I think that adds to the nature of the entire series (6 books in all, at least so far, but the last one was released almost 10 years ago, so I'm not expecting another).

It's goold old space opera through and through and there's nothing technical about it.

[RavenT]

I second the recommendation for Moon's Vatta series, the Honor Harrington series by Weber. And the Vorkosigan saga is one of my all-time faves.

You might try the Saga of the Skolian Empire by Catherine Asaro. The Company Wars 'verse by C.J. Cherryh is a lot of fun:
According to the author, the novels in this universe, except Hellburner and Heavy Time (which were subsequently re-published in one volume entitled Devil to the Belt), can be read in any order.

Downbelow Station (1981) – Hugo winner, Locus SF Award nominee, 1982
Merchanter's Luck (1982)
also published in the Alliance Space (2008) omnibus
Rimrunners (1989) – Locus SF Award nominee, 1990[4]
Heavy Time (1991)
Hellburner (1992)
Devil to the Belt (2000) – single-volume edition of the above two books
Tripoint (1994)
Finity's End (1997) – Locus SF Award nominee, 1998[5]