Which Series Should I Start?

[Rowan]

Hey there. I was in the mood for some bright, colourful and wacky Space Opera stories full of lots of spaceships and aliens. I did some digging and found 2 Sci-Fi Universe which seem really cool. Which should I start first?

The "Uplift Universe" by David Brin, where galactic civilizations begin via the act of "Uplift" where an advanced Patron race, seeds another planet and creates their Client Race. However the community of races which use this process - The Five Galaxies - are baffled when they discover that Humanity seemingly has no Patron race.

The "Heritage Universe" by Charles Sheffield. Thousands of years in the future, humanity has colonized a part of our galaxy. The main features of the stories are immense artifacts left by The Builders. These artifacts range from planetary engineering structures to a lens almost a quarter light year in size.

I am utterly fascinated by the concepts presented in both universe. Who is familiar with them and which one do you recommend?

[Tom]

The Heritage universe (It's been awhile since I read it) is definitely your big colourful space opera, while the Uplift Universe is slightly more thought provoking sci-fi, it's also quite focused on Humans. Both are really good

I'd also recommend Humanities Fire series by Michael Cobley

[Trike]

I can't recall if I've read Sheffield's books, but I have read Brin's; I'm not sure I would characterize them as "wacky."

For lighter Space Opera you can't go wrong with Scalzi's Old Man's War books.

The Mageworlds series by Debra Doyle and James Macdonald is basically Star Wars with the serial numbers scratched off, mostly focused on the action of space pirates and political double crosses. The Price of the Stars is the first one.

[Ronnie]

Well, if it's wacky and silly you're after, then look no further than the "Space Captain Smith" series by Toby Frost.

[Ally]

I read the Uplift series recently and I really enjoyed it. All the books are good but different. In fact I was disapointed that there weren't more books following some characters. The aliens are alien enough.
Didn't read the other series but it's on my list now !
For light Space opera I recommend "The Diving Universe"Diving into the Wreck: A Diving Universe Novella
or the "Sector general" series Hospital Station where you will find aliens for sure !

[Rowan]

Ally wrote: "I read the Uplift series recently and I really enjoyed it. All the books are good but different. In fact I was disapointed that there weren't more books following some characters. The aliens are al..."
Cheers, I'll check them out too :)

[Rowan]

Tom wrote: "The Heritage universe (It's been awhile since I read it) is definitely your big colourful space opera, while the Uplift Universe is slightly more thought provoking sci-fi, it's also quite focused o..."

Thanks for the reply. To Amazon I go then haha :)

[L.E.]

I have read one in the uplift series. It was good, intriguing and I had thought of reading more. It would suspect it would get you thinking,

The other one. (Shoulder shrug) don't know it. I may have read a book or two in it because the title sounds familiar but if so the title never made connection in my mind.

[Rowan]

L.E. wrote: "I have read one in the uplift series. It was good, intriguing and I had thought of reading more. It would suspect it would get you thinking,

The other one. (Shoulder shrug) don't know it. I may ha..."

Coolio, thanks for replying :)