This is what space opera should be. Massive movements, interesting flawed characters, firm science (space opera doesn't work with hard science, in my opinion). I've not been a very big fan of Niven. [b:Ringworld|61179|Ringworld (Ringworld series, Book 1)|Larry Niven|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170563307s/61179.jpg|924711] and [b:The Gripping Hand|218453|The Gripping Hand|Larry Niven|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172796352s/218453.jpg|441605] in particular stick out in my head as books I disliked. This convinces me I do need to find more of his short stories, though.