"Space Opera" is a subgenre of Science Fiction and it just got a new Best Example from the pseudonymous author James S. A. Corey. First,  Space Opera is a sweeping outer space epic focusing on larger-than-life conflicts and characters. It used to be called Science Fantasy because it focuses more on characters and the fantastical effects of technology than on science. Modern authors who do good Space Opera are Stephen Baxter and Peter Hamilton. Back to Corey's new book (actually first book of the new series "The Expanse"): the milieu-humanity has moved out to the moon, Mars, and the asteroid belt and has fractured into different political entities. Executive Officer of a Saturn area ice mining ship, Jim Holden, and his crew stumble upon a derelict ship. Jim and a portion of the crew are investigating on a shuttle when their main ship is destroyed apparently by Mars forces. Jim's broadcast of those facts to the solar system set in motion an interstellar war. Meanwhile in the asteroid belt, burnt-out Belter Detective Miller is concerned by a decrease in gang crime when he's saddled with a missing heiress case he's not meant to solve. Miller's case leads to Holden's discovery. The two find themselves the center of political and industrial wrangling and a horrific alien mystery. It's a Preston & Child Thriller in space and not to be missed!