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I suggest "The Culture" novels by Scottish author Iain M. Banks. I've read all seven of the (ongoing) series in the past year and have to say they're some of the smartest speculative sci-fi I've ever read. I actually gave up on the genre for a while, as it seems 95% of all sci-fi is crap (but I guess you could say that about all art), and have been pleasantly surprised by elegance, creativity, and even topicality of this series.
Some building block concepts are derivative, but Mr. Banks uses previously speculated ideas with great elan, and produces a new universe of breathtaking scope, while still subtly addressing issues that pertain to our lonely little world today.
"Consider Phlebas", the first work in the set, would be an especially fun ride. Think "Star Wars", if Lucas had a brain.
