This. Sticking to one narrow part of the SF range, as the OP appears to be, is not the best way. Yes, you'll hate some of these books, but you'll love others. And they in turn will lead to a broader range of taste - always a good thing.
Castiels's list is pretty good, although I find Bear a massively over-rated author. Some other good choices, but I'll add my thoughts on a few. Weber's Harrington books are badly re-written Hornblower books - read the originals. Stephen Baxter's early stuff is good, but he hasn't written a decent book in near a decade now. Hamilton is OK but his books are far too long, usually for no good reason. I'd actually recommend Fallen Dragon to anyone new to his books: that way you don't have to wade though a massively padded trilogy. Asher's books are fun - start with Gridlinked. Banks is essential, but start with Consider Phlebas: if you don't like that then it's unlikely you'll like his later stuff. Morgan is great - lashing of sex and violence, which can never be a bad thing. The last book of the trilogy starting with Altered Carbon is probably the best though. A Deepness in the Sky is probably easier to read (and better) than A Fire Upon the Deep.
M
