[osxrand]

Check Karl Schroeder, you may find him a refreshing change. His first book is available to read online at his website http://karlschroeder.com

From what you mentioned, it sounds like his books may be right up your alley.

[DennisP]

Lockstep is a neat one. They have sublight interstellar travel, but it seems like FTL because everybody spends most of their time in hibernation, all on the same schedule.