Good timing because I just started this last week after finishing Vinge's "Zones of Thought" series. I guess I'm on something of a space opera kick lately.
In that case, let me recommend the Vorkosigan saga, if you haven't read it yet. One of the best book series I've ever read, definitely the best among space opera.
Are the sequels/prequels worth reading? I read the first one last year and enjoyed it, but the follow up reviews made it seem like the others novels might spoil it.
Start with Cordelia's Honor https://www.amazon.com/-/dp/0671578286
Edit: various books from the series won 4 Hugo awards, 2 Nebula awards, and were nominated a dozen of times.