If you're looking for solid science fiction, with an engaging main character, well written supporting characters, and a world (actually, galaxy) that is as real as it can be, try the Night's Dawn trilogy by Peter F. Hamilton.
The books start with The Reality Dysfunction. followed by The Neutronium Alchemist. and finally The Naked God. The series was written in the mid- to late-1990's, and each book is split into two separate books.
After 6 novels and a whole host of plot twists, dramatis personae, compelling ideas, high technology, religious fanatics, elitist genetic engineering, living starships, and the return of the Dead, these novels will leave you going "Holy Hell" more often than not.
I know that sounds a lot like a sales pitch, but I'm being serious. I've read the entire series start to finish 3 times already since being given the first two books (Reality Dysfunction parts 1 & 2) a few years back for Christmas. Hamilton is a Brittish writer with a serious flair for futuristic technology, and he'll make you think he's been flying on the ships themselves with his details.
Also: violence and sex. Lots of both, but done in a very real way. You'll stop to think, several times, "this is exactly how most people would probably react. Crazy bastards!"
Read and enjoy!