I've read some of those books.
This year I read Arthur C Clark's The Songs of Distant Earth. Great plot, very detailed...to the extent where it can get boring at times. But overall a good read. I like the whole concept of Space Colonies going to a different planet and settling down etc...reminds me of Star Trek Voyager, which is the only Star Trek series I followed.
I also read L.E. Modesitt's Archform:Beauty. Was an OK read.
I'm still searching for a GOOD Sci-Fi read...I'll probably go for Childhood's End.