If you liked the Expanse you might be interested in Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars series, and for the same reasons.
As for your original question, for me the important part is good writing and story telling. Some writers' styles just turn me off no matter how good or important the work is. Narrative style is what makes or breaks a book for me no matter the genre.
It's one I gave myself: I told my adult and nearly adult sons this year that we aren't doing Xmas anymore because we're atheist and anti-capitalist and as a holiday it is counter to our beliefs. The kids didn't care and I'm off the hook from now on. Best Xmas gift ever!
If you liked the Expanse you might be interested in Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars series, and for the same reasons.
As for your original question, for me the important part is good writing and story telling. Some writers' styles just turn me off no matter how good or important the work is. Narrative style is what makes or breaks a book for me no matter the genre.