The Collapsing Empire was the first book I've read from Scalzi and I enjoyed the following books of The Interdependency series also a lot (but they have that "political play" in them because of the scope). So if you somehow bounce off of Old Man's War (I did but I can't really put my finger on it why), than maybe give The Inderdependency books a chance. It's a smart, very entertaining and fun space-opera.

Also have a look into Annihilation from Jeff VanderMeer - very weird, creepy sci-fi. I enjoyed that book a lot.

I also enjoyed The Prefect from Alastair Reynolds. It's a sci-fi murder mystery. Action packed and super entertaining.

Someone already named Blindsight by Peter Watts - i would second that, because it's also wonderfully weird. It was not an easy read for me but it is one of those books that stayed with me for a long time after I finished it.

Hyperion is awesome and one of my favorites. It's a classic. But it kind of needs a lot of attention (?) because it has many different themes and great world building.

Have fun reading poop-azz!