'Proper galaxy-spanning space opera' Iain M. Banks on Seeds of Earth

Darien is no longer a lost outpost of humanity, but the prize in an intergalactic power struggle. Hegemony forces control the planet, while Earth merely observes, rendered impotent by galactic politics. Yet Earth's ambassador to Darien will become a player in a greater conflict as there is more at stake than a turf war on a newly discovered world.

An ancient temple hides access to a hyperspace prison, housing the greatest threat sentient life has ever known. Millennia ago, malignant intelligences were caged there following an apocalyptic struggle, and their servants work on their release. Now a new war is coming.

For more epic space opera action from Michael Cobley, check out:

Humanity's Fire Trilogy:

Seeds of Earth
The Orphaned Worlds
The Ascendant Stars

Standalone novels in the Humanity's Fire universe:

Ancestral Machines

Splintered Suns

Also look out for Cobley's epic fantasy trilogy, Shadowkings!