The Honor Harrington novels are military space opera set in the far future.  Captain Harrington commands in a futuristic space navy, defending the Kingdom of Manticore.  The ftl technology and combat are thought out in detail, and if this futuristic navy in some ways resembles that of the British Empire, it gives the reader a foothold to get involved in the story.  She is telepathically linked to an alien slightly larger than a cat, who goes everywhere with her - and whose death she might not survive.

If this series sounds like your cup of tea, you could start with The Short Victorious War or Field of Dishonor.  Better request them from my shelf before someone else does - Weber is popular.