What the title says, I’m tired of the trope where humans are the least advanced in the universe.
I’d like to read something different where we’re the more advanced ones (not necessarily the most advanced). As an example I quite enjoyed the Ender’s Game sequels and the angle of us being the more advanced ones was quite interesting.
Do you have any recommendations?
Not sure if this is what you are looking for.
Iain M Banks Culture books centre around The Culture a human civ (but not earth humans) who are one of the most advanced civs in a milky way with tens of thousands of sentient races at various level of development.
Came here to suggest the culture series. First thing that popped into my mind while reading the question.
Ursula K. Le Guin’s books in the Hainish Cycle might also fit the bill.
Sounds interesting, will check it out. Thank you!
Reading some of your other replies I think you will enjoy, The Culture. Banks created a galaxy that really feels lived in and the interactions of the civs at various tech levels works really well.
That has been recommended multiple times here and it indeed sounds like what I’m looking for. Thanks!
The Algebraist is an excellent standalone Banks book.
Humans finally make it out into the galactic community only to find humans are already there and that the galaxy is crawling with life of incredibly diverse kinds literally everywhere.
It’s one of his best.