I'm looking for some science fiction series recommendations

So I've been reading lists/blog posts/other people liked this on amazon & goodreads etc trying to find some series to read that are similar to some of my more recently read (past 5 years or so) favorites. Here's what I've really liked:

Stuff I did not like:

Rebellion: Star Force, Book 3 by B. V. Larson

in

"REBELLION is the turning point in the great interstellar war between all living creatures and the machines. Star Force is on the side of the machines--but for how long?

In the third book of the Star Force series, Kyle Riggs learns just what kind of war Earth is caught up in. At the mercy of the Macros, his marines fight against new alien races, big and small. They battle the innocent and the vile alike, until their situation becomes grim."

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In this installment of Star Force we meet a quirky little character, reminiscent of Johnny Five... "his" name is Marvin. Combined with the introduction of Marvin and some solid character building this book doesn't have as much action as the first two but does set up the next 3 books nicely.