Based on recent reads (will edit if I remember more):

* "Daros" by Dave Dobson https://www.amazon.com/Daros-Dave-Dobson-ebook/dp/B0946C153P - At the heart of the plot was a powerful artifact with different groups vying to gain access for different reasons. The humor, especially the chapter titles, worked well for me. Features mysterious creature, a sassy AI, a fast paced plot with good amount of action, etc.

* "Dim Stars: A Novel of Outer-Space Shenanigans" by Brian P. Rubin https://www.amazon.com/Dim-Stars-Novel-Outer-Space-Shenaniga... - Fun and filled with humor that had me laughing almost every page, especially enjoyed the slice-of-life feel in the first half of the novel

* "We Are Legion (We Are Bob)" by Dennis Taylor https://www.amazon.com/Are-Legion-Bob-Bobiverse-Book-ebook/d... - read the first one a few years back, remember enjoying it, need to read the sequels...

* "The Shadows of Dust" by Alec Hutson https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Dust-Alec-Hutson-ebook/dp/B08... - spacy fantasy featuring giant turtles as spaceships, not really sci-fi

See also https://thespsfc.org/2021-results/ Self-Published Science Fiction Competition, found Daros there

If you liked Dobson's book then I heartily recommend Zelazny's "Doorways in the Sand", which I've read half a dozen times over the years with equal pleasure.

Thanks, I'll check it out :)