The steampunk fantasy genre is one that has been around for a long time. It’s known as a blend between science fiction and fantasy, where steam power is the dominant technological force of society. These novels are usually set in an alternative history with different rules and conventions, such as wizards living alongside people or monsters being real. Steampunk books often have elements from other genres too – like mystery or romance – so there really is something for everyone! Here are 5 must-read steampunk fantasy novels…
Best Steampunk Fantasy Novels:
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, City of Bones
Clary Fray is a 15-year old girl who finds out that she’s actually a Shadowhunter. Along with her newfound allies (a group of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons) and the help from others in their party, they have to try and stop Valentine Morgenstern – an evil warlock hellbent on destroying all human life…
This book was my favourite steampunk novel for two reasons; one being how original it is, as very few fantasy novels are written about demon hunting teens! I also loved the fact that this story wasn’t just focused on one character or relationship but instead showed different perspectives from all the characters and how they connect to each other.
This book was published in 2007, but I first read it a few years ago because my friend recommended this series to me. As soon as I finished reading City of Bones, I picked up City of Ashes (the second novel) right away!
I would recommend this steampunk fantasy novel for anyone who’s looking for an adventurous story that will keep you on your toes – even with its slower moments!
If you’re new to steampunk or just want something different than the typical high-fantasy stories out there, then check out one of these five must-read novels from our list. You won’t regret it!
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is about a girl named Luna who is gifted with extraordinary powers that she must figure out how to use in order to protect her town.
Luna’s grandmother, a witch and the village healer, tells her not to leave their swampy home or drink from any of the enchanted creeks. But one night Luna disobey’s her grandmoth er’s orders by drinking from an enchanted water creek when she hears something that sounds like crying coming from deep inside it-and what happens next changes both their lives forever.
This steampunk fantasy novel for young readers will have you hooked on its magical tale about family and friendship!
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
In Unwind/Neal Shusterman’s first novel set in dystopian future America, teens are not allowed to die-instead they’re harvested for their body parts which then get transplanted into other people who need them (or if there isn’t a need, they’re left in “sleepers” to grow until someone needs them). Connor is a runaway who has come back home only to be unwound for the parts inside him.
Connor wants out of his fate but knows he isn’t going anywhere without some help-especially because this time he’s on the run with Lev, a kid who was never supposed to exist.
In Unwind/Neal Shusterman gives readers an action packed story about love and life that will leave you breathless!
Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson In Mistborn:
The Final Empire (Book One)/Brandon Sanderson drops readers into an epic world where there are aristocrats living lavishly while outside their castle walls hunger ravages through society .
The novel follows a young man named Kelsier and his friends as they try to save the world.
This is an action-packed, suspenseful story with plenty of twists that will keep readers on their toes until the very end!
Wool by Hugh Howey
In Wool/Hugh Howey drops us into a future where survival seems impossible in this landscape full of ash and rubble. The air can be toxic at times as people live underground trying only to plant enough crops for small amounts of food. There are many who have chosen not to participate in what life there is left; instead choosing violence or just giving up completely… but then again some don’t want any part of it either because every time you emerge from your protective bunker it’s a dangerous world.
It seems like the perfect place for our main character Jonas to hide, until he meets a girl and begins doing more than just surviving… in fact this is what life could be about again. Full of hope rather that despair as people around him are changing too because they’re daring each other not to give up on humanity!
The Iron Dragon
In The Iron Dragon/Tanya Huff’s books readers will find themselves immersed in worlds where magic can heal wounds and curses abound; there are dragons who roam free throughout the land and even zombies might be out there looking for victims! It should come at no surprise then that these stories contain plenty of adventure with some romance thrown into the mix as well.
While the author’s work can be classified as fantasy, she also has many other genres that are represented in her novels. The Iron Dragon is a blend of steampunk and post-apocalyptic fiction which means readers will find themselves immersed in worlds where magic can heal wounds and curses abound; there are dragons who roam free throughout the land and even zombies might be out there looking for victims! It should come at no surprise then that these stories contain plenty of adventure with some romance thrown into the mix as well.
Aboard one such ship, Jonas meets Thalia – an engineer by trade but captain by default when their passengers go missing after picking up something they shouldn’t have from a plague world…a girl who feels like home to him so he puts everything on the line to help her save them all.
Anno Dracula series (a steampunk vampire novel) by Kim Newman
Anno Dracula series (a steampunk vampire novel) by Kim Newman is about a vampire who is out of place in time. Having been there since the Victorian Era, he’s seen enough to know that it will eventually end with monsters on top and humans at their mercy…or worse still killed off completely. So when his most trusted lieutenant informs him about something strange happening after they’ve helped the Americans win World War One, he sets out to investigate what could be an even greater threat than anything else before! There are zombies involved as well as other supernatural beings so some steampunk elements come into play too while mysteries abound. The first installment introduces readers to Van Helsing – a doctor turned hunter who has no qualms about killing vampires or any other creatures that happen to cross his path.
Age of the Tempest by James R. Tuck
– Written by James R. Tuck, “Age of the Tempest” features steampunk and science fiction elements while a mysterious plague is sweeping across Europe with only one group – an aristocratic brotherhood known as The Order – able to stop it from becoming a pandemic that would wipe out humanity entirely. There’s also plenty of action in this story too so there are moments where guns blaze and blood flows freely! This series will be five books long but each installment can be read on its own if need be without any problems whatsoever.”I’m not quite sure how I came up with the idea for Age of the Tempest,” said author James R. Tuck when asked about what gave him inspiration for starting this series. “I really enjoy steampunk and science fiction, but I wanted to create a world where the two collide and it’s not one or the other.”
The Clockwork Crown by Beth Cato
The Clockwork Crown is a fantastic steampunk novel that is set in an alternate world where the British Empire never fell. In this world, steam-powered automatons and airships are commonplace, and Queen Victoria is still the ruler of the British Empire. The story follows Lady Emily Hargreaves, a young woman who is trying to find her place in the world. After her father is killed, she is sent to live with her uncle, who is the head of the British Empire. Emily soon discovers that her uncle is up to something nefarious, and she must use her wits and her mechanical skills to stop him. The Clockwork Crown is a thrilling and action-packed steampunk adventure that will keep you hooked until the very end. The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia The Alchemy of Stone is a fantastic steampunk novel that is set in an alternate world where machines are fueled by magic. In this world, the Industrial Revolution never happened, and the world is instead ruled by alchemists and magicians. The story follows Sophia, a young alchemist who is trying to find her place in the world. After her mentor is killed, she is forced to flee her home and go on a dangerous journey. Sophia soon discovers that she is the key to stopping a war that could destroy the world. The Alchemy of Stone is a thrilling and action-packed steampunk adventure that will keep you hooked until the very end. The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook The Iron Duke is a fantastic steampunk novel that is set in an alternate world where the British Empire never fell. In this world, steam-powered automatons and airships are commonplace, and the British Empire is ruled by a steam-powered automaton known as the Iron Duke. The story follows Rhys, a former soldier who is now a steam mechanic. He is hired by the Iron Duke to fix his automaton army, but he soon discovers that the Iron Duke is up to something nefarious. Rhys must use his skills as a mechanic and a soldier to stop the Iron Duke and save the British Empire. The Iron Duke is a thrilling and action-packed steampunk adventure that will keep you hooked until the very end. The Girl in the Glass Tower by Elizabeth Fremantle The Girl in the Glass Tower is a fantastic steampunk novel that is set in an alternate world where the British Empire never fell. In this world, the
The Inventor’s Secret by Elizabeth Knox
The Steampunk Chronicles by K.W. Jeter Morlock Night by K.W. Jeter The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling The Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson What is steampunk? It’s a genre of speculative fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a Victorian setting. If you’re a fan of this genre, then you’re probably looking for some good reads. Here are five steampunk fantasy novels that you should check out. The Inventor’s Secret by Elizabeth Knox This is a young adult novel that tells the story of a girl named Charlotte who is trying to save her father. He’s been imprisoned by a group of steam-powered robots, and Charlotte is determined to find a way to free him. This book is full of action and adventure, and it’s a great read for anyone who loves steampunk. The Steampunk Chronicles by K.W. Jeter This is a series of three books that follows the adventures of a group of friends who are trying to stop a mad scientist from taking over the world. If you’re looking for a good steampunk adventure, then you should definitely check out this series. Morlock Night by K.W. Jeter This is another book by K.W. Jeter, and it’s a sequel to The War of the Worlds. It tells the story of a group of scientists who are trying to stop a madman from using a time machine to take over the world. This book is full of action and adventure, and it’s a great read for anyone who loves steampunk. The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling This is a classic steampunk novel that was first published in 1990. It tells the story of a group of scientists who build a machine that can predict the future. This book is full of action and adventure, and it’s a great read for anyone who loves steampunk. The Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson This is a new steampunk novel that was published in 2017. It tells the story of a group of scientists who are trying to stop a madman from using a time machine to take over the world. This book is full of action and adventure, and it’s a great read for anyone who
The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia
In an alternate history where alchemists and mechanical beings walk the earth, Mattie, a clockwork engineer, travels to the city of Detroit to repair a automaton and falls in love with the machine’s owner, the mysterious and reclusive Mr. S. While her heart tells her to stay with Mr. S., her head tells her that she must finish her work and return to her own people. The Anvil of the World by Elizabeth Bear In a world where the technological and magical are one and the same, Kit Livingstone must find a way to undo the damage his ancestor has done and save the world from the evil tyrant, the Red Queen. The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez In a world where vampires are outcasts and have to hide their true nature, Gilda comes of age and learns to survive in a hostile world. The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook In a world where the British Empire rules the seas, a duke with a mechanical heart must find a way to save his people from a madman who wants to destroy them all. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker In a world where the magical and the mundane intersect, two very different creatures–a golem made of clay and a jinni made of fire–find themselves living in New York City and must find a way to coexist.
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
The Golem and the Jinni is a historical fantasy novel by American author Helene Wecker. It was published in 2013 by HarperCollins. The novel tells the story of two supernatural creatures who immigrate to New York City in the early twentieth century. Chava, a golem, and Ahmad, a jinni, quickly become friends and help each other adjust to life in the city. However, they soon discover that they are not the only supernatural beings in New York. The Golem and the Jinni has been praised by critics, who have called it “enchanting” and “richly imagined”. If you’re looking for a spellbinding steampunk novel to read, then you should check out The Golem and the Jinni. This book tells the story of two supernatural creatures who come to New York City in the early twentieth century. Chava, a golem, and Ahmad, a jinni, soon become friends and help each other adjust to life in the city. However, they soon discover that they are not the only supernatural beings in New York. The Golem and the Jinni has been praised by critics, who have called it “enchanting” and “richly imagined”. If you’re looking for a good steampunk read, then you should definitely check out this book.
Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
The Clockwork Century, Cherie Priest’s acclaimed steampunk series, begins with Boneshaker. Set in an alternate Seattle of the late 19th century, the novel introduces readers to a city astride the two worlds of science and magic. When wicked things start to go bump in the night, army engineer and widow Briar Wilkes ventures into the frozen heart of the city to save her son from a madman scientist who’s been using him as a guinea pig in his sinister experiments. What Briar doesn’t know is that her son is the only one who can stop the scientist’s machines from running amok and unleashing a zombie plague that will engulf Seattle. With the help of a friendly zombie named Zeke and a motley assortment of outlaws, Briar sets out to rescue her son and save the city. Boneshaker is a roller coaster of a read, filled with action, adventure, and humor. It’s also a loving homage to classic horror and science fiction movies, and a terrific introduction to steampunk. The Gaslight Chronicles by Stirling Lee The Gaslight Chronicles is a steampunk series set in an alternate version of Victorian London. The series begins with The Alchemy of Stone, which tells the story of Mattie, a clockwork automaton who is seeking to regain her freedom and find the creator who robbed her of it. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters, including a charming airship pirate, a mad scientist, and a talking monkey. The Alchemy of Stone is a fast-paced, action-packed novel that will appeal to fans of steampunk, fantasy, and adventure. The sequel, The Iron Crown, is due to be released in February 2016. The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger The Parasol Protectorate series is set in a Victorian world where the British Empire rules the skies with airships and steam-powered machines. The series begins with Soulless, which introduces readers to Alexia Tarabotti, a young woman who was born without a soul. Because of this, she has the ability to neutralize the supernatural abilities of others, making her a valuable asset to the Queen. When Alexia is attacked by a vampire, she is saved by Lord Maccon, the leader of the local werewolf pack. Macon is instantly smitten with Alexia, and the two soon find themselves embroiled
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia The Girl in the Glass Tower by Elizabeth Fremantle Gilded Cage by Vic James The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher What is steampunk? Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century. Steampunk often explores the potential consequences of scientific, social, and technological innovations. What is fantasy? Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that typically features imaginative and magical elements. It often includes elements of other genres, such as science fiction, horror, and historical fiction. What is speculative fiction? Speculative fiction is a genre of fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life. So, what do all these genres have in common? They all deal with the fantastic, the imaginary, and the unreal. They all explore the possibilities that exist beyond the world that we know. And they all offer a unique and different perspective on the world we live in. If you’re looking for a good steampunk novel to read, here are five recommendations: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia The Girl in the Glass Tower by Elizabeth Fremantle Gilded Cage by Vic James The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
As an avid reader, I am always looking for my next great read. This summer, I discovered the world of steampunk and have since become obsessed. If you’re not familiar with the genre, steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a Victorian setting. Here are five of my favorite steampunk fantasy novels to get you started. Airborn by Kenneth Oppel This is the first novel in the Airborn series and tells the story of a young cabin boy named Matt Cruse who, while aboard a luxury airship, meets a girl who is trying to escape from a group of pirates. Together, they must find a way to stop the pirates and save the passengers on the ship. The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross This is the first novel in the Steampunk Chronicles series and tells the story of a young girl named Finley who is rescued from a life of servitude by a man who gives her a clockwork collar that allows her to speak and breathe. Finley must then use her new-found freedom to help the man find his kidnapped daughter. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick This novel tells the story of a young orphan boy named Hugo who lives in a train station in Paris and tends to the clocks. When Hugo’s father dies, he is forced to live on his own and finds a secret workshop where he meets a mysterious old man who helps him fix a broken automaton. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld This is the first novel in the Leviathan series and tells the story of a young airman named Alek who, with the help of a girl named Deryn, must stop the Austrian Empire from taking over the world. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern This is a novel about two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are pitted against each other in a mysterious competition that takes place only at night.
