7 Best Steampunk Books You Must Read In 2025

Steampunk has always offered something extraordinary—a fusion of Victorian-era ingenuity, clockwork imagination, and speculative what-ifs that stretch the bounds of fantasy, science fiction, and alternate history. As enthusiasts of this genre, we understand the thrill of stepping into worlds powered by steam, ruled by mechanical marvels, and shaped by the daring minds who roam them. Below is a list of 7 best steampunk books you must read in 2025.

Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a curious newcomer, the books below offer unforgettable journeys into brass gears and bold possibilities.

1. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel launches readers into a Victorian London where demons, automatons, and secret societies intertwine. Tessa Gray, arriving from America under mysterious circumstances, soon discovers her own extraordinary abilities and becomes entangled with the Shadowhunters—warriors battling supernatural threats. Clare blends romance, suspense, and meticulously crafted worldbuilding, creating an atmospheric tale filled with ornate gadgets and dark conspiracies. The relationships among characters, especially the emotional bond between Tessa and the enigmatic Will and Jem, elevate the story beyond its supernatural conflict. It’s a captivating blend of steampunk aesthetics and fantasy that appeals to both teen and adult readers.

2. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

Cherie Priest’s Boneshaker transports readers into a haunting, alternate-history Seattle consumed by a mysterious gas that turns citizens into undead “rotters.” The story centers on Briar Wilkes and her son Zeke, who venture into the quarantined city searching for truth and redemption. Priest’s writing shines through vivid descriptions, tense action, and a steampunk world teeming with airships, renegade inventors, and fractured communities. At its core, the book explores sacrifice, resilience, and the legacy of past mistakes. The eerie atmosphere paired with heartfelt character development elevates this novel into one of steampunk’s most gripping and emotionally resonant adventures.

3. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan blends steampunk innovation with alternate history, presenting a World War I fought not with traditional machines but with engineered creatures and mechanized marvels. Told through alternating perspectives—Deryn, a girl disguising herself as a boy to join the British Air Service, and Alek, a displaced heir—the story uncovers themes of identity, duty, and unlikely friendship. Westerfeld’s imaginative fusion of biotechnology and machinery creates a strikingly original universe supported by stunning illustrations. The novel’s lively pacing, cinematic battles, and emotionally grounded characters make it accessible to both teens and adults. It’s a standout work that reinvents historical conflict with creative brilliance.

4. Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

Mortal Engines introduces a post-apocalyptic world where entire cities move on massive engines, consuming smaller towns in a brutal system known as Municipal Darwinism. The narrative follows Tom Natsworthy and the fiercely scarred Hester Shaw as they unravel secrets tied to London’s dominance and a weapon of devastating potential. Reeve’s worldbuilding is bold and imaginative, blending steampunk engineering with themes of survival, ecological collapse, and moral accountability. The characters’ emotional journeys give depth to an otherwise harsh world, making the story resonate beyond its action-packed plot. It’s a fast, inventive, and surprisingly poignant exploration of power and humanity.

5. Perdido Street Station by China Miéville

Perdido Street Station plunges readers into the sprawling, chaotic metropolis of New Crobuzon, a city teeming with bizarre species, corrupt officials, and haunting secrets. The story follows Isaac, a scientist whose experimental pursuits unleash a terrifying force that threatens the entire city. Miéville’s prose is lush, gritty, and unapologetically dense, crafting a world that feels both alien and familiar. With its combination of industrial aesthetics, dark magic, and socio-political complexity, the novel stretches the boundaries of traditional steampunk. Its raw creativity, philosophical depth, and unforgettable imagery make it a cornerstone of the New Weird movement and a must-read for genre fans.

6. Soulless by Gail Carriger

Soulless blends Victorian elegance with supernatural intrigue, following Alexia Tarabotti, a sharp-witted woman born without a soul who can neutralize paranormal powers. When London becomes entangled in mysterious disappearances and supernatural disturbances, Alexia finds herself working alongside Lord Maccon, an enigmatic werewolf investigator. Carriger’s humor, charm, and clever dialogue make the story a delight, while the inventive use of steampunk gadgets enhances its whimsical tone. Beyond its romance and comedy, the novel offers subtle commentary on societal expectations, independence, and identity. Lighthearted yet richly imagined, it’s the perfect introduction for readers who enjoy character-driven steampunk with a romantic twist.

7. The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook

The Iron Duke delivers an intense blend of swashbuckling adventure, political intrigue, and slow-burning romance in a meticulously crafted neo-Victorian world. The story follows Rhys Trahaearn, a war hero hailed as a national symbol, and Mina Wentworth, a dedicated detective navigating class tensions and post-war trauma. Nanotechnology, airship battles, and social unrest add layers of complexity to a world still healing from occupation and fear. Brook excels at exploring resilience, trust, and the cost of freedom while building a dynamic relationship between her protagonists. The result is a gripping, atmospheric tale that broadens steampunk’s emotional and thematic range.

Conclusion

Whether you’re drawn to airships soaring above dystopian cities, clockwork creations whispering secrets of the past, or alternate histories filled with rebellion and reinvention, these 7 best steampunk books offer unforgettable journeys. Each title pushes the boundaries of imagination while grounding readers in universal emotions—courage, curiosity, longing, and hope.

As we continue exploring this genre’s endless possibilities, we invite you to let these stories spark your own sense of adventure. Pick up one book—or all ten—and step into worlds where steam powers destiny and imagination knows no limits.