Top 25 Steampunk Books You Can't Put Down

Welcome to a world where Victorian elegance meets steam-powered machinery, where airships soar through the skies, and clockwork contraptions come to life. Steampunk literature combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction, creating a genre rich in adventure, innovation, and a touch of nostalgia. In this blog post, we present 25 top steampunk books that will transport you to extraordinary worlds filled with brass gears, corsets, and daring escapades. Get ready to embark on a journey through time and imagination!

1. "Perdido Street Station" by China Miéville (2000):

Set in the city of New Crobuzon, a sprawling metropolis teeming with strange creatures and technology, "Perdido Street Station" follows scientist Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin as he is drawn into a dangerous quest to save a mysterious half-bird, half-human creature. China Miéville's imaginative storytelling, rich world-building, and intricate plot make this steampunk novel a must-read for fans of the genre.

2. "Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest (2009):

In the alternate history of "Boneshaker," Seattle is a city plagued by toxic gas and overrun by zombies. Briar Wilkes ventures into the dangerous ruins of the city's underground to save her son, who inadvertently unleashed the toxic gas. Cherie Priest's riveting tale combines steampunk, horror, and adventure, offering a thrilling and atmospheric reading experience.

3. "Leviathan" by Scott Westerfeld (2009):

Set during an alternate World War I, "Leviathan" introduces readers to a world divided between Darwinists, who create fabricated creatures, and Clankers, who rely on steam-powered machinery. As the paths of a young prince and a daring girl cross, they become caught up in a conflict that could change the course of the war. Scott Westerfeld's steampunk saga is a blend of action, intrigue, and extraordinary inventions.

4. "The Difference Engine" by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling (1990):

"The Difference Engine" imagines a world where Charles Babbage's analytical engine was successfully built in the Victorian era, transforming society and technology. In this alternate history, William Gibson and Bruce Sterling explore the consequences of early computer technology and its impact on power, politics, and the individual. This thought-provoking novel is a classic of the steampunk genre.

5. "Soulless" by Gail Carriger (2009):

Alexia Tarabotti, a woman without a soul in a world of supernatural beings, becomes embroiled in a mysterious plot that threatens the delicate balance between humans and the paranormal. With its witty dialogue, strong female protagonist, and a delightful mix of Victorian sensibility and supernatural charm, Gail Carriger's "Soulless" is a delightful steampunk romp that will leave you craving more.

6. "The Iron Duke" by Meljean Brook (2010):

In a steampunk version of England, the Iron Duke Rhys Trahaearn, a rugged and enigmatic hero, teams up with the brilliant investigator Mina Wentworth to unravel a conspiracy that could shake their society to its core. Meljean Brook's "The Iron Duke" combines romance, adventure, and political intrigue, offering a captivating blend of steampunk and swashbuckling excitement.

7. "Mortal Engines" by Philip Reeve (2001):

In a post-apocalyptic world where cities roam on massive, mobile traction cities, Tom Natsworthy finds himself thrown into an epic adventure when he encounters Hester Shaw, a scarred and dangerous fugitive. Philip Reeve's "Mortal Engines" is a thrilling and imaginative steampunk series that explores themes of power, survival, and the consequences of human greed.

8. "Clockwork Angel" by Cassandra Clare (2010):

Set in Victorian London, "Clockwork Angel" follows Tessa Gray, a young girl with a unique power, as she gets entangled in the world of Shadowhunters, demons, and clockwork creatures. Cassandra Clare's blend of fantasy, romance, and steampunk elements creates an immersive and action-packed tale that will captivate readers from the first page.

9. "The Peculiar" by Stefan Bachmann (2012):

In a world where faeries and humans coexist, Bartholomew Kettle, a changeling boy with horns and wings, becomes entangled in a conspiracy that threatens the delicate balance between the two realms. Stefan Bachmann's "The Peculiar" is a whimsical and atmospheric steampunk adventure filled with mystery, magic, and unforgettable characters.

10. "The Alchemy of Stone" by Ekaterina Sedia (2008):

In a city governed by clockwork automata, Mattie, a sentient automaton created by a master alchemist, must navigate a society on the brink of revolution. As she delves deeper into the secrets of alchemy and the dark underbelly of the city, Mattie's own existence becomes intertwined with the fate of the city itself. Ekaterina Sedia's "The Alchemy of Stone" is a thought-provoking and beautifully written steampunk novel that explores themes of identity, freedom, and sacrifice.

11. "The Girl with the Windup Heart" by Kady Cross (2014):

In the fourth installment of the "Steampunk Chronicles" series, Kady Cross introduces readers to a Victorian London filled with automatons, airships, and secret societies. As Finley Jayne and her group of misfit friends embark on a perilous mission to save their friend, they uncover a sinister plot that could have far-reaching consequences. "The Girl with the Windup Heart" is a thrilling steampunk adventure brimming with romance, mystery, and heart-pounding action.

12."The Aeronaut's Windlass" by Jim Butcher (2015):

In a world where spires rise above the clouds and crystal-powered airships rule the skies, Captain Grimm and his crew find themselves caught in a deadly conflict between rival factions. As they navigate treacherous skies and face monstrous creatures, they uncover a secret that could change the fate of their world. Jim Butcher's "The Aeronaut's Windlass" is a high-flying steampunk fantasy filled with intricate world-building, dynamic characters, and epic battles.

13. "Everland" by Wendy Spinale (2016):

In a steampunk reimagining of Peter Pan, Wendy Spinale presents a dystopian world devastated by a deadly virus and ruled by the sinister Captain Hook. Gwen Darling and her siblings embark on a daring journey through the war-torn London to find a cure for the virus. With its inventive twists on familiar characters and a thrilling adventure set in a steampunk landscape, "Everland" is a captivating tale for fans of both steampunk and classic literature.

14. "The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack" by Mark Hodder (2010):

In an alternate Victorian era, Sir Richard Francis Burton, a renowned explorer, investigates the mysterious appearance of Spring Heeled Jack, a legendary figure who terrorizes London. As Burton delves deeper into the conspiracy surrounding Jack, he uncovers a plot that threatens the fabric of time itself. Mark Hodder's "The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack" is a mind-bending steampunk adventure that combines historical figures, time travel, and a touch of the supernatural.

15. "Gideon Smith and the Mechanical Girl" by David Barnett (2013):

In an alternative nineteenth-century England, young Gideon Smith embarks on a quest to save his missing father and uncovers a world of mechanical wonders and dastardly villains. With the help of an automaton girl named Maria, Gideon must navigate airships, encounter strange creatures, and unravel the mysteries of the Empire. "Gideon Smith and the Mechanical Girl" is a rollicking steampunk adventure filled with humor, action, and a dash of steampunk whimsy.

16. "Etiquette & Espionage" by Gail Carriger (2013):

Set in a finishing school for young ladies that secretly trains them in espionage and assassination, "Etiquette & Espionage" follows the adventures of Sophronia Temminnick as she learns the art of curtsying and covert operations. Gail Carriger's witty writing, strong female characters, and clever blend of steampunk and supernatural elements make this series opener a delightful and entertaining read.

17. "The Half-Made World" by Felix Gilman (2010):

In a world where two factions, the Line and the Gun, vie for control over a half-formed and chaotic landscape, Liv Alverhuysen and Creedmor Kales embark on separate journeys that will bring them face-to-face with the dark powers shaping their world. "The Half-Made World" is a compelling and atmospheric steampunk fantasy that blends elements of Western, horror, and alternate history to create a unique and immersive reading experience.

18. "Phoenix Rising" by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris (2011):

In a steampunk version of Victorian England, Agents Eliza Braun and Wellington Books join forces in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences to investigate supernatural mysteries and thwart nefarious plots. Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris combine witty banter, steampunk gadgets, and thrilling adventures in "Phoenix Rising," the first book of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series.

19. "The Emperor's Edge" by Lindsay Buroker (2010):

Amidst a backdrop of steam-powered technology, swords, and political intrigue, Amaranthe Lokdon, a law enforcer, and a team of misfit individuals find themselves entangled in a conspiracy that could change the fate of the empire. Lindsay Buroker's "The Emperor's Edge" is a fast-paced steampunk adventure with compelling characters, snappy dialogue, and a dash of romance.

20. "The Clockwork Dynasty" by Daniel H. Wilson (2017):

Blending historical fiction, mythology, and steampunk elements, "The Clockwork Dynasty" follows the journey of June Stefanov, a young anthropologist, as she unravels the mystery of the avtomats - ancient mechanical beings that have secretly shaped human history. Daniel H. Wilson's novel takes readers on a captivating and thought-provoking adventure that explores the boundaries between humanity and machines.

21. "Retribution Falls" by Chris Wooding (2009):

In a world of sky pirates and airborne adventures, Darian Frey, captain of the airship Ketty Jay, and his motley crew become entangled in a dangerous heist that could cost them everything. "Retribution Falls" is a thrilling steampunk adventure filled with swashbuckling action, colorful characters, and high-flying escapades that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

22. "The Girl in the Steel Corset" by Kady Cross (2011):

In Victorian London, Finley Jayne, a young woman with extraordinary abilities, finds herself torn between her dual nature and her place among a group of misfits with unique powers. Kady Cross's "The Girl in the Steel Corset" blends steampunk, romance, and suspense to create a captivating tale of secrets, betrayal, and self-discovery.

23. "The Diamond Age" by Neal Stephenson (1995):

Set in a future where nanotechnology and Victorian values coexist, "The Diamond Age" follows the life of Nell, a young girl who receives a stolen interactive book that becomes her guide in a world of political intrigue and social upheaval. Neal Stephenson's novel is a complex and visionary work that explores themes of education, technology, and the power of storytelling.

24. "Larklight" by Philip Reeve (2006):

In a whimsical and imaginative steampunk adventure, Art Mumby and his sister Myrtle find themselves embroiled in an interplanetary conflict as they uncover a plot that threatens the fate of the universe. "Larklight" is a delightful blend of steampunk, humor, and cosmic exploration that will enchant readers of all ages.

25. "Mechanique: A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti" by Genevieve Valentine (2011):

In a post-apocalyptic world, a traveling circus troupe known as the Circus Tresaulti showcases their breathtaking performances, blending magic, acrobatics, and mechanical wonders. Genevieve Valentine's "Mechanique" is a lyrical and atmospheric steampunk novel that weaves together themes of art, humanity, and the search for meaning in a world on the brink of collapse.

Conclusion:

From dystopian metropolises to sky-bound adventures, the world of steampunk literature offers a diverse array of imaginative tales that capture the essence of a bygone era infused with fantastical technology and daring escapades. Whether you're a fan of airships, clockwork contraptions, or intricate world-building, these 25 top steampunk books are sure to ignite your imagination and transport you to extraordinary realms where the possibilities are limited only by the bounds of invention and imagination. So, grab your goggles, adjust your corset, and embark on a thrilling journey through the gears and cogs of steampunk literature. Adventure awaits!