10 Best Steampunk Novels

Hail Solo, dear reader. It is past time for a new blog post. I have decided to expand the topics beyond the World System and share this space with Balthasar. Never fear! Those of you who have enjoyed his world-building, he will continue to publish those posts periodically here, too. But the world is a big place and there is so much to write about and that I want to converse with you about, dear reader.  I'm starting off with a look at the broader genre of steampunk, and ten of my favorite novels. Whether you love steampunk or are new to the genre, there are some great reads below. I have listed them in no particular order beginning with: 

10. Soulless By Gail Carriger 

How could I not include a steampunk novel by a fellow archaeologist? I had the good fortune to meet Gail at Superstars Writing Seminar in February 2024. In addition to being an incredible writer, she is a kind, supportive person. Her advice helped but me on the indie publishing path, and encouraged me to embrace the wide world of steampunk. Soulless is the first book in her Parasol Protectorate series. The protagonist, Alexia Tarabotti, finds herself without a soul while living in a version of Victorian London full of supernatural beings. Part paranormal romance, part steampunk, part urban fantasy, this is a fun and compelling read from NYT Bestselling Author Carriger.

9. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

This book combines time travel, werewolves, Egyptian mythology, 19th century poetry, and Regency England in a riveting Sherlockian tale. Brendan Doyle (the allusion to Sir Arthur is intentional) escorts a millionaire back in time to attend an 1810 lecture by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Doyle befriends Coleridge after becoming trapped in the past and they embark on a rollicking adventure pursued by street urchins, Egyptian mages, and a mysterious poet, William Ashbless.

8. Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve

Don't judge a book by its movie! The 25% the movie received on Rotten Tomatoes should not color your opinion of this gem. This first installment of the Mortal Engines Quartet is excellent. A young historian forms an unlikely partnership with an outlaw to investigate the secrets of a renowned archaeologist in a dystopian world of mobile cities and merchant dirigibles. (Are you picking up on this historian/archaeology theme yet? -- Remember this when you ask, but why, Andrew, why did you decide to write steampunk!?--hint: it's not just because 'dirigible' is an awesome word).
​
7. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

This trilogy fits firmly in the YA category, so get your kids interested in Steampunk! This is an alternate history of WWI pitting the biological machines of the British and their allies against the mechanical monsters of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The books include wonderful illustrations by Keith Thompson. The story follows Prince Aleksandyr and English aeronaut Deryn Sharp as their lives collide in unexpected ways, leading to a glorious round-the-world adventure.

6. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from Leigh Bardugo. Some may argue whether or not it's steampunk, but I say: Yay! I have heard it called steampunk-adjacent or tsarpunk. While the language nerd in me appreciates the latter categorization, one book does not a genre make. Still, the Russian influence in this is heavy and I love it. Alina Starkov is a military cartographer until the Darkling discovers her latent magical powers, whereupon she is whisked away to study with the other Grisha (mages). Soon the whole world depends on her power to destroy the dreaded Shadow Fold that divides her country.

5. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

Book 1 of the Clockwork Century is set in post-Apocalyptic Seattle. It is one of the most immersive steampunk worlds I've found. From dirigibles to complex gearing mechanisms to mechanical exoskeletons to steam-powered everything, this book checks all the boxes. An alternative history set during the Klondike gold rush, on the precipice of the American civil war, Russian engineers create the Boneshaker to mine gold through Alaska's ice. When the ship crashes into Seattle it destroys the city and releases a terrible gas that makes--you guessed it--zombies!

4. The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

Another spectacular author and kind human being I have had the pleasure of meeting is Jim Butcher, author of many books including The Aeronaut's Windlass. This first book of the Cinder Spires details humanity's fight for survival in a world ruled by aristocratic families and their airships. If you're a fan of exquisitely written, complex, large-scale airship battles, this is the book for you!

​3. Children of Solo by Andrew D.H. Moore

This genre-bending debut from Andrew D.H. Moore is the first installment of the Steam and Stars series from World System Books. Utilizing elements from science fiction, epic fantasy, and steampunk, the story follows pirate Adi Crestone as she tries to climb out from under her debts, save her son, and build her own life before the moon on which she lives literally falls apart. Meanwhile, naval captain Theo Vanguard navigates the political machinations of the aristocracy in the Solan Empire and the dangerous life of a military officer. Young mage Ion Rucinare runs away from home to seek out a life of adventure, but soon finds more than he bargained for in a city run by notorious gang lord.

2. The Alchemy of Stone by Ekateria Sedia

This wonderful steampunk tale explores two of my favorite themes: what it means to be human and what it means to be in love. This book combines alchemy, steampunk, romance, and political maneuverings to weave a stunning tale of Mattie, an intelligent machine skilled in alchemy who must navigate treacherous alliances between gargoyles, mechanics, and alchemists. (If these themes appeal to you too, check out The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker and the movie Blade Runner 2049).

1. The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling

Jules Verne may be the father of steampunk, but Bruce Sterling and William Gibson are his grandchildren. Alternative history and 'what if' is a huge part of steampunk, and this book lays that groundwork. Set in 1855 London where Charles Babbage completed his Analytical Engine, this book imagines an industrial revolution shaped by early computer technology. This is a genre-defining book for anyone interested in delving deeper into steampunk and while it doesn't boast an archaeologist it does have a paleontologist, which is close enough.