Books matching: steampunk alternate history
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- #1
Save:In an alternate history version of World War I, 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld follows the stories of Alek, the young heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the British air fleet. The narrative explores their encounters as they navigate the war between the Clankers and Darwinists, featuring giant mechanical monsters and genetically engineered creatures. The book is praised for its vivid worldbuilding, engaging characters, and the dual narrative approach that offers a fresh perspective on the historical events.
'Leviathan' is noted for its fast-paced, action-packed storyline set in a steampunk alternative history of WWI. The book introduces a rich and imaginative universe where the Darwinists and Clankers clash with their distinct war machines, providing a unique twist on the familiar historical setting. The dual perspectives of the main characters, Alek and Deryn, offer a compelling narrative that blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and humanity, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for young adults.
Alek turned back to his desk and began to move the cavalry forward, grinning as the battle neared its climax. The Austrian walkers had completed their bombardment, and it was time for the tin horses t... - #2
Save:In the series 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld, the book 'Behemoth' takes readers to an alternate history of WWI where Darwinists with genetically fabricated creatures clash with Clankers and their mechanical inventions. The story follows the adventures of Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the military, and Alek, a prince in hiding after his parents were assassinated. Set in Istanbul, the plot involves diplomacy, sabotage, revolution, and tricky decisions about loyalties. The narrative is filled with epic battles, shocking twists, and a blend of historical facts altered to fit the steampunk world created by Westerfeld.
Deryn hefted her own weapon, studying Alek’s pose. His feet were splayed at right angles, his left arm sticking out behind like the handle of a teacup. His fencing armor made him look like a walking q...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Leviathan ) - #3
Save:In "Dreadnought" by Cherie Priest, readers are taken on a steampunk journey through a Civil War era USA with a strong female lead, Mercy Lynch. The book follows Mercy's arduous trip to her estranged father's side, enduring various challenges including dirigible accidents, battlefield atrocities, raiders, and zombies. The story is set in an alternate history where the Civil War has lasted for over 20 years, introducing readers to a world filled with technological advances, political complexities, and engaging characters like Mercy Lynch.
The narrative is a blend of action-packed scenes, vivid world-building, and strong character development. Cherie Priest's writing style immerses readers in a world where airships, mechanical men, and zombies coexist, offering a unique mix of steampunk elements, suspenseful storytelling, and exploration of an alternative history. The book's pacing keeps readers engaged as they follow Mercy's journey across the war-torn United States, encountering a diverse cast of characters and facing unexpected challenges along the way.
Down in the laundry room with the bloody-wet floors and the ceiling-high stacks of sheets, wraps, and blankets, Vinita Lynch was elbows-deep in a vat full of dirty pillowcases because she’d promised—s...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Clockwork Century ) - #4
Save:"The Iron Duke" by Meljean Brook is a steampunk romance novel set in an alternate history where England has just liberated itself from the conquering Horde. The story follows the Iron Duke, Rhys Trahearn, a former pirate turned hero, and Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth, a strong and sassy protagonist with a complex background. As they investigate a murder that unveils a vast conspiracy, the plot unfolds with elements of romance, adventure, zombies, nanobots, and airships. The writing style is praised for its world-building, intricate dystopian setting, and adult-themed exploration of dark human elements.
Mina hadn’t predicted that sugar would wreck the Marchioness of Hartington’s ball; she’d thought the dancing would. Their hostess’s good humor had weathered them through the discovery that fewer than ... - #5
Save:The Rise of Ransom City is a fantasy steampunk novel that follows the journey of Professor Harry Ransom as he travels from town to town on the Rim separating the made and unmade worlds. The main character, Harry Ransom, is described as plucky and entertaining, always dusting himself off and going on despite the challenges he faces. The book explores Harry's lifelong aspiration to make a better world through the application of a free energy device, all while getting entangled in the conflict between The Gun and The Line. The writing style is described as subtle yet vivid, painting a hazy, mystical sheen over the alternate history Wild American West setting.
Well, we moved on from the big red barn. One of the Line’s Heavier-Than-Air Vessels was spotted overhead. It circled, writing a kind of black-smoke question mark in the sky. Most likely it had nothing...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Half-Made World ) - #6
Save:Everfair by Nisi Shawl is a steampunk alternate history novel set in an African utopia called Everfair, challenging the brutal Belgian rule in Congo. The book spans 30 years and features a diverse ensemble cast of characters from various backgrounds, exploring themes of agency, colonialism, and the impact of individual actions on history. The writing style includes jumps in time between chapters, providing a prologue-like structure that drives home the alternate history aspect and emphasizes the power of personal narratives in shaping the future.
Lisette Toutournier sighed. She breathed in again, out, in, the marvelous air smelling of crushed stems, green blood bruised and roused by her progress along this narrow forest path. Her progress, and... - #7
Save:'The Difference Engine' by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling is an alternative history novel set in a Victorian England where steam-powered technology has advanced to the point of creating mechanical computers. The book explores the consequences of Charles Babbage completing his steam-powered computer, the Difference Engine, and the societal changes brought about by this technological advancement. The plot follows multiple storylines that intertwine, involving intrigue, civil disorder, and a Sherlock Holmes-style mystery surrounding stolen computer cards.
The writing style of 'The Difference Engine' is described as detailed and immersive, painting a vivid picture of an alternate Victorian landscape where industrialism and early computing have triumphed over traditional political and social structures. The narrative is noted for its complexity, with some readers finding the plot convoluted yet fascinating, while others struggled to follow the multiple intertwining storylines and found the characters lacking depth and consistency.
Below her, in a neglected formal garden, leafless vines lace wooden trellises on whitewashed, flaking walls. From the open windows of her sickroom, a warm draft stirs the loose white hair at her neck,... - #8
Save:Set in an alternate New Orleans in 1884, 'The Black God's Drums' follows Creeper, a young orphan pickpocket with the power to channel energy from the African goddess Oya. When Creeper overhears a plan to destroy the city with a Haitian weapon, she seeks a spot on a smuggler's airship to stop the impending disaster. The novella is praised for its engaging writing style, well-developed characters, and intricate world-building that combines elements of steampunk, fantasy, and alternate history.
'The Black God's Drums' presents a fast-paced plot with futuristic elements and spiritual beliefs from Black cultures. The story revolves around Creeper's journey to save New Orleans from a dangerous plot, with the help of airship captain Ann Marie and the guidance of African deities. The novella is lauded for its unique setting, strong world-building, and the blend of historical events and supernatural elements that captivate readers from start to finish.
The night in New Orleans always got something going on, ma maman used to say—like this city don’t know how to sleep. You want a good look, take the cable-elevator to the top of one of Les Grand Murs, ... - #9
Save:In The Peshawar Lancers by S.M. Stirling, a post-apocalyptic alternate history unfolds as a meteor strike reshapes the world, leading to the British Empire relocating to India and rebuilding its power. The story follows the King family's struggles in this new empire, filled with intrigue, spies, and action, set against a backdrop of a steampunk world with airships and steam trains. The narrative is a blend of adventure, historical fiction, and speculative elements, keeping readers engaged with its unique world-building and compelling characters.
Captain Athelstane King rinsed out his mouth with a swig from the goatskin water bag slung at his saddlebow. Even in October this shadeless, low-lying part of the Northwest Frontier Province was hot; ... - #10
Save:In the book "Soulless" by Gail Carriger, readers are transported to an alternate Victorian England where supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves are accepted members of society. The protagonist, Alexia Tarabotti, is a unique character who is soulless, meaning she can neutralize supernatural abilities by touch. The story follows Alexia's adventures as she inadvertently kills a vampire and is drawn into investigating the supernatural occurrences in her society, leading her to partner with the brash and handsome werewolf leader, Lord Maccon. The plot is filled with mystery, humor, witty dialogue, and a touch of romance, set against a backdrop of steampunk elements and a Victorian London filled with paranormal intrigue.
The writing style of "Soulless" is described as witty, engaging, and fast-paced, with a blend of fantasy, steampunk, and romantic elements. The characters, especially the strong and sassy heroine Alexia, are praised for their depth, humor, and chemistry, making the story a delightful mix of comedy of manners, urban fantasy, and romance with a modern and feminine twist.
Miss Alexia Tarabotti was not enjoying her evening. Private balls were never more than middling amusements for spinsters, and Miss Tarabotti was not the kind of spinster who could garner even that muc...
