Books matching: steampunk fantasy
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- #1
In the alternate history novel "Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest, set in nineteenth-century Seattle, a catastrophic event leads to the release of a poisonous gas that turns people into zombies. Briar Wilkes, a widow with a complicated past, ventures into the walled-off city filled with the living dead to find her son Zeke, who has gone in search of answers about his father's involvement in the disaster. The story unfolds with elements of steampunk, air pirates, survival horror, and a touch of family drama, creating a unique and thrilling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
The book is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly Briar and Zeke, and their compelling mother-son dynamic. The intricate world-building, blending steampunk technology with a zombie-infested setting, adds depth to the story. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of action, suspense, and moments of reflection that keep the pacing dynamic and the plot intriguing, making "Boneshaker" a standout entry in the steampunk genre.
Her shoulders lost their stiff, defensive right angles, and she shook her head. “That figures. I swear to God, all the men in my life, they…” She stopped herself. And then she said, “My father was a t... - #2
In 'The Golden Compass,' readers are transported to a parallel universe where each human has an animal daemon companion, a physical representation of their soul. The story follows young Lyra Belacqua on a quest to uncover the mystery behind the missing children, the concept of Dust, and the oppressive forces at play in her world. The narrative is filled with intricate world-building, complex characters like armored bears and witches, and a blend of fantasy elements that keep readers engaged and curious about the unfolding adventure.
Philip Pullman's writing style in 'The Golden Compass' is praised for its ability to address serious issues without being preachy, creating a compelling and imaginative story that resonates with both young adult and adult readers. The book delves into themes of faith, destiny, and the power of individual conscience, all set against a backdrop of suspense, mystery, and parallel universes, making it a captivating read that challenges the traditional boundaries of YA fantasy literature.
Lyra and her dæmon moved through the darkening hall, taking care to keep to one side, out of sight of the kitchen. The three great tables that ran the length of the hall were laid already, the silver ... - #3
'A Darker Shade of Magic' by V.E. Schwab follows Kell, a magician who can travel between four parallel worlds - White London, Red London, Grey London, and Black London. The story revolves around Kell's journey to return a forbidden talisman, installed with dangerous magic, to Black London. Along the way, he is aided by Delilah Bard, a thief from Grey London, as they navigate through different Londons with varying levels of magic and power struggles. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action, adventure, and plot twists, making it an engaging read for fans of urban fantasy and epic fantasy genres.
The first thing he did whenever he stepped out of one London and into another was take off the coat and turn it inside out once or twice (or even three times) until he found the side he needed. Not al... - #4
In the fantasy novel Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky, we follow the journey of Emily, a noblewoman who is conscripted to serve in her country's war against its former ally. As the story unfolds, Emily's beliefs about patriotism, war, and victory are tested, leading her to question the harsh realities of conflict. The book combines elements of gunpowder fantasy with traditional fantasy, creating a vivid and desperate world filled with gritty battle scenes and realistic characters. The narrative explores themes of honor, corruption, and the struggle for survival in a war-torn land.
The air was hot, muggy with moisture, filled with flies. Emily had not known hot before she came to these swamps. Hot had once been pleasant summer days with the corn ripening gold in the fields. Hot ... - #5
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... - #6
Perdido Street Station by China Mieville is a bizarre and captivating tale set in the steampunky city of New Crobuzon. The story follows a brilliant scientist, a half man half bird seeking help, a half bug half woman artist, a renegade journalist, a self-aware robot, and a pack of monstrous moths on a quest for knowledge, justice, and survival. Filled with intricate world-building, weird creatures, and unexpected twists, the book immerses readers in a richly textured, atmospheric read that blurs the lines between fantasy, horror, and steampunk genres.
The narrative delves into the dense and corrupt city of New Crobuzon, where characters must navigate complex social relations and face hard decisions with consequences. Mieville's writing style, described as dense and heavy, paints a vivid picture of the city and its inhabitants, creating a neo-gothic, neo-victorian, and steampunk world. The book is praised for its originality, richly detailed monsters, and the author's ability to handle multiple ideas and themes with brash intelligence and confidence.
A window burst open high above the market. A basket flew from it and arced towards the oblivious crowd. It spasmed in mid-air, then spun and continued earthwards at a slower, uneven pace. Dancing prec... - #7
The Grand Dark by Richard Kadrey is a science fiction urban fantasy novel set in a gritty city post-war, focusing on the life of Largo, a bicycle courier struggling with his job, drug addiction, and entanglements. The story delves into a world of unequal social classes, frivolity concealing despair, political machinations, and the looming threat of a new war. The writing style captures a steampunk noir vibe with elements of decadence, hedonism, and political intrigue.
Near dawn, Largo Moorden pedaled his bicycle through the nearly deserted streets of Lower Proszawa. It was exactly one week since his twenty-first birthday. Fog from the nearby bay and smoke from the ... - #8
In "The Emperor's Edge" by Lindsay Buroker, readers are introduced to Amaranthe Lokdon, a female enforcer in an imperial city where women in martial careers are viewed with suspicion. When Amaranthe uncovers a plot to assassinate the emperor, she is tasked with taking down the deadly assassin Sicarius to secure a promotion. Along the way, she forms a team of outlaws with unique skills, navigates double-crosses and quick thinking, and showcases creative problem-solving in a fast-paced urban fantasy world with a touch of steampunk elements.
Corporal Amaranthe Lokdon paced. Her short sword, night stick, and handcuffs bumped and clanked at her thighs with each impatient step. Enforcer Headquarters frowned down at her, an ominous gray cliff... - #9
'Poet Anderson ...of Nightmares' by Suzanne Young and Tom DeLonge is a young adult novel that delves into the world of dreams, lucid dreaming, and the power of the mind. The story follows Jonas, a teenager who discovers he is a Dream Walker and has the ability to navigate the Dreamscape, a world where dreams and nightmares come to life. As Jonas embarks on a journey filled with danger, mystery, and self-discovery, he must confront his fears and face the darkness lurking within the dream world. The writing style of the book is described as gripping and immersive, blending elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes.
The book is praised for its thought-provoking concepts, unique world-building, and fast-paced adventure. Readers are drawn into the story through the vivid descriptions of the Dreamscape, the thrilling action sequences, and the exploration of ancient studies and meditation practices. The main character, Jonas, is depicted as a relatable teenager experiencing growth, love, and the complexities of adolescence, making the book accessible and engaging for young adult readers as well as adults.
The rain followed Jonas Anderson everywhere he went. It was with him the cold autumn morning when he came into the world, and on the day he lost his first tooth. The rain tapped the windshield of the ... - #10
Generations after a zombie outbreak, the survivors of the human race live in a small village surrounded by fences to keep out the undead. The protagonist, Mary, dreams of leaving the village and finding the mythical ocean. However, when the fences are breached by the zombies, Mary and a few others escape into the forest of hands and teeth, facing adventures and challenges along the way. The book explores themes of survival, love, and the desire for freedom, set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth delves into the life of Mary, a young girl living within the confines of a fenced village, protected from the Unconsecrated zombies that roam the forest beyond. The story follows Mary's journey as she navigates the secrets of the village, her own desires for a life outside the fences, and the challenges of survival in a world overrun by the undead. The book combines elements of dystopia, romance, and adventure, offering readers a unique take on the zombie genre with a focus on characters and their decisions.
My mother used to tell me about the ocean. She said there was a place where there was nothing but water as far as you could see and that it was always moving, rushing toward you and then away. She onc...