Books Like...

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.

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.

'Steampunk' edited by Jeff VanderMeer, along with Ann VanderMeer, is a collection of short stories that delve into the steampunk genre. The anthology covers a wide range of stories, from classic steampunk tales to more modern and diverse interpretations of the genre. includes a mix of well-known authors such as Michael Chabon and Ted Chiang, offering readers a glimpse into different aspects of the clockwork universe of steampunk. The stories explore themes of technology, history, and imagination, providing a rich tapestry of worlds set in a Victorian-era backdrop with a twist of advanced steam-powered technology.

The anthology not only presents a variety of steampunk stories but also includes introductory material by the editors that gives a brief history of steampunk literature and a pop culture survey. aims to introduce readers to the genre of steampunk through a diverse selection of stories, ranging from traditional steampunk settings to more experimental narratives. With a mix of classic and contemporary steampunk tales, the anthology offers readers a comprehensive look at the genre, making it a valuable resource for both seasoned steampunk fans and newcomers alike.

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.

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.

The Aeronaut's Windlass is a steampunk fantasy novel set in a world where people live in towering spires and travel using crystals and energy. The story follows Captain Grimm and his crew on the airship Predator as they embark on a dangerous mission to protect their spire from an impending attack. The book introduces a diverse cast of characters, including feisty young women, disgraced steamship captains, magicians, and a snarky, arrogant cat named Rowl. The plot is described as quick-paced and easy to follow, with elements of political intrigue, swashbuckling adventures, and a looming evil that the heroes must confront.

The writing style of The Aeronaut's Windlass is praised for its world-building, character development, and engaging storytelling. Readers appreciate Jim Butcher's talent in creating immersive worlds without lengthy info-dumps, allowing them to dive straight into a realm of unique characters and ideas. The book is noted for its blend of steampunk elements, fantasy, and science fiction, with a touch of humor that strikes a good balance between Butcher's other series, Codex Alera, and The Dresden Files. The audiobook narration by Euan Morton is also commended for bringing the story to life effectively.

In The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman, the story is set in a world resembling America's Wild West but with a twist - the West is untamed and unmade, filled with demons, magic, and supernatural beings. The narrative follows the power struggles between two factions, the Gun and the Line, representing industrialization and conformity, and the wilderness frontier, respectively. The book explores themes of conflict, allegory, and the clash between technology and faith, all while creating a darkly fantastical version of the American frontier.

'Infernal Devices' by K.W. Jeter is a steampunk adventure novel set in a Victorian-inspired world filled with clockwork creations and mysterious inventions. The story follows a protagonist who finds himself entangled in a world of anti-science groups, strange creatures, and complex machinery left behind by his inventor father. With elements of Lovecraftian horror and raucous adventure, the narrative unfolds through a fast-paced plot with unexpected twists and turns, all narrated in a Victorian style reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle and H.P. Lovecraft. Despite the fantastical elements, the book delves into themes of technology, mystery, and Victorian culture, creating a unique blend of genres and settings.

The Affinity Bridge by George Mann is a steampunk mystery set in Victorian London following the adventures of Sir Maurice Newbury and Veronica Hobbes as they investigate a series of murders, a mysterious airship crash, and a plague of zombies. The story combines elements of Sherlock Holmes, Frankenstein, and Jack the Ripper in a steampunk setting filled with automatons, airships, and occult mysteries. The writing style is described as cinematic, with action-packed sequences and a mix of historical and steampunk elements creating a unique atmosphere.

'The Warlord of the Air' by Michael Moorcock is a steampunk novel set in an alternate history where airships dominate the world. The story follows Oswald Bastable, a man transported from 1902 British India to a 1973 world still under the rule of imperial superpowers. Initially enamored by the seemingly perfect state of this world, Bastable soon realizes the harsh reality of exploitation and imperialism that underpins the utopia. The narrative mixes timelines and historical figures, creating a unique storytelling experience that immerses the reader in a world full of airships and political intrigue.