A steampunk novel is a work of fantasy that transports readers to a world before the invention of the internal combustion engine, where electricity is used to portray the beauty of the Victorian or Edwardian era. Steampunk stories are a mixture of historical fact and fantasy, often centred around cities with large ships, machines, and inventors.
The idea of this genre is that the actors put together the mechanisms of the clockwork and uncover secrets in a world that blurs the lines between science and magic. Steampunk has a variety of themes that explore social equality, commerce, and the clash of cultures and civilizations. Steampunk, with its universal style and playful style, connects the audience with its development, inviting them on an exciting journey through the powerful worlds based on steam and ideas.
Here are twenty of the finest steampunk fiction books:
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne, published in 1870:
Professor Aronnax joins Captain Nemo aboard the Nautilus for an underwater adventure.
A classic steampunk tale of exploration, scientific marvels, and mysterious technology.
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, published in 1895:
A time traveler ventures into the distant future to witness humanity’s evolution.
A seminal work of speculative fiction that explores technology and societal decay.
Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock, published in 1971:
Oswald Bastable navigates an alternate reality where airships dominate the skies and empires thrive.
A steampunk adventure mixing alternate history with a critique of imperialism.
The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers, published in 1983:
Brendan Doyle time-travels to 1810 London, encountering Egyptian magic and dark conspiracies.
A thrilling mix of steampunk, historical fiction, and fantasy.
Homunculus by James Blaylock, published in 1986:
Professor Langdon St. Ives uncovers the mystery of a strange homunculus in Victorian London.
A whimsical steampunk tale blending alchemy, science, and adventure.
The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, published in 1990:
An alternate 19th century where Babbage’s computer sparks a technological revolution.
A genre-defining steampunk novel that explores the societal impact of early computing.
The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson, published in 1995:
Nell, a slum girl, receives a nanotech book that transforms her life in a rigidly stratified future.
A visionary steampunk exploration of technology and class systems.
Northern Lights (The Golden Compass) by Philip Pullman, published in 1995:
Lyra embarks on a quest to the Arctic to uncover a conspiracy involving mysterious Dust.
A richly imaginative steampunk world blending science, magic, and philosophy.
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve, published in 2001:
In a world of mobile cities, Tom and Hester struggle to survive in a cutthroat landscape.
A thrilling steampunk epic combining adventure with environmental themes.
Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon, published in 2006:
Multiple characters navigate a steampunk-infused world of industrialization and espionage.
A sprawling, dense narrative exploring scientific progress and societal change.
Mainspring by Jay Lake, published in 2007:
Hethor Jacques must rewind Earth’s divine clockwork to prevent a cosmic catastrophe.
A creative blend of steampunk and theology set in a clockwork universe.
The Affinity Bridge by George Mann, published in 2008:
Detective Maurice Newbury investigates a mysterious airship crash in steampunk London.
A gripping steampunk mystery featuring automatons, occult elements, and intrigue.
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld, published in 2009:
Prince Aleksander and airman Deryn navigate a war-torn world of Clanker machines and bio-engineered beasts.
A fast-paced steampunk reimagining of World War I with inventive technology and creatures.
Boneshaker by Cherie Priest, published in 2009:
Briar Wilkes ventures into a walled-off, gas-infested Seattle to rescue her son from the wreckage of the Boneshaker.
An atmospheric steampunk adventure set in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-filled world.
The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman, published in 2009:
Psychologist Liv Alverhuysen explores a surreal frontier where Order and Chaos clash.
A unique blend of steampunk, fantasy, and Western themes, exploring power and identity.
Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding, published in 2009:
An airship crew get caught in a heist misadventure, rewulting a dangerous conspiracy.
A fast-paced adventure filled with sky pirates, betrayals, and daring exploits.
Soulless by Gail Carriger, published in 2009:
Alexia Tarabotti accidentally kills a vampire, plunging her into a supernatural mystery in Victorian London.
A witty mix of comedy, romance, and steampunk, featuring supernatural creatures and Victorian charm.
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook, published in 2010:
Rhys Trahaearn and Inspector Mina uncover a plot that threatens their steampunk world of nanotech-zombies.
Combines steampunk tech with romance and action, set in a unique alternate history.
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, published in 2010:
Tessa Gray discovers her mysterious powers while battling supernatural forces in Victorian London.
A thrilling blend of steampunk, magic, and romance in a richly detailed world.
The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher, published in 2015:
Captain Grimm and his crew face political intrigue and aerial battles in a world of flying spires.
An imaginative steampunk fantasy with epic airship combat and rich world-building.
And that’s our list of the 20 best steampunk fiction books. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or steampunk literature not on this list that you feel should make the cut?