Today we'll be diving straight into the ever growing eclectic and enticing genre of Steampunk literature. So grab your finest reading monocle and get ready to discover your new favorite Steampunk book.

Mini Steampunk Overview

In case you're unfamiliar with Steampunk, here are a few basics.  You can read  a more in-depth history of Steampunk here in this blog post. 

Steampunk is a retro-futuristic style of art, clothing, and as we are talking about today, literature. The style includes Victorian, fantasy, the Industrial Revolution, and often a futuristic Wild Wild West.

You know how Star Wars is kind of like, the Cowboy and Indian days of the future on a planet with super-technology? Ok. Now, hold on to that thought and imagine our own history, but with super-technology involved.

Pretty cool, right?

The Steampunk Book Genre

The genre is active and rapidly growing. A quick search on Amazon Kindle available titles launches over 700 titles in the Steampunk genre. That’s a pretty penny's worth of metal gears and top hats!

If you're looking to check out some passionate, period-set adventure stories, start with Kindle eBooks.

If you have Prime subscription most of the books are free. Also, most of these self-published books can be snatched up for $3.00 and under.

Although, we acknowledge that most authentic steamers would probably prefer a leather bound, hand-written novel and might quietly protest the digital format.

However, an electronic reading device is the perfect element in the technology, futuristic part of this unique genre.

Must Read List Featuring Amazing Steam Heroines

Here’s a list of reading material to scratch your steaming itch for a good read.

1. The Girl in the Steel Corset

Come on now, you know I was going to love this one! The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross (Kathryn Smiths pseudonym) is the first book in a YA series The Steampunk Chronicles.

Don’t let the YA label be a turn-off. After all, Harry Potter is technically a children’s book. YA brought us Twilight, The Hunger Games, and by way of proxy, 50 Shades of Gray.

In Cross’s story, Finely Jayne, the lead protagonist is a certified badass. She’s totally empowered, not afraid to fight the bad guys, and brilliant.

Make sure you buy the copy with the prequel novella introducing you to Finely so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Boneshaker

Cherie Priest brings Briar Wilkes alive in the adventure loving novel, Boneshaker. Part of The Clockwork Century series, Boneshaker is full of mysteries, airships, Steampunk elements…oh, and zombies.

Yes! I said, zombies. Cherie, how could you know to hit every sweet spot in one short book? Briar wandering through a post-apocalyptic Seattle in the 1800’s will leave you delighted and sometimes terrified. But, in a really good way. I promise.

3. The Clockwork Scarab: A Stoker & Holmes Novel

By now you may have noticed, the word, “Clockwork” is popular in Steam Literature. Don’t let that dissuade you from trying out Colleen Gleason’s heck of a ride Steampunk story.

Ok. Are you ready for the juicy details? Get this. The sister of Bram Stroker, Evaline, and the niece of Sherlock Holmes, Mina, team up to solve mysteries and hunt vampires!

I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. It’s Steam. It’s Victorian. It’s 1889 in London and it’s fabulous.  You will thank me for this one.

Honorable Steam Mentions

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley wasn’t messing around when it came to churning out a seriously, scary story. That woman was like, “Oh, you want nightmares? I got you.“

While Frankenstein might not immediately strike you as a Steampunk book, let’s examine the facts: the book is science fiction and by default, it takes place in Victorian times. Sounds Steampunk inspired to me.

Leviathan (The Leviathan Trilogy)

Leviathan is one of the most beloved books in the Steampunk genre.  History buffs will get a kick out of Scott Westerfeld’s reimagining of World War I in an alternate historical universe. There’s a bit of actual history, such as the basics of how WWI actually started.

Strong female character lovers will delight in the character of Deryn, who's only 15 and impersonating a boy named Dylan, to sneak her way up on to the British Air Service war machine, aptly named, the Leviathan.

Popular Classics

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen has the distinction of making our list yet not being a “book.” This comic book series is written by Alan Moore and illustrated in intricate detail, by Kevin O’Neill.

This story is told over 12 comics, split into 2 series, a graphic novel, and a spin-off trilogy. The series uniquely incorporates many other works of fiction within the world of “League”.

League is set in Victorian England, with characters such as Captain Nemo, Fu Manchu, Dr. Jekyll, The Invisible Man and Sherlock Holmes arch nemesis.

They encounter the events of Wells’s, The War of the Worlds, and Nineteen Eighty Four, among other popular steam genre references.

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass has been described as a children’s book that can only be appreciated by the adult reader. Philpp Pulman’s masterpiece is considered to be a modern fantasy classic, and a favorite Steampunk book.  

The story features in no particular order: magic, science, theology, fantasy, and a polar bear that wears metal armor. That’s one serious punk polar bear!

Fascinating Books with Fascinating Authors

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Again, here we have a case of steam genre-by-default. This classic horror story is set in England which, of course, is a common almost expected backdrop for the Steampunk genre.

For me, I think an interesting fun fact is about Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Jekyll and Hyde. Here we have a man who wrote the loveable classic, Treasure Island, 

then, afterward goes on the write this classic tale going deep into the human psyche. A real juxtaposition, but alright Robert, whatever floats your Steampunk boat.

The Time Machine

H.G. Wells. What is there to say about this writer? Can you even imagine what it must have been like to hang out with him?

Not only did he give us The Time Machine, a classic Steampunk novel with time travel, which made for a beautifully dark, futuristic masterpiece. But he didn't stop there. He also gave us several other fantastic pieces of writing such as The Invisible Man, The War of the Worlds, and The Island of Doctor Moreau.

Herbert George, penned H. G. Wells, certainly had a penchant for crafting an enchanting tale. In The Time Machine, during a traditional English dinner party, a group of proper gentlemen are introduced to the idea of “the fourth dimension." I don’t think I’m giving anything away here by letting you know there will be some traveling in time by the books end.  

This book is sci-fi tested, steam lover approved. As a plus, you get to tell people you’re currently reading some H.G. Wells at your next cocktail party.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Are you ready to kick it old school, as in 1869 school? That was the date this classic was first published and it’s been a favorite among the super science fiction loving crowd ever since.

Jules Verne is hailed as a visionary for predicting futuristic technologies, such as a suit that would allow you to dive undersea, an electric motor, and major warships.

The book is articulate, science heavy, and written in true Victorian fashion.

Whew! What a post. Did you find your next Kindle read? Don't forget, most of these books, especially the classics, are available as an audio book so go ahead. Indulge yourself in the world of googles. Time travel through dark and dreary London and lose yourself in these fantastic Steampunk stories.

If you find something you love, or if I mentioned your favorite Steampunk fantasy, please let me know in the comments.

Happy Reading!

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