More Books We Like

Need a New Author?

Get printable versions of these lists by clicking on the list name.

Books We Like: Steampunk

Published 3/27/2020 by Amber McClure

Books We Like: Steampunk

Because of its blending of science, fantasy and history, steampunk has always been a favorite genre of mine. Adventures in historical fiction with a dash of anachronistic fantasy and science make for exciting reads. The retro-futuristic feel of the stories, the fashions, the imagery and the experiences give readers the excitement and intrigue of mystery and the wonder of science and history.

Some may turn away from steampunk thinking it’s just a crazy little subgenre of fantasy and science fiction. They may say there’s nothing exciting in it for them. But let me ask this: what would you say to a story about a man who is tasked with infiltrating a group of arrogant aristocrats under a series of disguises to steal artifacts that bring down their rule over the city? Or how about a story of a disgraced soldier, two students, a professor and a governor who are thrust together unexpectedly to face the possibility of a war that has been brewing in secret? Sounds intriguing, right?

Well, with that, here are my recommendations for anyone who is interested in diving into steampunk, whether you are a fan of mysteries, spy novels, or even a bit of romance. The beauty of steampunk is there’s something for everyone. All of these recommendations are the first books in their respective series, so you are starting right where you need to.

“Etiquette & Espionage” by Gail Carriger (Finishing School #1)
When 14-year-old Sophronia is surprisingly enrolled into Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, she is distraught. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners--and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Her mother, Mrs. Temminnick, hopes the school will help her daughter to become a proper lady.

But the school is not quite what Sophronia’s mother had hoped, to Sophronia’s growing delight. Upon arrival, she discovers that at this school, young ladies learn how to finish … everything. By learning the art of dress, dance, and etiquette, they can quietly deal out death, diversion and espionage. And soon, Sophronia realizes she must put her lessons to the real test when a mysterious artifact is stolen from the school.

With humor, mystery, intrigue and powerful characters, “Etiquette & Espionage” is sure to appeal to readers of all types of genres.


“The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch (Gentlemen Bastards #1)
Some describe this book as a mix of “Robin Hood” meets “Ocean’s Eleven.” As an orphan taken in by a secretive con artists society, Locke Lamora grows up to become the leader of the Gentlemen Bastards. Locke and his men pull off the outrageous cons and games in a city overrun by a deluded aristocracy, earning him the nickname “Thorn of Camorr.” After a particular con fools the criminal underworld’s most feared ruler, Locke finds himself being used as a pawn in a dangerous game to take down a newcomer and stop the rise of a bloody coup. But can he do it? Will he survive this game?

I must caution readers that the language in this book can be strong. Get past that and this will be one book you will not want to put down. And luckily the sequels are already out, so you can pick right back up with the second installment when you finish this one.


“The Aeronaut’s Windlass” by Jim Butcher (The Cinder Spires #1)
Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship Predator and is fiercely loyal to Spire Albion. He disrupts the enemy’s shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion—to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory. But what he doesn’t know is that the mission involves the threat of war from an unknown enemy working in the shadows. And that enemy could possibly be any one of the agents.

With a great mix of characters, including new students, Gwen and Bridget; Rowl the cat, and seasoned trainer, Benedict Lancaster, there is excitement and action on every page. As the mysteries deepen and events unfold, you will get sucked into this fascinating world in the sky and will be on the edge of your seat to see what happens next.