Best Steampunk Fantasy

What is Steampunk?

Steampunk is a subgenre of sci-fi/fantasy that often juxtaposes the ultramodern with the antique; typically, the stereotypical steampunk features a mishmash of futuristic technology combined with Victorian-age mechanics (airships, gear-based technology, steam-powered technology, etc). While the setting may be futuristic, the cultural mores borrow from the age of the Victorian gentleman. In this setting, there may be some lone visionary eccentric/mad genius as the protagonist – the unrecognized Newton, Charles Babbage, or other inventor-cum-hero type.

The genre originated in the 80s and blends together a number of genres and subgenres, including science fiction, fantasy, alternative history, mystery, and horror. Generally, it incorporates a setting where some form of other power is used to power society – usually steam power or some other power source, like magic. The setting is usually Victorian-era Britain, though it may also be based in the American Wild West or even some post-apocalyptic future setting. The technology used is usually anachronistic technology or some sort of future technology that Victorian-era people might have invented, if not with steam-technology, certainly in  design, form, and  style. Quite often, there is a Victorian perspective on fashion, art, style, and even morals (ladies act like Victorian ladies in manners and dress, and men follow the same Victorian rules and regulations that guided gentlemen).

While the fantastical clockwork and steam-powered creations  may be a common steampunk theme, there may be other styles of steampunk. For example, you may have the juxtaposition of high science with magic or futuristic technology combined with mechanical contraptions. Steampunk may be fantasy-based, science fiction-based, or a blend between both genres. Typically, the inclusion of magic would categorize steampunk as fantasy steampunk, while the inclusion of high technology but no magic would make it science fiction. Do check out our Guide to the Steampunk Genre for more info about this genre and more recommendations.

Steampunk is one of the most interesting subgenres of fantasy and it’s often one of the least explored by authors. Quite often, the fantastical clockwork and steam-powered creations are more visually compelling vision of the future/past than the plasticized circuit-driven technology of the present or distant future that typical sci-fi books explore.

There are a number of great steampunk fantasy works out there, both classic, modern, and futuristic.This list seeks to give you a reading list of the best classic steampunk works and the best modern steampunk.