Books like The Time Machine
22 fantasy books to read after The Time Machine, by Wells, H. G., the closest match first.
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1. The Difference Engine
by Sterling, William Gibson, Bruce
- On the same lists
and William Gibson. An example of Retro Futurism with a Steampunk feel.
A classic - perhaps THE classic steampunk novel, penned by two of the genre’s founders: William Gibson and Bruce Sterling. The premise of this novel is a simple “What If”...
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Oswald Bastable book 1 Start here
2. The Warlord Of The Air
by Moorcock, Michael
- On the same lists
Steampunk has been around for a few decades, though it’s only the past few years that it’s established its very own subgenre. The Warlord of the Air is a classic...
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3. 20 Thousand Leagues Under The Sea
by Verne, Jules
- On the same lists
Other writers may dabble in Victorian-era fantasy, but for the “original” Victorian-era fantasy writer, Jules Verne is the authentic deal, actually being a Victorian-age science fiction writer. 20 Thousand Leagues...
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4. Frankenstein
by Shelley, Mary
- On the same lists
Arguably the first Sci Fi novel and one that is also very much part of the Gothic tradition.
While not “strictly” a steampunk, this is one of the first science fiction novels, the ultimate science-gone-wrong story, and Victor Frankenstein is the quintessential mad-scientist, harnessing the power of a...
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5. Girl Genius
by Foglio, Phil
- On the same lists
I like to try and include different types of books on these lists and for a comic steampunk (they generally tend to be so…serious), Girl Genius deserves a nod. The...
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The Clockwork Century book 1 Start here
6. Boneshaker
by Priest, Cherie
- On the same lists
Steampunk in an alternate American Civil War, also a gold rush, and some zombies. A literary novel that blends the fantasy, science fiction, horror, and alternate history genres.
This one is for the discerning steampunk reader who loves a well-thought-out tale, great writing, and an interesting premise. Set in an alternative American Civil War, a son’s quest to...
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7. The Diamond Age
by Stephenson, Neal
- On the same lists
A coming of age story for a young girl in a world where nanotech has become part of all aspects of life.
Unlike the typical steampunk,, Neal Stephenson’s masterpiece does not feature steam and clockwork technology, but futuristic nano-technology that’s pervaded society on every level. This novel is so much more than...
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8. The Half-made World
by Gilman, Felix
- On the same lists
An interesting addition to the steampunk world, one that re-imagines the classic American West with a steampunk twist. This one is action-packed and has one of the more unique world-building...
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9. Cold Magic
by Elliott, Kate
- On the same lists
The first in the Spiritwalker trilogy. The industrial age is beginning, but magic still has some control. The mages oppose the industrial revolution and two cousins are caught up in its mysteries.
This fantasy-heavy steampunk is set in a world where the industrial revolution is just getting started. Science and magic (like in many steampunk books) are competing for supremecy. One woman...
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10. Heart Of Veridon
by Akers, Tim
- On the same lists
The city of Veridon is one built of machinery; the city is built on technology which often floats down the river, with the pieces being salvaged. The city itself cannot...
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Tales Of The Ketty Jay book 1 Start here
11. Retribution Falls
by Wooding, Chris
- On the same lists
Wooding’s awesome entry into the modern steampunk genre created some pretty big waves in the fantasy world with the release of Retribution Falls in 2009. The story follows the adventures...
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Worldshaker book 1 Start here
12. Worldshaker
by Harland, Richard
- On the same lists
Another Young Adult entry that transcends differences to appeal to all ages. The premise of the novel takes place within the Worldshaker, a self-contained world aboard a Juggernaut ship. Col,...
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Tristopolis book 1 Start here
13. Bone Song
by Meaney, John
- On the same lists
Credit goes to the author for his unique imagination here. There are a lot of Blade-Runner-esque noir cyberpunk aspects to this story with a lot of gothic added in. Throw...
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14. Mainspring
by Lake, Jay
- On the same lists
The first of its series that is set in a universe with a clockwork solar system. A young clockwork apprentice is visited by Archangel Gabriel and embarks on a journey to rewind the Earth's mainspring and save it—but he must overcome dark magicians, monsters, mechanical men, and other wonders.
A universe of gears, literally. Mainspring really explores the idea of a gear-based universe to the extreme with the universe a giant clockwork being wound up by a mainspring, first...
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The Age Of Unreason book 1 Start here
15. Newton's Cannon
by Keyes, J. Gregory
- On the same lists
A world where the heroes of science are literally the masters of the world. Enter Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Newton, masters of the new science of…magic? The basic premise to...
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16. The Light Ages
by Macleod, Ian R.
- On the same lists
A world that’s just on the cusp of the industrial revolution, but one not powered by electricity, but magic. It is aether, not electricity, that powers everything, from telegrams to...
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17. The Windup Girl (2010)
by Bacigalupi, Paolo
- On the same lists
In a future Bangkok, walled in against rising seas and kept alive by a ruthless seed bank, the world's calories are controlled by a few giant corporations. Anderson Lake poses...
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Leviathan book 1 Start here
18. Leviathan
by Westerfeld, Scott
- On the same lists
Westerfeld takes today's futuristic visions of cyborgs and genetically engineered creatures and puts them into WWI.
A steampunk fantasy with a lot of oomph to it. It’s an alternative history story, one that merges the period history of World War 1 events with a fantastical world...
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His Dark Materials book 1 Start here
19. The Golden Compass
by Pullman, Philip
- On the same lists
This series follows two world hopping children through fateful adventures as they try to save the world—all of them. Mysterious, heroic, magical, breathtaking, this trilogy has lots to offer.
A young girl's journey of magic and discovery that will take her to the ends of the earth...and beyond. His Dark Materials is a modern classic that can be enjoyed...
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Ile-rien book 2
20. Death Of A Necromancer
by Wells, Martha
- On the same lists
A delightful blend of different genres with elements of steampunk, mystery, and Gothic tossed in. It's a unique story that really showcases Well's talents. Death of a Necromancer is Well's...
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New Crobuzon book 1 Start here
21. Perdido Street Station
by Miéville, China
- On the same lists
The cycle blends multiple genres, including Steampunk, Sci Fi, and Horror. Magic is commonplace and practiced by skilled professionals.
The famous (or infamous, depending how you view the New Weird movement) novel is generally considered one of the founding pillars of the New Weird genre. This novel meets many...
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22. The Anubis Gates
by Powers, Tim
- On the same lists
An award winning novel that has time travel, historical figures, Egyptian mythology, and 19th century England.
In creating this world, Powers borrowed ideas from all over the place. Mythology, Ancient Egyptian theology, quantum theory, and classical literature“ they're all used in The Anubis Gates. It's a...
Matches come from series and authors, from the lists the books share, and from the books readers open together. They are rebuilt every night. Back to The Time Machine.
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