steampunk(ish) fantasy

airships, mechanical soldiers and carpetbags

I’m not actually super clear on what constitutes ‘steampunk’ so that’s why I included the “ish” above. Webster’s Dictionary Wikipedia defines it as: a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by, but not limited to, 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery.

I’d classify these as more fantasy than sci-fi, but they all bring the ingredients of “science”, technology, batshit inventions and mysterious alchemy to a boil, are served with heaping spoonfuls of the absurdly nonsensical and garnished with imperiled heroes.¹ I dearly love facetious wordplay, intentional relationship growth and am always endeared when characters are nonplussed in the face of preposterous shenanigans and use their wits to escape. Today’s books feature copious amounts of hijinks, pseudo-scientific inventions and protagonists we can count on to entertain us each and every bizarre step of the way.

Buckle your seatbelt, throw on your brass goggles and embark on a fantastical escapist adventure with one of these.

THE BRASS QUEEN by Elizabeth Chatsworth

In late 19th century London, the spunky eccentric inventor Constance Haltwhistle sells her unique weaponry under the alias “The Brass Queen” as she struggles to keep her estate afloat and her name out of the scandal sheets. When the “almost handsome” American spy, Liberty Trusdale, prevents her assassination they are thrust together in a race to defeat an invisible army. Queen, world and sanity are all at stake as they solve mysteries, duel enemies and deny their growing mutual attraction behind witty insults, flying houses and lurking valets.

This is a god damn delight. Our spirited (and often less than logical) heroine uses her signature brand of genius as she blithely careens from trouble to adventure to escapade dragging an adorably bewildered, out-of-his-depth partner around Victorian England as they attempt to save their dimension world. The inventions, wordplay and plot points are all over the place and the banter ² is teeming with electric chemistry. Overall, a droll and charming romp.

The sequel, Grand Tour, comes out this week. As funny and quirky as the first one, it has a charming cast of supporting characters, especially the henchmen, and gets even more outlandish. However, it did drag a bit in parts and staunchly refused to give me as much romance as I wanted. It actually felt quite withholding by the end which made me grumpy.

“I ask you, is there anything worse than an incompetent assassin?”

“A competent one?”

“Well, yes. Good point.”

THE CLOCKWORK BOYS by T. Kingfisher

The first in the Clocktaur War duology, this is set inside the same World of the White Rat as a few other of T. Kingfisher’s books. A band of (mostly criminal) misfits is sent on a suicide mission to discover the secret behind the recent sightings of vicious mechanical soldiers across the land. If they succeed, pardons and riches galore. If they don’t, well, no big loss for the world. They each have their own personal demons and motivations as they embark on their quest; as they form a tenuous team, pasts of murky morals are revealed which could jeopardize the mission, the world and their newly budding relationships.

As stated before, I just adore T. Kingfisher’s³ voice - wry, whimsical, weird and dark. Her characters struggle with deep trauma but keep their humor intact and go through authentic arcs throughout their journeys. She also includes a delicious slow burn romance full of pining and earned mutual admiration and attraction. Though the world and technology is funky and can feel silly, there is real suspense and tension here that combines nicely with thrilling adventures and rich emotional stakes for each main character. Obviously I recommend its sequel, The Wonder Engine, as well. It’s sort of one book just spliced in two for whatever reason.

And, if you haven’t already guessed, I hate this cover. It is ugly.

“My mother was a very high-class courtesan who counted her fertile days by the moon. Her beauty was impeccable, her math skills were not.” She swept a hand at herself. “And here I am.”

THE HEXOLOGISTS by Josiah Bancroft

Happily married adventurers Iz and Warren Wilby are The Hexologists. As professional problem solvers of the weird and the wacky, they assist their fellow citizens with creature infestations, curses and anything “other”. Intrepid and (usually) highly capable, their relationship, bravery and wits are tested when they are presented with the slight issue of the king demanding to be baked into a cake. This kickstarts a maelstrom of misadventures that will require some seriously creative solutions. Good thing they’ve got a dragon on their side. If only they can keep him safely fed…

Fast paced and funny, the voice and vibe here are similar to the above books with witty asides and nonchalantly expressed insanity. Clever wordsmith-ing, innovative world building and creative situations abound. Our intelligent and steadfast heroes are the real stars here though the mystery and plot are fun. Already married, their relationship dynamic is sweet and sexy, with cheeky allusions to their bedroom antics and a delightful repartee that makes you want to be their friend.

Goodreads says its #1 in a series, but no sequel is listed yet though I’m keeping my eyes open for it.

I don’t approve of the character illustrations on the cover. Is it just me or does he look like David Harbour?

“On the one occasion that a vendor was brave enough to ask why he was roaring into his luggage, Warren gaily replied, "Because that's where the dragon is!”

Do you know what steampunk is? Have any other titles to share?

1. great, now i’m hungry. they used to call me “hungry girl” in my one year of american public school but i think that is because i had lived in hungary, not because i was hungry. though you’d have to ask them.

2. BANTER!

3. remember t. kingfisher from the fairy tales remixed and cozy romantasy posts?