Steampunk (anthology) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Steampunk! May is going to Steampunk Month for me since I have always been a lover of the steam powered novels. For some reason, even though its been around for awhile, the genre has become increasingly popular (what has become more popular is slapping gears and clock parts on anything and calling it steampunk…). Before I used to struggle to find a book in the genre but now they are popping up all over the place. So for the month of May, I am dedicating my reading time to steampunk!
What is Steampunk, you ask? Well, the short version: An alternate history/timeline. Everything is steam powered and generally takes place in the Victorian era. Air ships, clocks, and gears, oh my! Although most of the books are categorized as “Science-Fiction and Fantasy”, anyone who loved Sherlock Holmes would embrace the genre. Everyone has to take a break from regular reading routine, clean our the cobwebs, and read something new. Consider it spring cleaning for your mind!
So what am I planning to read? I am glad you asked! My first book will be Whitechapel Gods by S.M. Peters (ISBN: 978-0451461933). “In Victorian London, the Whitechapel section is a mechanized, steam-driven hell, cut off and ruled by two mysterious, mechanical gods-Mama Engine and Grandfather Clock. Some years have passed since the Great Uprising, when humans rose up to fight against the machines, but a few brave veterans of the Uprising have formed their own Resistance-and are gathering for another attack. For now they have a secret weapon that may finally free them-or kill them all…” Why have a chosen this? Because it is from a “debut” author and new authors usually bring something new to the table.
Another book that has been sitting in my stacks for years is “Soulless” by Gail Carriger. “Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she’s a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette. With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London’s high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?” I am a supernatural girl at heart so I still like a good vampire novel, it is just a bonus that it had some steampunk spice!
Also on the list “Infernal Devices” by K.W. Jeter. “HE INHERITED A WATCHMAKER’S STORE – AND A WHOLE HEAP OF TROUBLE. But idle sometime-musician George has little talent for clockwork. And when a shadowy figure tries to steal an old device from the premises, George finds himself embroiled in a mystery of time travel, music and sexual intrigue. A genuine lost classic, a steampunk original whose time has come.”
Got a suggestion? Let me know. Are you an author with a steampunk book out or coming out soon? Let me know!
Related articles
- What is Steampunk? (wordsandothertragedies.wordpress.com) Watch the video!!!
Cool stuff! I like your taste in fiction, I’m trying to write in the vein of this young adult stuff. Do you write at all yourself?
It’s always great when a professor blows it and you get to write a good column to educate him. Nice stuff! I think i meant “Cyberpunk” a la “Neuromancer”
Whitechapel Gods is SOOOOO good, and hardly anyone has ever heard of it! that’s the title that got me into steampunk in the first place, it’s got some mystery, some horror, a lot of suspense, and stunning worldbuilding. Infernal Devices is really good too.
I’ve had it on my shelf forever, it’s good to know that it will be a good read!