What's your favorite thing about reading steampunk?

[Michelle]

For steampunk readers out there, what is it that draws you to wanting to read steampunk? Is it the gadgets, the story lines, characters, machines? Do you like pure steampunk i.e 19th century Victorian era, or have it set in other times periods and meshed with other genres like westerns, romance, fantasy, etc...
What do you look for in a steampunk novel and what has been your favorite steampunk book so far?

[Justin]

You pretty much said it but I'll add I like the time period, the unorthodox setting and the gadgets and utilities used. All of it together creates for a beautiful and interesting fantasy world.

[Angel]

It's all those things tied in makes for a dramatic and interesting set of events.

[Michelle]

Do you guys have a favorite steampunk book? I really enjoyed the Tales of the Ketty Jay series, by Chris Wooding.

[Kathleen]

I very much enjoyed Lindsay Buroker's 'Emperor's Edge' series. Marvellous characters and the juxtaposition of modern and historical concepts was a lot of fun.

Since that series she's been focusing on fantasy and sci-fi.

[Michelle]

Kathleen wrote: "I very much enjoyed Lindsay Buroker's 'Emperor's Edge' series. Marvellous characters and the juxtaposition of modern and historical concepts was a lot of fun.

Since that series she's been focusing..."
I just read the synopsis on Amazon. Sounds interesting! I might have to check it out. :)

[Amanda]

I really enjoyed the 'Iron Duke' (Meljean Brooks) but I am also looking for new suggestions. For me, the thing I enjoy most about steampunk is the meshing of genres. I love the Victorian Era sensibilities juxtaposed with modern/updated technology. And the airships, of course.

[Laura]

I love the setting, especially victorian London, and the gadgets and other fun involved with this genre. My favorites? I have a few so I'll have to list them:
1. The Emperor's Edge series (every single book)
2. Etiquette and Espionage, etc. (Finishing School series by Gail Carringer)
3. The Holmes and Stoker series
4. Jackaby series

All fabulous. I'm always looking for new suggestions too. I spend a lot of time looking for books that have what I want: Engaging characters and plots, slight amount of humor, mystery, a little bit of romance (not too much sex - takes away from the story), and of course, a steampunk setting.

Happy reading everyone!

[Michelle]

Laura wrote: "I love the setting, especially victorian London, and the gadgets and other fun involved with this genre. My favorites? I have a few so I'll have to list them:
1. The Emperor's Edge series (every si..."
I've enjoyed the Tales of the Ketty Jay series, by Chris Wooding. I also read The Difference Engine, but didn't care for it so much. I've heard Boneshaker, by Cherie Priest was pretty good, but I haven't read it just yet. I'm reading Aeronaut Windlass at the moment. I like it so far. I've also written a steampunk/fantasy book, titled Legacy, but it's a little more grounded than some novels. It takes place during the beginning of the steampunk area when gadgets and inventions were starting to fully come about. Hope this helps. :)

[Susan]

I don't read much steampunk and I'm not sure why because I am always fascinated by the juxtaposition on every page. This discussion has prompted me to read another one.

[R.J.]

I love the 19th century! It holds a special place in my heart. I think I love steampunk because it's so creative and it takes me to a whole new world...I love engaging my imagination and when I read steampunk, it makes me feel as if there's a possibility of discovering something I haven't read before; something I can't predict.

[R.J.]

Susan wrote: "I don't read much steampunk and I'm not sure why because I am always fascinated by the juxtaposition on every page. This discussion has prompted me to read another one."

You should try --if you're not a ya fan then you can try:

[Kathleen]

Thanks for all the reading suggestions. I'm looking forward to checking and likely reading those books.

[Michelle]

Susan wrote: "I don't read much steampunk and I'm not sure why because I am always fascinated by the juxtaposition on every page. This discussion has prompted me to read another one."

Which books have you read?

[Amanda]

Kathleen wrote: "I very much enjoyed Lindsay Buroker's 'Emperor's Edge' series. Marvellous characters and the juxtaposition of modern and historical concepts was a lot of fun.

Since that series she's been focusing..."

I just finished book one. It was a great read.

[Justin]

I've only read one steampunk book to date which was Steampunk Omnibus and I really enjoyed it. I intend to read more and even write two steampunk short story series of my own. I also have a steampunk board on Pinterest so I definitely have an interest for it.

As I said before I enjoy the time period and the way in which the technology is used and something normal is taken and changed to become different in a steampunk sense, gotta love that.