8 Steampunk High Fantasy Books That Will Blow Your Mind

The steampunk high fantasy brings the magic of high fantasy and the advanced steam-powered Victorian aesthetic together, set against the backdrop of a secondary world built from scratch.

Imagine that you’re wandering through a world where steam-driven machines chug along cobblestone streets, gears whirring and brass gleaming under a sun that lights up an alien sky. This is no ordinary Earth-based tale but an epic journey through a realm that is as mystifying as it is riveting.

Here, intricate machinery coexists with enchanting sorcery, binding together to form a subgenre that is as grand as it is fascinating – steampunk high fantasy.

What does steampunk mean?

Steampunk is originally a subgenre of speculative fiction, typically featuring steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology. Originating in the 19th-century Victorian era, steampunk is characteristically retrofuturistic. It is often set in an alternative history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or American Wild West, in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has regained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power.

Can steampunk be fantasy?

While steampunk is rooted in science fiction with its retrofuturistic technological elements, it absolutely can cross over with the fantasy genre. Steampunk elements can be found in various fantasy stories, from the magic-infused machinery to the blend of technology and supernatural elements. This blend creates a unique setting that makes steampunk fantasy a distinct and fascinating subgenre in speculative fiction.

What is steampunk high fantasy?

High fantasy is probably the most popular subgenre of fantasy literature (definitely my favorite). If a fantasy story is set in a secondary world, built entirely by the author’s imagination – it’s called high fantasy. Our world can inspire the world, but it has to have a unique map, people, culture, and, of course, magic.

Steampunk, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily have to be set in a secondary world. However, it should be set in a world that has some elements of the steam-powered engine era. A fantasy story becomes steampunk high fantasy when it has the elements and characteristics of both high fantasy and steampunk fantasy.

If you are looking for such books, I am here to help you. As a lifelong reader of fantasy, I have come across a few amazing books that fall into the category of steampunk high fantasy, and today, I am going to talk about them.

8 most amazing steampunk high fantasy books:

1. Engines of Empire by Richard S. Ford

Brace yourself for an exhilarating voyage in Richard S. Ford’s Engines of Empire, a saga where the future of an empire teeters on the shoulders of one family. This is the first in The Age of Uprising series, where the grandeur of high fantasy meets the intricacies of steampunk. As you dive in, you’re transported to Torwyn, a nation where the industry is the lifeblood and the Guilds are the heartbeat.

At the helm is the Hawkspur family, and their trials and tribulations form the crux of the story. Journey with Conall, the oldest Hawkspur, to a frontier teeming with threats of rebellion. Then, accompany Tyreta, whose magical connection to pyrstone, the empire’s fuel, reveals the disturbing underside of industrial prosperity.

Finally, meet Fulren, a gifted artificer caught in a dangerous web of deceit that could spark a war. You will be with him on every step while he fights to prove his innocence.

A gripping tale of courage, resilience, and the lengths one family will go to keep their world from shattering, this book will take you into a world that is a blend of machinery, magic, and mayhem – a perfect world for a perfect steampunk high fantasy.

2. An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock

Picture yourself swept up into the wild blue yonder, soaring on cloud-kissed skyships, and voyaging through the turbulent tides of an empire on the edge of dissolution. That’s the magic of Curtis Craddock’s An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors, the first entry in The Risen Kingdoms series.

In this story, you’ll meet Princess Isabelle des Zephyrs, who is not your typical princess by most standards. Born without the sorcery, she should have inherited yet blessed with an astute mind, Isabelle’s journey takes center stage quickly when she gets engaged to a near-stranger who is the second son of a dying king. Right after the engagement, Isabelle finds herself in the crosshairs of a looming civil war and complex political chaos.

But it’s not all grim and dark for the unlikely princess as Isabelle has hopes that her marriage could quell the storm and, possibly, bring her newfound power and sway. Yet, as she’s soon to find, destiny rarely follows the course we plot. The prince’s past betrothed met untimely ends, and a devious sorcerer-assassin has Isabelle marked as his next target.

Enter Jean-Claude, her devoted musketeer. Together, they navigate a treacherous labyrinth of prophesies, conspiracies, and treachery. What unravels is a web of deception, glamour, and danger that places you right in the heart of the action.

An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors is an epic dance of high-stakes steampunk and high fantasy. It’s an exhilarating exploration of survival where the masks of deceit are as perilous as they are captivating. This is a ride that will leave you breathless.

3. Storm Glass by Jeff Wheeler

Imagine a world polarized between sky-high luxury and grounded poverty, where the wealthy bask in the light of magical Mysteries while the poor toil below. That’s the setting of Jeff Wheeler’s Storm Glass, the first installment in the acclaimed Harbinger series.

If you’re thirsting for an exquisite mix of high fantasy, steampunk, science fiction, and young adult fiction, then buckle up because this book is going to make you really happy.

In this captivating tale, you’ll meet Cettie Pratt, an orphan destined for the life below until fate intervenes through an admiral’s adoption offer. Suddenly, her world flips upside down, and she finds herself amidst the lofty sky manors. Yet, acceptance doesn’t come easy, and she yearns for a genuine sense of belonging.

Parallelly, there’s Sera Fitzempress, a born princess, curious about the orphan whose stories she’s heard. Though her father dismisses Cettie as unworthy of her attention, Sera is drawn to the world beneath her ivory tower.

Neither Cettie nor Sera feels truly at home in their worlds. The two character’s paths cross as they seek to fulfill their dreams and pursue their rightful places, which creates a rich tapestry of challenges and growth.

In its essence, Storm Glass is a search for one’s identity and a journey into the storm of societal inequality. Both of the main characters must rise to face the imminent storm that threats to overturn their worlds. If you are someone who enjoys stories that are an exploration of class divides, and a testament to resilience against it – Storm Glass might just be your cup of tea.

4. The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

Venture into an enthralling world of rebellion, airships, and shapeshifting deities with Ken Liu’s The Grace of Kings. This high fantasy book weaves an intricate tale of friendship, leadership, and justice fueled by steampunk influences.

The story primarily follows Kuni Garu, a charismatic bandit with a penchant for wits, and Mata Zyndu, the stern and valiant son of an ousted duke. They might appear as different as night and day, but destiny draws them together in a shared uprising against the emperor. Side by side, they combat immense conscripted armies, silk-veiled airships, and capricious gods, forging an indomitable bond in the face of adversity.

But as the old saying goes, heavy lies the head that wears the crown. The emperor’s fall sees Kuni and Mata at the helm of separate factions, each with disparate visions for their world. What ensues is a delicate dance of leadership and justice, testing the strength of their friendship.

In The Grace of Kings, Ken Liu invites you on a breathtaking adventure that explores the essence of friendship and the many shades of justice. It’s a rollercoaster ride through a world teetering on the brink of change, where loyalty is tested, and leadership is not for the faint of heart.

5. Kingdoms at War by Lindsay Buroker

Are you ready to take flight with a unique blend of high fantasy with dragons and a dash of steampunk? Lindsay Buroker’s Kingdoms at War, the first installment in the Dragon Gate series, might be the epic tale you’ve been yearning for.

Delve into a world dominated by wizard kings who reside in sky cities. These magicians wage war for power and wealth, turning ordinary humans into mere pawns in their games. This might sound grim but don’t forget that every coin has two sides.

This story will introduce you to Jak, a cartography student who dreams not of magic but of discovering the lost dragon gate. Aspiring to map out distant worlds, he has no desire to join the ranks of the merciless wizards who hold humanity in an iron grip. But destiny, as we know, has its own plans.

When Jak and his archaeologist mother stumble upon the gate, they inadvertently attract the very attention they have been trying so hard to avoid. To add to the complication, Jak starts manifesting magical powers potent enough to challenge the wizard kings. As he grapples with his newfound capabilities, he also becomes a beacon of hope for change.

But the wizard rulers don’t take kindly to threats or change. Their elite assassins are always ready to snuff out any spark of rebellion. Jak’s challenge? Unlock the power of the gate, harness his abilities, and shift the course of the world before it’s too late.

In Kingdoms at War, Buroker pushes the boundaries of high fantasy and steampunk to present a unique and captivating tale that will leave a long-lasting in your mind. If you fancy a narrative where dragons meet engines, this book is your perfect match.

6. Eye of Truth by Lindsay Buroker

Another great mixture of high fantasy and steampunk from Lindsay Buroker. The first book in the Agents of the Crown series will take you into a world that is unique and fascinating. If you’ve been searching for a delightful combination of steampunk and high fantasy with a taste of mystery and romance, this one is for you.

The main character is Jev Dharrow, who is a battle-worn soldier returning from a decade-long war. The story begins with him yarning for nothing more than to hang up his sword and immerse himself in the comforts of an easy life. However, as you can guess, things don’t go according to his plans.

As Jev’s ship anchors, he’s greeted by the cold eyes of an inquisitor ready to arrest him. His crime? Stealing an ancient artifact potent enough to ignite another war. And the twist is that Jev has no clue what this artifact is or where it might be, let alone steal it.

Then he meets Inquisitor Zenia Cham, a woman who has climbed her way up from nothing to become one of the city’s most competent law enforcers. She’s convinced that Jev holds the Eye of Truth, the artifact that could elevate her to the archmage of the temple. Throughout the novel, Jev and Zenia’s paths entangle in a battle of wits and wills, where trust is scarce and danger looms large.

Throughout the whole journey, you will root for Jev to clear his name and convince Zenia that he is innocent before it’s too late. You will keep wondering how the problems will be solved, and Jev will get his yarning for peace fulfilled – and let me tell you, it won’t happen the way you expect!

The Eye of Truth is an incredible story full of mystery, excitement, and magic. One of my favorites on this list of steampunk high fantasy novels.

7. The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan

I have also talked about this one in my article about epic fantasy dragon books, and it also fits into the category of steampunk high fantasy. Walking Fire is the first book in the popular Draconis Memoria series. If you are a fan of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series and George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire novels, The Waking Fire might be a highly enjoyable epic for you in a steampunk setting.

The story goes like this: in the vast lands ruled by the Ironship Syndicate, the blood of drakes is the most precious commodity. Extracted from captive or hunted Reds, Greens, Blues, and Blacks, the blood can be turned into potent elixirs that empower the rare individuals known as the blood-blessed with fearsome abilities.

Yet, few know an unnerving truth: the lines of drakes are weakening, and with their demise, a war with the neighboring Corvantine Empire becomes inevitable.

The syndicate’s hope hinges on whispers of a mythical breed of drake, stronger than all others and those destined to seek it. Among them, Claydon Torcreek, an unregistered blood-blessed and small-time thief, is reluctantly forced into the syndicate’s service to hunt a creature he considers a legend.

Lizanne Lethridge, a formidable spy and assassin, risked her life on an espionage mission in enemy territory. And Corrick Hilemore, a second lieutenant aboard an iron ship, stumbles upon a larger threat while pursuing ruthless brigands.

The strings of fate intertwine the lives of these fascinating characters in the face of a looming war. Can they navigate the currents of political and personal turmoil to turn the tide of destiny, or will the impending tempest consume them?

Told in a multi-perspective style like the Song of Ice and Fire novels, you will get to see each character’s journey through their eyes. If you are a fan of this kind of storytelling, this one is a real gem for you.

8. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

This is probably one of the most popular fusions of high fantasy and steampunk subgenres. There is a movie and a very popular HBO series based on this story, and it deserves all the praise it gets.

The Golden Compass is the first installment of His Dark Materials series. At the heart of this mesmerizing story is Lyra, a little girl with unmatched courage, compassion, and fierceness.

The world of this epic story is a place where every human has a familiar – a representation of their soul in the form of an animal. It’s a world where you’ll find mysterious and powerful witch clans and formidable armored bears. There are also the Gobblers, who abduct children, including Lyra’s friend Roger, and her quest begins when she journeys to rescue him against daunting odds.

As you read through the pages of this mesmerizing tale, you will keep asking yourself, can one little girl make a difference in such awful circumstances?

The Golden Compass presents a compelling tale of loyalty, adventure, and treachery – a fascinating story that will both charm and challenge you throughout the whole journey. If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy and a fascinating world where magic and science coexist in the most enchanting way, join Lyra on her epic journey.

Final thoughts

Steampunk high fantasy offers us a delightful blend of the past, the future, and the fantastic. From the intricate mechanics of the Engines of Empire to the dragon-powered Kingdoms at War and the quest for power in The Grace of Kings, these books provide unforgettable journeys that transport us to extraordinary worlds that have both the mystic of high fantasy and the fascinating aspects of the steam era.

If you are someone who is searching for stories packed with vivid world-building, amazing character journeys, and plotlines that will keep you up all night, these books will certainly satisfy your thirst. If I come across any more books that match this category, I will definitely add them to this list. Until then, Happy Reading.