Steampunk Novels: Finding the Best Reads

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on recommendations for steampunk novels, highlighting the works of China Miéville and R. Appleton. Participants express their enjoyment of Miéville's "Perdido Street Station" and "Kraken," while also discussing their experiences with "The Difference Engine." The conversation reveals a desire for more traditional Victorian steampunk settings, contrasting with unique blends like Appleton's "Prehistoric Clock," which combines steampunk with dinosaurs. Overall, the forum emphasizes the diversity within the steampunk genre and the varying reader preferences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of steampunk genre conventions
  • Familiarity with key authors like China Miéville and R. Appleton
  • Knowledge of Victorian literature and its influence on modern genres
  • Awareness of genre blending in literature
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore "The Difference Engine" by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling for classic steampunk
  • Read "Railsea" by China Miéville to understand its Moby Dick references
  • Investigate other steampunk novels that incorporate unique themes, such as dinosaurs
  • Research the evolution of steampunk literature and its impact on contemporary fiction
USEFUL FOR

Readers interested in exploring the steampunk genre, fans of China Miéville's works, and those seeking unique literary blends that challenge traditional genre boundaries.

nobahar
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Hello!
I have started to take an interest in steampunk and related genres. I read China Mieville's Perdido Street Station and enjoyed his writing style and some of the ideas and imaginative characters. However, it wasn't "pure" steampunk. I tried The difference Engine but it didn't provide the setting clearly enough from the outset. It is supposed to be a good read so I will try again, but can anyone suggest any good steampunk novels?
 
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I too tried The Difference Engine but have yet to finish it.

I REALLY enjoyed Mieville's Kraken, though it's not Steampunk. It was WAY off my usual path. Not a fantasy reader.

I enjoyed R. Appleton's Prehistoric Clock. Steampunk and dinosaurs!
 
Yeah Mieville seems to be a blend of different genres. At least that is what I got from Perdido street station. I really enjoyed some of the ideas and characters, especially the Weaver, which I think he done really well. I was planning to read Railsea but apparently it riffs off of Moby Dick and so it would make more sense to read that first, I guess, to appreciate it more.
Steampunkb and dinosaurs sounds like the most random combination of ideas! I was thinking "classic" steampunk with the Victorian setting.
 
nobahar said:
Steampunkb and dinosaurs sounds like the most random combination of ideas! I was thinking "classic" steampunk with the Victorian setting.
Oh, they're Victorian all right. They just ... er ... should have never made that left toin at Alberkiokie.
 

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