Mixing Steampunk and Paranormal Romance

In keeping with this month’s celebration of all things Steampunk, I decided to take a look in my library and see what I could come up with. But first, I have a confession to make. I’m not a steampunk aficionado. In fact; I didn’t realize that Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was considered steampunk.

Nope, steampunk first entered my vocabulary when I began listening to my husband and his friends play GURPS at our dining table (It may have been earlier in our relationship but my first clear memory is of a campaign that involved a lizard man in a top hat and, I believe a steam powered dirigible but I digress)

The term lived in the back of my mind until I came across Soulless by Gail Carriger. I like her mixing of genre’s, because at heart I’m still a paranormal girl. Don’t get me wrong give me a good story and I’ll read in any genre.  I just have a real weakness for a good werewolf hero and a heroine to match him. Her parasol is nothing to sneeze at either.

Next came, Zoe Archer’s, Warrior. Can I be honest? I didn’t even know it was steampunk until I started reading it. I picked it up for the cover (who doesn’t love that image?) I bought it because of the back cover blurb. Like I said, give me a good story and I’ll read anything. Transport me to different lands and I’m sold.

Have you noticed that I do things in three’s? I’m not sure why but that’s the way I do it. Anyway what kept me hooked on Steampunk? The thought of the road not taken? The Victorian costuming? Maybe. I do love a good corset and a bustle, maybe some goggles.

Really though it was Meljean Brook’s, The Iron Duke.  I remember gushing about this book to my friend Kit. Her characters and setting still resonate with me.

If I remember correctly I may have either loaned or given this one and Soulless to him and his wife to read.  They are both voracious readers and I’m pretty sure if they had my TBR pile they would have already read all of them.

So here it goes, the first three of the Steampunk variety in that massive pile:

  • Photograph’s and Phantoms by Cindi Spencer Pape
  • Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook
  • Badlands by Seleste deLaney

Any other suggestions out there for those might be considering venturing into the waters of Steampunk?

4 thoughts on “Mixing Steampunk and Paranormal Romance”

  1. I’ve only read one Steampunk (that I know of) and that’s is Boneshaker by Cherie Priest. I will check out the ones you suggested so I am further explore the genre.

  2. I’ve never read Steampunk before but I love all things Victorian and a healthy dose of adventure. I think it is time I give it a try and I’m going to start with your suggestions!

  3. Gail Carriger’s series really is wonderful, isn’t it? I need to check out Zoe Archer since I’ve heard so much about it.

  4. i LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE STEAMPUNk!! “Soul less” is awesome and I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED “Iron Duke” (“Tethered” is part of that world :P)

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