Books Like...

In a post-apocalyptic world where traction cities roam the wastelands devouring each other for survival, "Mortal Engines" follows the journey of Tom, an apprentice, and Hester, a mysterious assassin, as they unravel a sinister plot in the mobile city of London. The story is filled with action, adventure, and complex characters navigating themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and survival. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and at times dark, appealing to both young adult and adult readers with its dystopian setting and intricate world-building.

In 'Railhead' by Philip Reeve, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a futuristic world where trains travel through wormholes to different planets. The protagonist, Zen Starling, a petty thief, gets caught up in a dangerous mission orchestrated by a mysterious stranger named Raven. As Zen infiltrates the Emperor's train to steal a valuable item, he encounters a diverse array of characters, including artificial intelligences, living trains, and unique creatures. The book is praised for its imaginative world-building, intricate plot twists, and engaging writing style that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The story unfolds in a universe where interstellar travel is achieved through a railway network, controlled by powerful entities like the Guardians and criminal masterminds like Raven. Zen's journey is filled with unexpected alliances, moral dilemmas, and revelations about the true nature of the world he inhabits. With elements of cyberpunk and science fiction, 'Railhead' explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the impact of advanced technologies on society, creating a captivating narrative that blends action, mystery, and philosophical undertones.

In 'The Girl in the Steel Corset' by Kady Cross, readers are introduced to Finley Jayne, a unique heroine with a dual nature that she struggles to control. When she crosses paths with Griffin King, Duke of Greythorne, and his group of gifted individuals, including Emily, Sam, and Jack Dandy, they uncover a sinister plot by The Machinist to take over England using automatons. Set in a steampunk Victorian England, the story blends mystery, romance, and adventure as the characters navigate their extraordinary abilities and fight to protect their country.

The book is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly Finley, Griffin, Jasper, Emily, and Jack Dandy, each bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the story. The narrative seamlessly weaves together elements of steampunk, romance, and superhero abilities, creating an entertaining mix that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

In 'Larklight', readers are taken on a Victorian space adventure where the Mumby siblings, Art and Myrtle, find themselves escaping from their floating house in space after it is invaded by giant spiders. Joined by space pirates, they embark on a journey filled with thrilling encounters with alien life forms, robots, and the search for their missing mother. The book is described as a blend of Victorian adventure storytelling, steampunk elements, and humorous narration, creating a unique and engaging universe that combines historical settings with science fiction elements.

The story unfolds in a quirky, ornate style reminiscent of Victorian adventure books, offering a mix of humor, swashbuckling action, and imaginative world-building. With a focus on themes of family, bravery, and discovery, 'Larklight' presents a fast-paced narrative that appeals to both young readers and adults, weaving together elements of mystery, suspense, and whimsical escapades in a setting that merges past and future in a delightful way.

Something Strange and Deadly is a historical fiction novel set during the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, where the dead rise from Chapel Hill Cemetery, leading the protagonist Eleanor Fitt to seek the help of the Spirit Hunters in fighting off zombies and a necromancer. The story follows Eleanor's journey to find and save her brother, intertwining elements of mystery, romance, and steampunk contraptions in a fast-paced and fun read that incorporates a mix of science and magic.

In an alternate history version of World War I, 'Leviathan' by Scott Westerfeld follows the stories of Alek, the young heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the British air fleet. The narrative explores their encounters as they navigate the war between the Clankers and Darwinists, featuring giant mechanical monsters and genetically engineered creatures. The book is praised for its vivid worldbuilding, engaging characters, and the dual narrative approach that offers a fresh perspective on the historical events.

'Leviathan' is noted for its fast-paced, action-packed storyline set in a steampunk alternative history of WWI. The book introduces a rich and imaginative universe where the Darwinists and Clankers clash with their distinct war machines, providing a unique twist on the familiar historical setting. The dual perspectives of the main characters, Alek and Deryn, offer a compelling narrative that blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and humanity, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for young adults.

In "Etiquette & Espionage" by Gail Carriger, readers are transported to a steampunk-style Victorian England where young Sophronia Temminnick finds herself at Madame Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, which is actually a school for espionage on a giant airborn dirigible. As Sophronia navigates through her training, she faces sticky situations, solves mysteries, and thwarts evil geniuses' plans, all while showcasing her precociousness and curiosity. The book is filled with wit, humor, and an engaging plot that keeps readers entertained from start to finish, making it a delightful read for fans of Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events.

The book introduces a cast of interesting characters, a quirky setting, and a light-hearted tone that makes it a fun and engaging read. Carriger's writing style shines through, offering a blend of humor, sophistication, and social progressiveness that appeals to both young adult and adult readers. The story unfolds in a world where espionage meets Victorian manners, creating a unique and imaginative setting that sets the stage for a promising series filled with mystery and adventure.

The Aeronaut's Windlass is a steampunk fantasy novel set in a world where people live in towering spires and travel using crystals and energy. The story follows Captain Grimm and his crew on the airship Predator as they embark on a dangerous mission to protect their spire from an impending attack. The book introduces a diverse cast of characters, including feisty young women, disgraced steamship captains, magicians, and a snarky, arrogant cat named Rowl. The plot is described as quick-paced and easy to follow, with elements of political intrigue, swashbuckling adventures, and a looming evil that the heroes must confront.

The writing style of The Aeronaut's Windlass is praised for its world-building, character development, and engaging storytelling. Readers appreciate Jim Butcher's talent in creating immersive worlds without lengthy info-dumps, allowing them to dive straight into a realm of unique characters and ideas. The book is noted for its blend of steampunk elements, fantasy, and science fiction, with a touch of humor that strikes a good balance between Butcher's other series, Codex Alera, and The Dresden Files. The audiobook narration by Euan Morton is also commended for bringing the story to life effectively.

In a world where a deadly virus kills most of the nation's children, the survivors develop special abilities that frighten the government, leading to their imprisonment in camps. The story follows Ruby, a young girl with psychic powers, who escapes from the camp and joins a group of other children on the run. The book is fast-paced, suspenseful, and action-packed, with elements of betrayal, survival, and the complexities of trust in a dystopian society.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare is a steampunk novel set in Victorian London, following the story of Tessa Gray, a girl who discovers her rare ability to shapeshift into other people. Kidnapped by the Dark Sisters, she is rescued by Shadowhunters and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother while uncovering the evil forces behind the Pandemonium Club. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot full of action, diverse characters, and the infusion of historical references and literature in a dark paranormal setting.

Set in the 1800s England, the novel introduces readers to a world of Shadowhunters, downworlders, and a clockwork army led by the Magister, all while exploring themes of love, friendship, and supernatural circumstances. The writing style is commended for its simplicity yet effective blend of historical reality and steampunk paranormal fantasy, making it an engaging read for both teens and adults who enjoy dark, action-packed stories with well-developed characters.