The Greatest American "Science fiction, Steampunk" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

Steampunk

Steampunk as a literary genre is a fascinating blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and speculative fantasy, characterized by its distinctive setting in an alternate history where steam power remains the dominant technological force. Typically set in the Victorian era or a world resembling it, Steampunk novels weave intricate narratives that explore themes of invention, exploration, and industrial revolution, often infused with elements of adventure and rebellion against oppressive societal norms. The genre is renowned for its richly detailed and imaginative world-building, featuring anachronistic technologies, airships, clockwork devices, and intricate machinery, all powered by steam. Steampunk literature not only captivates with its inventive storytelling and aesthetic but also delves into complex questions about technology, progress, and humanity's relationship with both, making it a compelling and thought-provoking category of books.

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  1. 1. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

    The novel is a post-apocalyptic horror story that centers around a solitary man who may be the last human alive on earth after a pandemic has turned the rest of humanity into vampire-like creatures. He spends his days fortifying his home, hunting for food, and killing these creatures while they sleep. At night, he is tormented by their attempts to break into his home and kill him. His isolation drives him to the brink of insanity, and the novel explores themes of loneliness, survival, and the human capacity for hope in the face of utter despair.

    The 647th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

    "The Anubis Gates" is a thrilling time-travel adventure set in 19th-century London. When a wealthy industrialist organizes a trip back in time to witness a famous poet's lecture, the journey takes an unexpected turn. The protagonist, Brendan Doyle, finds himself trapped in the past, caught in a web of magic, Egyptian mythology, and a secret society. As he navigates through dangerous encounters and encounters historical figures, Doyle must unravel the mysteries of time travel and find a way back to his own time before it's too late.

    The 1363rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

    "The Goblin Emperor" is a fantasy novel set in a world where goblins are considered lower-class citizens. When the half-goblin, half-elf Maia unexpectedly becomes emperor, he must navigate court politics, assassination attempts, and the challenges of ruling a kingdom filled with treachery and deceit. With his kind heart and determination to bring justice, Maia strives to prove himself as a capable leader while uncovering the truth behind his father's mysterious death.

    The 8970th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Shadow Of The Torturer by Gene Wolfe

    In this science fiction novel set in a far-future Earth, the protagonist, an apprentice in the guild of torturers, is exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. His journey outside the walls of his guild leads him through a world rich with dying technologies and ancient rituals. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters and becomes embroiled in events that hint at his larger destiny. The novel is known for its dense prose, complex themes, and the unreliable narration of its protagonist, which challenges readers to piece together the truth of his world and history.

    The 9089th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson

    "Quicksilver" by Neal Stephenson is the first book in "The Baroque Cycle" trilogy, set in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The story follows the life of Daniel Waterhouse, a member of the Royal Society, as he navigates through a world of scientific discoveries, political intrigue, and personal relationships. From the coffeehouses of London to the court of Louis XIV in Versailles, the novel weaves together historical events and fictional characters to create a sprawling epic that explores the birth of modern science and the clash between old and new worldviews.

    The 9370th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

    Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.

    The 10590th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

    Set in an alternate 1880s Seattle, the novel unfolds in a world where a devastating mining invention has unleashed a toxic gas, turning many of the living into ravenous undead creatures. Amidst this chaos, a determined mother ventures into the walled-off, zombie-infested city to clear her husband's name from the creation of the catastrophic machine and to rescue her son, who has ventured into the dangerous quarantined zone. As she navigates the steampunk dystopia filled with airships, pirates, and a relentless will to survive, she uncovers dark secrets and faces the horrors that have taken over the once-thriving city.

    The 10709th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin

    In the second installment of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the world grapples with an apocalyptic season of catastrophic climate change known as the Fifth Season. The narrative follows a mother searching for her missing daughter while coming to terms with her own seismic powers that could either save humanity or hasten its end. As communes and factions struggle for survival and dominance, the story delves into themes of oppression, resistance, and the complex nature of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of geological and magical upheaval. The protagonist must navigate a landscape of political intrigue and ancient mysteries to unlock the potential of obelisks, powerful artifacts that could be the key to the world's salvation or destruction.

    The 10740th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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