100 books like Boneshaker

By Cherie Priest,

Here are 100 books that Boneshaker fans have personally recommended if you like Boneshaker. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Gideon the Ninth

By Tamsyn Muir,

Book cover of Gideon the Ninth

Ross Hightower and Deb Heim Author Of Desulti: An Epic Fantasy

From my list on complex storylines and bad-ass female characters.

By Ross Hightower and Deb Heim Author

Why am I passionate about this?

Ross and I have backgrounds in academia, in the finest liberal arts tradition. Although we are currently in the fields of Information technology and public health, between us we have read extensively in military history, sociology, economics, feminist theory, Buddhist philosophy, mythology and all manner of fantasy fiction. This list of books reflects our favorites, in large part because of their focus on character and historical world-building. We are always eager to share our favorite fantasy fiction with other readers who love deeply complicated stories with unforgettable characters.

Ross' book list on complex storylines and bad-ass female characters

Book cover of Age of Myth Book cover of Red Sister Book cover of Gideon the Ninth Book cover of The City We Became Book cover of The Thousand Names

Ross Hightower and Deb Heim Why did Ross love this book?

With a cover like a Halloween fever dream, I expected a lot of otherworldly gothic creepiness, which this book delivered. What I didn’t expect was Gideon, an unforgettable character whose unapologetic frankness is like a shot of whisky in what could otherwise be an overwrought space opera. It’s a bit of stretch to call this historical fantasy, but I love that the world-building implies a complex backstory both for the characters and their world. Which sets up a wonderfully weird juxtaposition of ancient and modern.  Set in a feudal world, inhabited by undead necromancer lieges and their cavalier servants, I kept thinking, “Did Gideon just say that *&^$ to her master?” Yes, she did. And I was there for every word.

Gideon the Ninth

By Tamsyn Muir,

Why should I read it?

24 authors picked Gideon the Ninth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

15+ pages of new, original content, including a glossary of terms, in-universe writings, and more!

A USA Today Best-Selling Novel!

"Unlike anything I've ever read. " --V.E. Schwab

"Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space!" --Charles Stross

"Brilliantly original, messy and weird straight through." --NPR

The Emperor needs necromancers.

The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.

Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense.

Tamsyn Muir's Gideon the Ninth, first in The Locked Tomb Trilogy, unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as…

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The Lies of Locke Lamora

By Scott Lynch,

Book cover of The Lies of Locke Lamora

Alister Dray Penborn Author Of A Theory in Shadejacktresy Case 0: Manor of Reunion

From my list on action suspense paranormal in the mystery.

By Alister Dray Penborn Author

Why am I passionate about this?

My name is Alister Dray Penborn. I am a lifelong mystery lover, all the way back to my favorite childhood cartoon, Scooby-Doo, and my favorite anime, Detective Conan, or Case Closed as it was called in the US at the time of airing. It's a passion that grew over the years as I was exposed to even more great mysteries. One of the most appealing aspects is the investigation process, where a character sees the inconsistencies of crime scenes, analyzes and makes sense of events, and collects and relies on the slightest clues to act as puzzle pieces to the full picture.

Alister's book list on action suspense paranormal in the mystery

Book cover of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle Book cover of The Light Book cover of The Siamese Twin Mystery Book cover of The Lies of Locke Lamora Book cover of Shadows of Self

Alister Dray Penborn Why did Alister love this book?

The Gentleman Bastards are a fun, exciting group with a connection that feels genuine throughout the story and has, by far, some of the best and most hilarious dialogue I've ever read in a book. I've also learned quite a bit about fantasy storytelling from this story, in that you can craft a compelling fantasy story without huge, world-changing stacks by making the characters emotionally motivated in their goal.

The mystery was also a pleasant surprise, as it incorporated clever clues and plot points that came together nicely for a satisfying conclusion. Actions and choices actually weighed in on the events.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

By Scott Lynch,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked The Lies of Locke Lamora as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'One of my top ten books ever. Maybe top five. If you haven't read it, you should' Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times bestselling author of The Name of the Wind

'Fresh, original and engrossing' George R.R. Martin, the phenomenon behind A Game of Thrones

They say that the Thorn of Camorr can beat anyone in a fight. They say he steals from the rich and gives to the poor. They say he's part man, part myth, and mostly street-corner rumor. And they are wrong on every count.

Only averagely tall, slender, and god-awful with a sword, Locke Lamora is the…

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Soulless

By Gail Carriger,

Book cover of Soulless

Jen Lynning Author Of Deceiving the Cursed Beast

From my list on romantasy magic and manners.

By Jen Lynning Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been reading fantasy since before I could read (thanks, Mom and Dad!). I certainly never outgrew my love of fairy tales. But over the years, I discovered I also love historical romance. Then, I stumbled across books that combined the two. They were the best of both worlds. The comfort of a well-fitted waistcoat with the whimsy of an enchanted jewel. Naturally, I gravitated to writing what I loved: books full of magic and manners, castles and balls, romance and intrigue.

Jen's book list on romantasy magic and manners

Book cover of A Rivalry of Hearts Book cover of Wedded to the Wanton Witch Book cover of The Lord of Stariel Book cover of Curse of the Thorn King Book cover of Soulless

Jen Lynning Why did Jen love this book?

When encountering a spinster alone at a ball, there is no excuse to forget proper manners, even—or perhaps especially—if one is a vampire. Or werewolf. I adored the voice in this book, which gave that Jane Austen feel, except brimming with humor.

The characters enchanted me as they balanced between high-society manners and the reality of living with (or being) supernatural creatures. The interactions between solidly practical Alexia and exasperated Lord Maccon made it a romance I couldn’t help but root for.

Even if Alexia was soulless, you can’t convince me her werewolf wasn’t her soulmate. A perfect blend of Victorian London and paranormal romance.

Soulless

By Gail Carriger,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Soulless as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Alexia Tarabotti is labouring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire - and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high…

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A Master of Djinn

By P. Djèlí Clark,

Book cover of A Master of Djinn

Caroline Stevermer Author Of The Glass Magician

From my list on historical fantasy for armchair travel.

By Caroline Stevermer Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I write fantasy novels, including A College of Magics, River Rats, and When the King Comes Home. With Patricia C. Wrede, I wrote half of the Kate and Cecy series: Sorcery and Cecelia, The Grand Tour, and The Mislaid Magician.

Caroline's book list on historical fantasy for armchair travel

Book cover of Black Hearts in Battersea Book cover of The Masked City Book cover of Redwood and Wildfire Book cover of A Master of Djinn Book cover of The Angel of the Crows

Caroline Stevermer Why did Caroline love this book?

Agent of the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities, Fatma el-Sha'arawi is the spectacularly well-dressed protagonist tasked with saving the world (again) in an alternate 1912 Cairo. This award-winning novel awed me with its detail and invention. What I loved most was the way the world building relegated the British Empire to relative unimportance. Come to think of it, I loved the Ministry library almost as much.

A Master of Djinn

By P. Djèlí Clark,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked A Master of Djinn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Included in NPR’s Favorite Sci-Fi And Fantasy Books Of The Past Decade (2011-2021)
A Nebula Award Winner
A Ignyte Award Winner
A Compton Crook Award for Best New Novel Winner
A Locus First Novel Award Winner
A RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner
A Hugo Award Finalist
A World Fantasy Award Finalist
A NEIBA Book Award Finalist
A Mythopoeic Award Finalist
A Dragon Award Finalist
A Best of 2021 Pick in SFF for Amazon
A Best of 2021 Pick in SFF for Kobo

Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark goes full-length for the first time in his dazzling debut…

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Infernal Devices

By K.W. Jeter,

Book cover of Infernal Devices

Jeff Young Author Of Spirit Seeker: The Kassandra Leyden Adventures

From my list on paranormal steampunk in the gaslit world.

By Jeff Young Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I find joy in niches and steampunk is not cut from the ordinary cloth. I was originally challenged to produce a story that incorporated magic into steampunk. The resulting character, Kassandra Leyden who can speak to the dead, brought to life an alternate history where a deadly plague made the British Empire emigrate to the Americas and begin anew. The style and fashion of steampunk in modifying the ordinary appeals to the maker in me. I am an avid renfaire attendee and create and sell garb, which now includes steampunk elements. I hope you enjoy these choices and discover what steampunk has to offer as a genre. 

Jeff's book list on paranormal steampunk in the gaslit world

Book cover of The Affinity Bridge Book cover of Infernal Devices Book cover of Boneshaker Book cover of A Master of Djinn Book cover of Soulless

Jeff Young Why did Jeff love this book?

The subtitle to the work, “a Mad Victorian Fantasy” goes a long way to explaining the style of Infernal Devices which follows George Dower inheritor of his father’s clockwork business. Dower bumbles where his father was a genius but that doesn’t stop him from getting involved with time travelers, automaton doppelgangers, and fish people selkies. A romp full of purple prose from one of the progenitors of the term “steampunk.”

Infernal Devices

By K.W. Jeter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Infernal Devices as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The classic Steampunk novel from the creator of the term itself - thirty years ago this month.

When George Dower's father died, he left George his watchmaker's shop - and more. But George has little talent for watches and other infernal devices. When someone tries to steal an old device from the premises, George finds himself embroiled in a mystery of time travel, music and sexual intrigue.

File Under: Steampunk

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The Affinity Bridge

By George Mann,

Book cover of The Affinity Bridge

Jeff Young Author Of Spirit Seeker: The Kassandra Leyden Adventures

From my list on paranormal steampunk in the gaslit world.

By Jeff Young Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I find joy in niches and steampunk is not cut from the ordinary cloth. I was originally challenged to produce a story that incorporated magic into steampunk. The resulting character, Kassandra Leyden who can speak to the dead, brought to life an alternate history where a deadly plague made the British Empire emigrate to the Americas and begin anew. The style and fashion of steampunk in modifying the ordinary appeals to the maker in me. I am an avid renfaire attendee and create and sell garb, which now includes steampunk elements. I hope you enjoy these choices and discover what steampunk has to offer as a genre. 

Jeff's book list on paranormal steampunk in the gaslit world

Book cover of The Affinity Bridge Book cover of Infernal Devices Book cover of Boneshaker Book cover of A Master of Djinn Book cover of Soulless

Jeff Young Why did Jeff love this book?

The first in the Newbury and Hobbs series finds our intrepid pair of investigators trying to tie together an airship crash, a mysterious plague among the less fortunate of London, a spate of murders that leaves Scotland Yard clueless and the reappearing ghost of a police officer. A London on the verge of a technological leap forward provides a backdrop for a Holmesian investigation. There’s plenty more ahead in the series for those who enjoy this one. 

The Affinity Bridge

By George Mann,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Affinity Bridge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Get ready to follow dazzling young writer George Mann to a London unlike any you've ever seen and into an adventure you will never forget, in The Affinity Bridge.

Welcome to the bizarre and dangerous world of Victorian London, a city teetering on the edge of revolution. Its people are ushering in a new era of technology, dazzled each day by unfamiliar inventions. Airships soar in the skies over the city, while ground trains rumble through the streets and clockwork automatons are programmed to carry out menial tasks in the offices of lawyers, policemen, and journalists.

But beneath this shiny…

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Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D Vol. 1

By Hideyuki Kikuchi, Saiko Takaki (illustrator),

Book cover of Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D Vol. 1

Lilian Horn Author Of Perils of Sea and Sky

From my list on fantasy worldbuilding you don’t want to get lost in.

By Lilian Horn Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up on a steady book diet of child detectives, fairy tales involving monsters in the woods, and historical fiction about the black plague. The same themes go through the books I love to read and write, transporting me with world-building set in realms or historical settings with technology so strange it could be fantasy. Characters are shaped by the world around them and the more perilous the world, the more it challenges the characters. If there are monsters, I’m in. 

Lilian's book list on fantasy worldbuilding you don’t want to get lost in

Book cover of Boneshaker Book cover of The Lies of Locke Lamora Book cover of Sea of Ghosts Book cover of Gideon the Ninth Book cover of Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D Vol. 1

Lilian Horn Why did Lilian love this book?

If you’re not familiar with Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D you’re in for a treat. 

D is a vampire hunter traveling between remnants of human civilization after the vampires’ technology changed the world with rampant weather machines, DNA-spliced monsters, and slumbering technological marvels without master to command them. 

D is hired by Doris who’s been chosen to become a vampire bride, but between struggling against his other half as a vampire, werewolf lackeys, and bloodthirsty humans wanting Doris dead or alive, D has his work cut out for him. If you ever find yourself traveling the Frontier, D, alongside his sassy friend, is your guy. 

Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D Vol. 1

By Hideyuki Kikuchi, Saiko Takaki (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D Vol. 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The year is 12,090 A.D., and what little is left of humanity has finally crawled out from the ashes of war and destruction. From the darkness of fallout, mutants and a race of vampires known as the Nobility have spawned. They rule the weak with no remorse. Once bitten by a Nobility, one is cursed to become a member of the undead. Villagers cower in fear, hoping and praying for a savior to rid them of their undying nightmare. All they have to battle this danger is a different kind of danger - a Vampire Hunter.

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Sea of Ghosts

By Alan Campbell,

Book cover of Sea of Ghosts

Lilian Horn Author Of Perils of Sea and Sky

From my list on fantasy worldbuilding you don’t want to get lost in.

By Lilian Horn Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up on a steady book diet of child detectives, fairy tales involving monsters in the woods, and historical fiction about the black plague. The same themes go through the books I love to read and write, transporting me with world-building set in realms or historical settings with technology so strange it could be fantasy. Characters are shaped by the world around them and the more perilous the world, the more it challenges the characters. If there are monsters, I’m in. 

Lilian's book list on fantasy worldbuilding you don’t want to get lost in

Book cover of Boneshaker Book cover of The Lies of Locke Lamora Book cover of Sea of Ghosts Book cover of Gideon the Ninth Book cover of Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D Vol. 1

Lilian Horn Why did Lilian love this book?

Alan Campbell set the mixed steampunk science-fantasy genre for me, with his high fantasy worlds where machines and magic go hand in hand, to prison cities surrounded by poisonous waters that can turn you into permanent sea-dwellers, and telepathic abilities worth killing for.

This is a world where a trip to the beach might kill you if the telepaths don’t find you first.   

Sea of Ghosts

By Alan Campbell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sea of Ghosts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Leaving the behind the imaginings of Deepgate, Alan Campbell introduces a new world, a new cast of characters in a novel that reads like a cross between Stephen Deas and Joe Abercrombie.

With non-stop action, beautiful characterization and Alan's usual flair for imagination and lyrical writing, welcome to a world of water - where dragons are used as weapons and countries are separated by power, greed and fear...

Thrown out of the Graveyard corps by a corrupt and weak emperor, Granger has to turn to running his own prison. It's not a lucrative business but if he keeps his head…

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The Orange Eats Creeps

By Grace Krilanovich,

Book cover of The Orange Eats Creeps

Paul Jessup Author Of Glass House

From my list on horror that will blow your mind (kaboom).

By Paul Jessup Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved weird horror from a young age, and that passion only grew as the years went on. It all started when I was ten, and I got an anthology of classic horror for my birthday. Inside I read The White People by Machen, Cast the Runes by MR James, and The Colour Out of Space by Lovecraft, and I was hooked. Ever since then I chased that same thrill of the horror that is so out there and strange it just breaks your brain and changes you inside out. I have a feeling I’ll be chasing that obsession until the end of my days.

Paul's book list on horror that will blow your mind (kaboom)

Book cover of The Orange Eats Creeps Book cover of The Cipher Book cover of Reluctant Immortals Book cover of Experimental Film Book cover of Wylding Hall

Paul Jessup Why did Paul love this book?

Where to even start with this super weird masterpiece? It’s like William Burroughs (Naked Lunch, etc.) and Billy Martin (Lost Souls, etc.) teamed up to write a vampire novel.

Hobo junkie vampires roam the highways and streets of America, a teeming group of young kids, strung out, hungry for blood. The writing is beautiful, impossible to put down, pure poetry. The content? Disturbing, dark, and delicious.

The Orange Eats Creeps

By Grace Krilanovich,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Orange Eats Creeps as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

*National Book Foundation '5 Under 35' Award
*NPR Best Books of 2010
*The Believer Book Award Finalist
*Indie Bookseller's Choice Awards Finalist

"The book feels written in a fever; it is breathless, scary, and like nothing I've ever read before. Krilanovich's work will make you believe that new ways of storytelling are still emerging from the margins."
―NPR

A girl with drug-induced ESP and an eerie connection to Patty Reed (a young member of the Donner Party who credited her survival to her relationship with a hidden wooden doll), searches for her disappeared foster sister along “The Highway That Eats…

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Superpod

By Nora Nickum,

Book cover of Superpod: Saving the Endangered Orcas of the Pacific Northwest

Jessica Stremer Author Of Fire Escape: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires

From my list on curiosity critical thinking for our natural world.

By Jessica Stremer Author

Why am I passionate about this?

As an award-winning author of nonfiction books for kids, I’m passionate about discovering titles by other authors that introduce a topic innovatively and engagingly. I obtained a B.S. in Biology, with an emphasis in Ecology, from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I received the 2023 Stephen Fraser Encouragement Award and a 2023 finalist for the Russel Freedman Award. I feel that it’s important to plant seeds of curiosity and encourage children to look at the world around them through a different lens. I love reading books that present complicated ideas in a way that young readers (and adults!) can understand.  

Jessica's book list on curiosity critical thinking for our natural world

Book cover of American Murderer: The Parasite that Haunted the South Book cover of Bugs for Breakfast: How Eating Insects Could Help Save the Planet Book cover of Rhinos in Nebraska: The Amazing Discovery of the Ashfall Fossil Beds Book cover of Something Rotten: A Fresh Look at Roadkill Book cover of Superpod: Saving the Endangered Orcas of the Pacific Northwest

Jessica Stremer Why did Jessica love this book?

This book took hold of my heart and has yet to let go. I was immediately sucked in with the engaging narrative, which was thoughtfully blended with facts to highlight the current crisis surrounding the population of Southern Resident orcas of the Pacific Northwest.

I felt like I was getting to know each of the featured orcas personally, which made me care about their struggles even more. This book is perfect for orca lovers and anyone interested in marine science.

Superpod

By Nora Nickum,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Superpod as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Meet the playful and beloved Southern Resident orcas and the people working to save them from extinction using tactics that vary from medicine and laws to drones and dogs

The endangered Southern Resident orcas whistle and click their way around the waters of the Pacific Northwest in three small family groups while facing boat noise, pollution, and scarce food. Superpod introduces young readers to the experts who are training scat-sniffing dogs, inventing ways to treat sick orcas, quieting the waters, studying whales from the air, and speaking out. Author Nora Nickum also discusses her own work on laws to protect…

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Pacific Northwest, steampunk, and zombies?

The Pacific Northwest 41 books
Steampunk 98 books
Zombies 139 books