“Inspirations and Influences” is a series of articles in which we invite authors to write guest posts talking about their…well, Inspirations and Influences. The cool thing is that the writers are given free rein so they can go wild and write about anything they want. It can be about their new book, series or about their career as a whole.
Today, we are thrilled to have Caitlin Kittredge, author of adult Urban Fantasy and YA speculative fiction. The second book in her Steampunk/adventure YA Iron Codex series, The Nightmare Garden was released on Valentine’s Day.
Here to talk about her books, please give a warm welcome to Caitlin, everyone!
It starts with a strange look—I’ll be describing my young adult trilogy, the Iron Codex, and I’ll utter the words “Lovecraftian steampunk fantasy”. And I’ll get the look. The I’m not sure what you’re about look. I get it, I do—these influences aren’t the most common basis for a YA novel. Honestly, when I started writing the books, I wasn’t sure it was going to work.
My inspiration for the first book, The Iron Thorn, was pretty simple — I wanted to write steampunk but I wasn’t finding a great deal of connection to the traditional steampunk tropes. I didn’t connect to gentle stories of manners and dirigibles, nor rip-roaring tales of rogue difference engines. I loved to read them, but every time I tried to write them I’d run of of steam (hah) within the first few chapters.
And then, one morning, the first line of Iron Thorn fell into my head. There are seventeen madhouses in the city of Lovecraft. I’ve visited all of them. Spoken in the voice of my narrator, Aoife Grayson, I wrote and wrote, trying to figure out why there was a city called Lovecraft and what manner of world it inhabited.
I’ve always been influenced by H.P. Lovecraft — I find his personal views and politics both despicable and sadly indicative of the time he lived in, but as for his fiction, in my opinion he has few peers when it comes to horror writing. His sentences aren’t always perfect and he does tend to ramble, but I haven’t met many other writers who can grab you by the throat and not let go, forcing you to watch the unceasing terror and tension folded into their stories play out.
So I had a steampunk story with a decidedly Lovecraftian twist — many of his monsters existed in the world of The Iron Thorn, and the horror of the unknown, the red thread that connects all of Lovecraft’s work, is also strong. I quickly decided that magic was outlawed in the world of the Iron Codex, seen as the ultimate blasphemy against science and reality. What would happen, I wondered, if Aoife Grayson discovered that magic was real, and not only real, but a part of her the same as her blood and skin?
She’d be in a tight spot, and I wrote The Iron Thorn to get her out of it. The sequel, The Nightmare Garden, is a lot more steampunk that Lovecraftian, if I do say. I had a fantastic time creating the gadgets, the locales, and the new characters for Nightmare Garden, and I could feel my childhood love of other pulps, such as the Conan stories, The Shadow (who’s extremely steampunk, if you read many of his adventures) and Victorian penny dreadfuls influencing what I wrote.
But it always came back to that strange combination, that twist on tradition that shouldn’t quite work. Monsters — unimaginably cosmic and horrifyingly real both — and technology, the solidness of iron and the hiss of steam — exisiting side by side. I don’t think the Iron Codex would have come about if I hadn’t been such a dedicated Lovecraft reader, but I don’t think it would have been nearly as much fun without the inspiration of giving the story a steampunk twist, eschewing tradition, gender roles, authority and cultural norms in a way that probably would have made old Howard Philips head for the hills. And I’m happy about that, because I love the world I was inspired to create by his stories, even if he wouldn’t.
Both The Iron Thorn and The Nightmare Garden are combinations of, I’d guess, most of my influences throughout my writing career and my life. There’s a lot in there—my love of pulps, old fairy tales my parents would read to me, my love of bizarre and forgotten folklore, and a strong dash of alternate history, the go-to spice of any steampunk author. And I think it’s because the inspiration for the books was so simple, but the influences so complex, that I love this trilogy as much as I do. I hope you feel the same way when you read it.
Giveaway Details:
Two lucky winners will receive copies of The Iron Thorn and The Nightmare Garden, courtesy of the lovely Ms. Kittredge. The contest is open to ALL and will run until Saturday February 25 at 11:59PM (PST). In order to enter, simply leave a comment here telling us what YOUR favorite Steampunk adventure novel is. Only one entry per person, please! Multiple entries will be disqualified. Good luck!
138 Comments
Nonny Morgan
February 16, 2012 at 12:27 amI have to pick one??? D:
I actually have read the first of this series and would place it up with my favorites. I may have come away from the book squeeing and gibbering to my husband, “OkayIknowyoudon’tlikesteampunk BUT YOU HAVE TO READ THIS.” >_>
Otherwise, my favorites are probably the Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld, and All Men of Genius by Lev A.C. Rosen (Ada Lovelace as a character? YES PLEASE).
Jess
February 16, 2012 at 12:37 amOh, cool giveaway. My fave steampunk adventure is probably BONESHAKER by Cherie Priest. It has zombies, steampunk, a kick-ass heroine, and absolutely no romance in sight (which is how I like my novels).
Brooke
February 16, 2012 at 1:14 amI enjoyed Boneshaker by Cherie Priest and have just finished the first book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger which has elements of steampunk. Looking forward to exploring the genre further!
StoryLoverX
February 16, 2012 at 1:46 amThanks for the giveaway. I haven’t read that many, but my favorite is Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld.
brenda
February 16, 2012 at 2:16 amI haven’t read much steampunk, but I did enjoy Meljean Brook’s The Iron Duke 🙂
Lily Froggy
February 16, 2012 at 2:20 amMy favorite Steampunk novel is a French book called Mr Socrate’s Agents, both Leviathan and Boneshaker are in my reading pile and I think once I’ll get to them, one of them will be probably steal the top position!
Amy @ Turn the Page
February 16, 2012 at 2:48 amGreat post! I love this series and hopefully my copy of the second book should arrive today! 😀
I also really enjoyed Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan.
Alison
February 16, 2012 at 3:34 amI adore Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines quartet.
Jaime Callahan
February 16, 2012 at 3:55 amI’m going to have to go for Cherie Priest as well, but I pick DREADNOUGHT as my favorite of hers. I loved Mercy Lynch.
Justine
February 16, 2012 at 4:12 amSince I’m having difficulty picking one steampunk novel or series, I’ll go with the steampunk anthology edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant.
jude
February 16, 2012 at 5:41 amHowl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.
Mandi Venard
February 16, 2012 at 5:45 amClockwork Heart by Dru Pagliasotti.
MarieC
February 16, 2012 at 6:19 amI blush to say that I have many of these books/series in my TBR ‘stack’ (can ebooks be stacked?), so I don’t have too much exposure to steampunk. However, ofthe few I’ve read, I really love MelJean Brooks books from the ‘Iron Seas’ series (only three stories so far), but the ‘Strange affair of the Spring-Heeled Jack’ is great as well.
Ellie
February 16, 2012 at 6:49 amThe only steampunk I’ve read is All Men of Genius by Lev AC Rosen, and it was amazing, so I’ll have to go with that one!
Ginny
February 16, 2012 at 6:54 amI absolutly loved Heart of Veridon by Tim Akers, & think it’s under rated compared to a lot of other steampunk book. I also loved Dead of Veridon, I really hope The Burn Cycle series continues.
Dani Nguyen
February 16, 2012 at 6:54 amHard to pick, but I loved Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Thanks for the giveaway! Can’t wait to read Nightmare Garden!
Amanda
February 16, 2012 at 7:10 amHowl’s Moving Castle is one of my absolute favorites, steampunk or no. I just started To Say Nothing of the Dog and that has a little bit of that feel – fantastic book so far. Would love to try these two! 🙂
Tina
February 16, 2012 at 7:50 amSomeone above said Howl’s Moving Castle, which I have never before thought of as a Steampunk novel! It certainly qualifies and I LOVE that book!
Vanessa
February 16, 2012 at 7:56 amThe Parasol Protectorate (Does a series count?). Most fave!
CrystalGB
February 16, 2012 at 8:07 amThe Iron Duke by Meljean Brook.
SarahDF
February 16, 2012 at 8:11 amThanks for the contest, I hadn’t realized that a sequal for The Iron Thorn was out!
I haven’t read a ton of steampunk, but the Iron Duke would be my favorite. I also enjoyed the Parasol Protectorate series.
Katie
February 16, 2012 at 8:11 amI see someone mentioned Howl’s Moving Castle. If that counts as steampunk, then that book is my favorite. If not, I’d have to go with Westerfeld’s Leviathan books.
Katrina
February 16, 2012 at 8:12 amI really loved Leviathan!
Katherine H
February 16, 2012 at 8:25 amGoing to have to say Leviathan 🙂
Teresa Warner
February 16, 2012 at 8:27 amI have yet to read Steampunk, I’m intrugued! tWarner419@aol.com
Misti
February 16, 2012 at 8:28 amMy favorite is probably the Leviathan series also. But I really enjoyed The Iron Thorn and am looking forward to The Nightmare Garden.
Liz
February 16, 2012 at 8:52 amI really enjoyed the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. But if we’re counting Howl’s Moving Castle (never really thought of that one as steampunk before, but now that it’s been pointed out I can see it) then that definitely wins.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Mary
February 16, 2012 at 8:59 amClockwork Angel would be my current favorite.
Becci
February 16, 2012 at 9:00 amMy favorite steampunk would have to be a tossup between Leviathan and All Men of Genius. But if pushed came to shove, I’d probably choose Leviathan. Gotta love Deryn! 🙂
Mallorie
February 16, 2012 at 9:06 amI’m pretty obsessed with Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, but Iron Thorn has been on my TBR list for quite some time!
LeAnn
February 16, 2012 at 9:09 amI haven’t read a lot of steampunk, but I keep meaning to read more. I have Steampunk!: An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories on my to-read list, and I really should move it up the list. I’d say the steampunk I like the most so far is The Somnambulist, although I have been told that it’s less steampunk and more magical realism, but I think there are steampunk elements. It was an odd, weird, interesting book.
Jacqui
February 16, 2012 at 9:11 amMy favorite is Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Thanks!
Peter Bess
February 16, 2012 at 9:11 amBoneshaker
SandyG265
February 16, 2012 at 9:22 amMy favorite is The Girl in the Steel Corset.
Becky
February 16, 2012 at 9:31 amMy favorite to date is Boneshaker.
Bee
February 16, 2012 at 9:41 amI haven’t read any steampunk books, I would like to try this series.
Beth
February 16, 2012 at 9:50 amI’ve yet to read any Steampunk books. I’ve heard such good things about them and would love to try this!
bethsbookreviewblog2 AT gmail DOT com
Chenise Jones
February 16, 2012 at 10:12 amI haven’t read many steampunk novels but All Men of Genius by Lev AC Rosen was really good! Definitely have to read more of this genre!
Lara
February 16, 2012 at 10:14 amI haven’t read that much steampunk, but I’m looking foward to reading more of it 😉 My favorite for now is “Heart of Steel” by Meljean Brook.
Marie-Claude
February 16, 2012 at 10:34 amI don’t have a favorite steampunk serie. I only read 2 novel in this genre and I didn’t like them….. so now I’m looking for a steampunk novel/serie thant I could like.
Sheila
February 16, 2012 at 10:40 amDefinitely going with “All Men of Genius.”
Thanks for another great giveaway–these books sound really interesting.
JL
February 16, 2012 at 10:41 amI haven’t read much Steampunk, but the best of my small foray into the genre is Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan trilogy.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Jeff
February 16, 2012 at 10:48 amEither Boneshaker or Leviathan, unless we can count Real Men of Genius.
Heidi
February 16, 2012 at 11:41 amMy favorite steampunk novel in general is All Men of Genius, but since I don’t feel it’s uber adventure-y, I’m going to say the Leviathan series. Loved all four of these books!
I’m loving the cover work for the Iron Codex series. Thanks for hosting! =)
Katy
February 16, 2012 at 11:51 amI gotta pick Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
bigfoot24
February 16, 2012 at 12:27 pmI love the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. Clockwork Prince was so gut wrenching and I can’t wait for the last book to come out this year!
Stephanie B
February 16, 2012 at 1:15 pmMy favourite steampunk novel is All Men of Genius by Lev AC Rosen too. 🙂
Rose
February 16, 2012 at 1:24 pmSince several other people have said Howl’s Moving Castle, I’ll have to agree! One of my favorite novels of all time!
Karen
February 16, 2012 at 1:24 pmHmm, don’t think Howl’s Moving Castle really works as steampunk for me, though I love it so.
I’ve just read a few that have been excellent fun, but I’ll go with All Men of Genius by Lev AC Rosen (I see I’m not alone!) Great fun, gentle romance, aetherships to the moon! (Theoretical so far.)
EllieO
February 16, 2012 at 1:25 pmIf it counts as steampunk (which I’m pretty sure it does) then Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve. Leviathan is a close second though 🙂
Laura T
February 16, 2012 at 1:28 pmI’ve really liked the Leviathan series by Scott Westerfeld.
Susie
February 16, 2012 at 1:34 pmI’ll go with Howl’s Moving Castle.
pscott
February 16, 2012 at 1:44 pmIf Howl’s Moving Castle counts (which I’m not sure it does) that is one of my favorite books period. If not.. hmm.. Clockwork Heart by dru pagliassotti.
LiLi
February 16, 2012 at 2:14 pmI don’t think I’ve read a lot of steampunk adventure novels–really should remedy that–but it’s definitely between Clockwork Angel by Cassandra or The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor.
Gem
February 16, 2012 at 2:55 pmI’ve always loved the setting of steampunk, but for some reason couldn’t really find any books dedicated to it. Which is why I’m glad the genre is getting more mainstream. If these books count, I would say Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy or Frank Beddor’s The Looking Glass Wars. Thank you for the giveaway!
Bibliotropic
February 16, 2012 at 2:57 pmMy favourite steampunk adventure (thus far, at least) is “Phoenix Rising,” by Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris. Hilarous and action-packed!
mary anne
February 16, 2012 at 3:31 pmI am really enjooying the ebook series by Lindsay Buroker – The Empire’s Edge (or maybe it’s The Emperor’s Edge, can’t remember right now.)
Emily
February 16, 2012 at 4:14 pmMy favorite non-romance steampunk- Leviathan by Scott Westerfield
My all time favorite steampunk- The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
Thanks for offering the giveaway!
Tricia
February 16, 2012 at 4:19 pmThis would be a nice introduction for me into the steampunk/urban fantasy genre. The cover work alone has me very intrigued; such great work!
jen m
February 16, 2012 at 4:41 pmi’m reading kate elliot’s spiritwalker trilogy right now, and am loving it! i know its not super steam punk, but it does have gaslamps and airships :). and its soooooooo good!
Breanne
February 16, 2012 at 5:07 pmThe Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld.
MK
February 16, 2012 at 5:14 pmI’ve a tie for favorite between Girl Genius and Scott Westerfield’s Leviathan trilogy.
Barbara Elness
February 16, 2012 at 5:21 pmI really enjoyed this interview and the story behind The Iron Thorn and The Nightmare Garden. I’ve had The Iron Thorn on my wish list, but haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet, so this giveaway is awesome. 😀
sarac
February 16, 2012 at 5:26 pmI really loved the Iron Duke by Maljean Brooks.
Giuliana
February 16, 2012 at 5:41 pmI really liked Leviathan by Westerfeld.
Christa
February 16, 2012 at 6:20 pmI love Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series.
So fun! : )
Thanks for the giveaway.
Amy C
February 16, 2012 at 6:30 pmMy current favorite right now has to be the Demi-Monde series by Rod Rees, as the first book just recently came out in the US (the first and second are already out in the UK, I believe). I love it right now. I’m not sure if it can be classified as steampunk, all considered, as it takes place in the real world 2018 as well as the Demi-Monde which is trapped in a hellish 1940s alternate dimension where Napoleon, Robespierre, Hitler (Heydrich), and Beria, as well as other well-known historical figures, struggle for power. I suppose it is steampunk though, in the sense that it clearly takes place in the past and yet is much more scientific than it should be, or currently is…
And my long-time favorites have to be the Leviathan Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. Just… yes. That series. It is amazing.
Oh. And can’t forget Incarceron and Sapphique, which although might not be steampunk entirely, seems to have that same gritty atmosphere.
Mary Preston
February 16, 2012 at 6:33 pmHas to be CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Casandra Clare.
Sara M
February 16, 2012 at 6:51 pmI really enjoy Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series, although I’m not completely up to date. I also really enjoyed The Iron Thorn. I haven’t read that much steampunk, and I hope to add more to my shelves this year.
Jen B.
February 16, 2012 at 7:31 pmI love Steampunk. Even The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen! But, my favorite novel is actually a series and it’s not just a favorite but a bit of a passion (did you like that crazy sentence structure?). Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. I recommend it to everyone. I stalk the web waiting for the next installment. I mourned when the author announced the end of the series. I have to go now because I am sad all over again!
Shannon H
February 16, 2012 at 7:33 pmI really love the Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
Courtney
February 16, 2012 at 7:56 pmThe Leviathan series
Victoria Zumbrum
February 16, 2012 at 8:08 pmI haven’t read steampunk yet but I am very interested in reading some. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Chris Bails
February 16, 2012 at 8:09 pmI have not had a chance to read any steampunk books. I have not been introduced to this genre yet. I have heard of a couple of series, but have not had a chance to check them out. This is a new author and genre for me and would love to win and read these books. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
😉
Jasmine Stairs
February 16, 2012 at 8:26 pmRight now my favourite steampunkery adventure is probably Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan trilogy. It has PICTURES in!
(Also, that is a killer first line. Absolutely killer.)
Seth Christenfeld
February 16, 2012 at 8:32 pmLike many people, I’m all about the Leviathan trilogy.
Also, since I’m buried down at the bottom here, I might as well add this: Caitlin Kittredge is smokin’.
Llehn
February 16, 2012 at 9:01 pmHowl’s Moving Castle.
Emily Thompson
February 16, 2012 at 9:11 pmI think my favourite is technically not a book, but the webcomic “Girl Genius.” I lurrrve that. It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed about. And more. I haven’t read it in a long while, because I didn’t like having to wait every couple days for a new page to come out, but whenever I got back to it, I will be happy.
Also, if I have to state a book, then I like Howl’s Moving Castle. I saw it first as a Studio Ghibli film and fell in love.
Kristy McRae
February 16, 2012 at 9:35 pmI love Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan, and I also loved The Iron Thorn! I haven’t read a great deal of steampunk, but am finding that what I’ve read so far has been great! I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next in The Nightmare Garden! I’m a Lovecraft fan myself, so that aspect of The Iron Thorn really intrigues me. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
Stephanie K.
February 16, 2012 at 9:52 pmThe Iron Duke by Meljean Brooks
Debora B
February 16, 2012 at 10:21 pmGod, I love steampunk so much. If it counts, Howl’s Moving Castle is a definite favorite. If not, The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare. Absolutely love Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince *-* Can’t wait for Clockwork Princess! And I’ve been dying to read The Iron Thorn! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Carol Thompson
February 16, 2012 at 11:14 pmFor my favorite steampunk novel I have to go back quite a while to what was probably the first I ever read, namely The Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock.
THanks for the giveaway.
Carol T
Helle
February 17, 2012 at 1:34 amMy favourite would be Soulless by Gail Carriger – I think that’s the only book I’ve read that counts as Steampunk. 😉
Stella (Ex Libris)
February 17, 2012 at 1:40 amThe Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger!
Thank you 🙂
Nikki Egerton
February 17, 2012 at 2:49 amI’ve been skirting the edges of Steampunk for a while, wanting to dip my toe in, not sure what I’ll find.
I’d love to win these books and jump in head first!
Pauline
February 17, 2012 at 6:19 amI loved loved loved Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones and The Leviathan Series by Scott Westerfeld
sarah webster
February 17, 2012 at 6:58 amI’m another Howls moving castle fan – although the Castle in the Air was actually my favourite book 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Miss Bookiverse
February 17, 2012 at 7:24 amI haven’t read many steampunk novels yet but one I really enjoyed was Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore.
Thanks for making this giveaway internationally open, I appreciate it.
Liz
February 17, 2012 at 8:43 amI thoroughly enjoyed Boneshaker and am a big fan of the Philip Reeve titles and I’m also particularly looking forward to Tiffany Trent’s new steampunk novel coming out later this year. Oh, and let’s not forget Magic Under Glass. A big big favourite.
Hannah w
February 17, 2012 at 8:51 amMy faves would have to be the dark materials (are they steampunk :S? not sure) but the clockwork corset was really good, it was a collection of short stories and had a lovely cover. Thanks for the give away =]
kara-karina
February 17, 2012 at 11:11 amI still absolutely love The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. It was my first steampunk novel.Thank you for an amazing giveaway!
Na S.
February 17, 2012 at 11:48 amMine is The Iron Duke by Meljeab Brook. Im slowing working my way into this genre and enjoying it.
Yeti
February 17, 2012 at 12:47 pmWow, these books sound awesome and massively intriguing! If they were available on Kindle I would download one now!
I’m a Scott Westerfeld fan so Leviathan trilogy is my fave 🙂
Mel S
February 17, 2012 at 12:53 pmI have to admit I like the Souless series by Gail Carriger – steampunk plus werewolves and vampires – what’s not to love?
I love the idea of mixing lovecraft and steampunk – one series to add to my wishlist!
Amanda Lee
February 17, 2012 at 1:18 pmI really love The Iron Duke… but clearly I have not read nearly enough Steampunk since it’s the only one I can think of- something to rectify! 🙂
britc
February 17, 2012 at 1:20 pmI enjoyed Native Star, which is slightly steampunky.
Jessica T.
February 17, 2012 at 3:04 pmI actually don’t think I’ve read any steampunk novels before. The idea of it has fascinated me for a while now, so I’d definitely love to give the genre a try with these awesome-sounding books! 🙂
Jill of The O.W.L.
February 17, 2012 at 3:57 pmLeviathan!!!
Serena
February 17, 2012 at 4:29 pmI also liked Howl’s Moving Castle. These books look fun, too!
Lucia Hua
February 17, 2012 at 6:49 pmThe Infernal Device, yes yes! I also saw Howl’s Moving Castle up there. I have yet to read it, but I LOVED Miyazaki’s version of it!
Lucia Hua
February 17, 2012 at 6:50 pmOops I meant The Infernal Devices. By Cassandra Clare. 🙂
kelly
February 17, 2012 at 8:39 pmKenneth Oppel’s Airborn remains my favorite,* with Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan a VERY close second.
*one of my dearest friends told me I was very much Kate DeVries. How could I not love that?
Katie M.
February 17, 2012 at 10:07 pmI’ve only recently been introduced to steampunk, but have found that I love it! So far, my favorite steampunk genre book is “Leviathan” by Scott Westerfeld (set during the time of WWI). I’m very interested in reading The Iron Thorn and The Nightmare Garden as I am a long-time fantasy fan — Sounds like a wonderful mix! 😀
Sofija
February 18, 2012 at 1:58 amMy favorite is The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. It is full of adventure, romance, conspiracy and humor.
Ariana
February 18, 2012 at 2:50 amI simply adore Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Awesome story and characters.
catherine james
February 18, 2012 at 5:00 amI still have The Iron Thorn sitting on my shelf, with its spine uncracked. I AM going to read it a.s.a.p. ’cause I’ve been salivating over the whole idea ever since you mentioned the m.s. at your blog years ago.
ajinalina
February 18, 2012 at 6:05 ammy favorite is Clockwork Angel
Cindy J.
February 18, 2012 at 11:27 amMy favorite steampunk novel is Boneshaker. 🙂
Rachel
February 19, 2012 at 12:47 amI’m going to have to continue the love for Leviathan. Great book.
Cristina
February 19, 2012 at 2:32 amMine has to be heart of steel by Meljean Brook i heard of it through this blog and am now and in the process of reading it through a second time in a row. Close second and third have to be Boneshaker and the infernal devices
Maureen
February 19, 2012 at 5:45 amI would say The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook.
Smugglers’ Stash & News | The Book Smugglers
February 19, 2012 at 10:48 am[…] Guest Author & Giveaway: Caitlin Kittredge on Inspirations & Influences […]
Lillian
February 19, 2012 at 12:11 pmI’d have to say that Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan trilogy is my favorite collection of steampunk novels.
Alyssa Sooklal
February 19, 2012 at 3:09 pmMy favorite Steampunk series is The Steampunk Chronicles. The first book, The Girl in the Steel Corset, was thoroughly engrossing. I liked the quality of the author’s writing and the pace of the novel. The second book, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, will be out in May. I can’t wait to read it!!! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! I really enjoyed The Iron Thorn.
Alyssa Sooklal 🙂
Pippi55
February 19, 2012 at 3:18 pmLeviathan, I agree.
Samantha
February 19, 2012 at 4:18 pmDoes The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson count as steampunk? I think that’s the closest I’ve gotten to reading any, but I really, really liked it.
May Richard
February 19, 2012 at 8:57 pmI loveeee Leviathan!!!
Stella C
February 19, 2012 at 9:02 pmMy favourite is the Leviathan series by Scott Westerfeld.
scribe
February 20, 2012 at 12:29 pmhmmm…not sure i’ve read a steampunk novel–i probably have and just forget!!! but i DO want to read leviathan (and will eventually) and the iron thorn has been on my reading list forever!!!!=o)
=o)
Kokolo
February 20, 2012 at 5:03 pmI don’t think I’ve ever read a steampunk novel. Does the Iron Duke by Meljean Brook count?
A Peculiar Angel Fall | Literary Escapism
February 20, 2012 at 9:08 pm[…] of Just Right – Mama Kitty ReviewsCaitlin Kittredge, author of The Nightmare Garden – Book SmugglersDarynda Jones, author of Third Grave Dead Ahead – Book Wenches,Diana Castilleja, author […]
Sheena-kay Graham
February 21, 2012 at 9:45 amClockwork Angel is mine. Hope I win giveaway!
JH
February 21, 2012 at 2:58 pmDoes 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea count? I haven’t read enough modn steampunk, despite my adoration for Jules Verne.
Rachel
February 22, 2012 at 4:44 amThese sound amazing. I would have to say Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare is my favourite, though Scott Westerfields Leviathan series is awesome as well.
Cam Wiggins
February 22, 2012 at 2:05 pmDare I say also that my favorite steampunk genre book is “Leviathan” by Scott Westerfeld? I like the WWI setting.
Missie
February 22, 2012 at 10:05 pmHands down, the Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger. Charming, adventurous, and so damn fun!
Nicole R
February 23, 2012 at 5:04 pmEasily ‘All Men of Genius’ by Lev AC Rosen (which I’m fairly certain you guys pointed me to..so many thanks for that!)
Megan
February 23, 2012 at 9:22 pmWorldshaker by Richard Harland was really good, and its sequel, Liberator, comes out this year.
WordSpinner
February 23, 2012 at 9:30 pmIt’s not a novel, but I love Girl Genius, the webcomic–it has mad scientists, super soldiers, and talking cats! And it is so, so, steampunk.
oriana
February 24, 2012 at 1:50 pmi really like Leviathan!
thanks for making this international 😀
Alina
February 24, 2012 at 3:27 pmI loved the first book and I’m looking forward to reading the second!
Emily AKA Doodle
February 24, 2012 at 3:38 pmI love The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare!
Pam S (pams00)
February 25, 2012 at 9:03 amI am pretty new when it comes to steampunk genre, but looking forward to exploring it :). I really liked the Iron Duke!.
Love Caitlin’s Black London series, am looking forward to reading this series.
pams00 @ aol.com
Ileana A.
February 25, 2012 at 12:49 pmI’ve read Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld!!
Spav
February 25, 2012 at 2:23 pmMy favorite is The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook.
Martha C.
February 25, 2012 at 5:26 pmI have never read a Steampunk book before. 😮
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February 26, 2012 at 3:22 am[…] JEN B […]
Cindy A.
February 11, 2014 at 7:57 pmOne More for Leviathan.