Book recommandation - fantasy, steampunk

[Maxorias]

Hello !

I'm looking for audiobooks to listen to on my commute (I have audible).

I don't have book exemples of what I'm looking for but I'd like something that feels a bit like the video games Dishonoured, Clair Obscur, Masquerada... So in other words, a fantasy/renaissance sort of feel with an original magic system and a darker side to it.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks in advance !

Chronicles of St Mary - maybe more lighter than darker, but you may enjoy it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chronicles-of-St-Marys/dp/B09CT3DQLK

I was trying to remember a book I’ve read, and whilst searching, cane up with these lists or suggestions. Maybe helpful.

https://shepherd.com/best-books/fantasy-set-in-a-dark-dystopian-world-or-universe

https://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/fantasy-sub-genres/dystopian-fiction.php

https://katethealmostgreat.com/20-dystopian-science-fiction-and-fantasy-books-to-escape-with/

The Mortal Engines series might work - predator cities roving a post apocalyptic world

Thanks for the suggestions ! I didn't know most of these (except mortal engines, which I've heard of but never really got into).

I'll give a shot at the st mary books, @Steelworks , and also maybe Psyker in the link you gave me. Not sure it fits the renaissance feel I was looking for but it looks like a fun read either way.

@MoistVonL I'll take another look at the mortal engines, maybe I dismissed it too fast. I didn't really look into it because I don't love other works by the author.

Mat Osman from Suede has written a kind of steam punk fantasy thing set in the Renaissance called Ghost Theatre. I didn't get on with it myself possibly because I know quite a lot about Elizabethan theatre and all the errors annoyed me even though it is in an alternative world, but t definitely ticks all your boxes!

Also maybe Leigh Bardugo (sp)'s series set in a kind of alt universe historical Amsterdam, Six of Crows is one I think? I read them before,and enjoyed them.more than, her other ones set in the same universe but in alt Russia.

Babel by RF Huang might work for you.

Naomi Novik is good - I love Temeraire (Napoleonic Wars with dragons) but the Scholomance trilogy might fit the slightly steampunk vibe.

Try the Tales of the Ketty Jay series by Chris Wooding, starting with Retribution Falls. They’re great fun and available on Audible.

Thanks all ! I've already read Leigh Bardugo and Chris Wooding, and I've read all of the Temeraire series (couldn't get into Scholomance but also read most of her other books), but I'll check out the ghost theater one, sounds promising. Not a fan of Huang, it's too serious and deep for me 😂

If you like werewolves and vampires look up Gail Carriger.

The Invisible Library series by Genevieve Cogman has some sections set in steampunk/ gas lamp fantasy type worlds, which you might enjoy.

Grimdark is the genre where you have fantasy settings that have darker themes. I don’t know much about it, so can’t recommend anything, but I’m sure there will be plenty of recommendations if you Google.

Maybe The Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon

Thanks ! I used to like stuff with vampires/werewolves but feel like the genre is a bit tired now, and lacks new ideas/perspective. But I'll take a look.

Thanks, that looks promising !

I like the dichotomy between glittery renaissance settings and the dark underworld that supports it - but I don't want it to be toooo dark. More like... Realistic with a bit of grit ? But I'll look and see if anything comes up.

Never heard of it, thank you, I'll check it out !