Thursday, August 8, 2013

Staff Picks

Did you know there are new genres and subgenres of literature constantly being invented? We’ve all heard of comedy, horror, adventure, romance, and historical fiction, but have you ever heard of postcyberpunk, a planetary romance, wuxia, or a fantasy of manners?

One of my favorite new genres that’s been picking up a lot of steam (pun intended) lately is Steampunk. Part alternate history, part science fiction, this genre usually takes place in an alternative version of the 19th or early 20th century where crazy technology reigns and giant steam powered machines and inventions roam the pages. Here are a couple Steampunk suggestions to whet your appetite if this new genre sounds intriguing:

Goblin Secrets by William Alexander
Part fantasy, part steampunk, this novel takes place in a world where magic is real, horses are powered by coal made of human hearts, and police are aided by steam powered, clockwork eyes.

On the run from Graba, a Baba Yaga figure with gear-worked chicken legs, Rownie is taken on a whirlwind adventure through the crowded and fantastical streets of Zombay when he teams up with an acting troop of goblins.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Set in an alternative version of World War I, German clankers (fantastical steam powered steel machines) and Allied Darwinists (giant genetically modified animals) clash. Deryn, a girl disguising herself as a boy to serve in the military, and Alek, an Austrian prince on the run from the Germans, find themselves an unlikely team when Deryn’s ship crash lands outside Alek’s castle. The title character is an airship built from a genetically modified, flying whale!

Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories
A collection of steampunk inspired stories by some of your favorite YA authors. A great introduction to this genre.

Visit your library to discover a new (or new to you) genre today!


Cleo Slaughter
Youth Services Supervisor

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