Gaslamp Fantasy was first coined by Kaja Foglio to describe her graphic novel series “Girl Genius.” The term evolved as a response to the Steampunk movement to distinguish titles that share some of the same literary elements, but lack a focus on scientific technology and mechanization.

Books within the Gaslamp Fantasy genre are typically set in the 19th century, have a strong sense of place and atmosphere (imagine the industrial, coal-stained streets of London), and tend to focus on world building with the presence of intricate magic systems or supernatural creatures. It owes much of its influence to Gothic Fiction and serves as a contemporary manifestation of the classic genre.

If you’re like me and enjoy reading outside of your comfort zone, then you’ve come to the right place to explore a new genre. So make yourself a fine cup of tea, bake a batch of buttery scones, and curl up with one of these Gaslamp Fantasy titles for a wondrous reading experience.

“Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell” by Susanna Clarke

Winner of the 2005 Hugo Award, “Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell” is an epic tome with a story set in the midst of the Napoleonic Wars — a time when the study of magic only exists in theory. This is the case until the cloistered bibliophile Mr. Norrell demonstrates to the elites of society that he can perform actual magic, and he is enlisted to assist the British government in its war against France.

Here enters Jonathan Strange, an adventurous aristocrat with a natural talent for magic, who finds himself as an apprentice to Mr. Norrell despite their disagreements on magical discourse and clashing personalities. What follows is an intimate portrayal of the lives of these two magicians as they make a name for themselves and attempt to recapture the essence of magic.

“Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell” is Tolkien-esque in that it reads like an intimate historical narrative with painstaking attention to detail. However, Clarke’s prose is far from laborious due to her use of cheeky dialogue and vivid, picturesque descriptions that make the pages shift from an imagined world to something tangible. Don’t let the immense size and slow start faze you, as you will relish the opportunity to spend as much time as possible within Clarke’s enchanting world.

“The Magpie Lord” by KJ Charles

After the death of his father and brother, Lord Lucien Vaudrey finds himself the subject of a dark curse that endangers his life. Stephen Day, one of the most talented magicians in London, has a temperamental history with the Vaudrey clan who have all but managed to destroy his family. Stephen must overlook these issues to save Lucien’s life. When the curse’s progenitor proves to be more dangerous than expected, Lucien and Stephen must work together to stop an evil force before it destroys them both. Then, everything can go back to normal if only they could only avoid falling in love with one another. However, to Stephen and Lucien, being normal is overrated.

“The Magpie Lord” is the perfect romance book if you think you don’t like romance. There is no teeny bopper love triangle or artificiality to it. Instead, what emerges is a heartfelt relationship that blooms between two individuals who grow to love one another more than life itself. Charles succeeds because she gets you to care about these characters in a limited span of time, all while capturing your attention with a plot that will keep you guessing till the end. “The Magpie Lord” has everything you could want from a Gaslamp Fantasy including magical mayhem, a foreboding mystery, true love, and steamy scenes of passion. What’s not to like?

“The Shadow Revolution” by Clay and Susan Griffith

Inspired by “Fullmetal Alchemist” and Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful,” “The Shadow Revolution” is a relentless Victorian adventure full of mysticism, alchemy, mad science experiments and bloodthirsty werewolves. When playboy scribe Simon Archer and his tutor Nick Barker encounter a rogue werewolf on a foggy evening in London, their fates become irrevocably intertwined with a gifted alchemist named Kate Anstruther and the fearsome Scottish monster hunter Malcolm MacFarlane.

Although this first book in the trilogy leaves minimal room for character development, especially considering how the protagonists have no time to breathe between their encounters with the supernatural, you’ll find yourself completely enamored with this motley group of heroes.

With witty banter and intriguing interpersonal relationships, “The Shadow Revolution” is the kind of book that remains impossible to put down even when sleep beckons. It is an addicting, fast-paced adventure that will have you placing the next two books on hold before you can say abracadabra.

If you’re interested in learning about additional Gaslamp Fantasy titles in Lawrence Public Library’s collection, be sure to check out this list in our catalog.

— Fisher Adwell is an Information Services Assistant at Lawrence Public Library.