Lilith Saintcrow - The Iron Wyrm Affair (2012)

The Bannon & Clare series is an interesting mix of magic and steampunk. The world is very dark, but that's usual for a Saintcrow novel. Clare is the deductive of the pair - think Sherlock Holmes. Bannon, though, is no Dr. Watson. She's a powerful sorceress in the employ of the Queen. A distant and controlled woman, intent on her duty at the expense of everything, even herself.

This series is fun - and not just because there are dragons! But, seriously, DRAGONS!!! The Iron Wyrm Affair is a search for conspirators who are killing off Mentaths, the only people with the ability to locate and stop them before they achieve their aim - taking over the Empire. The dialog is a bit naff - Saintcrow is trying for Victorian mannerisms and sounding stiff and mocking. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book. I'm so glad Saintcrow has written another strong woman character who doesn't need a man, doesn't give in to men's insecurities, doesn't give a damn what men think. That's my favourite part of her books - all the strong capable women who do what has to be done, almost without emotion, because it's the only way they survive the dark worlds.

Lynn Viehl - The Clockwork Wolf (2014)

This is book two in Viehl's Disenchanted & Co series and absolutely the best Steampunk novel I have ever read. It's just so full of ingenious ideas, inventions and fun plots. I could not put the book down, resented every interruption by my family and was completely devastated when I finished reading and realised I'd probably be waiting a YEAR for book three!

In this adventure Kit investigates rampaging mechanised wolfmen and finds much more of a plot than she initially thought possible, one that almost destroys the city of Rumsen. It's magic and steam-powered machinery in a Victorian era Toriana (America). The imagery is beautiful and doesn't overwhelm the story, just enhances it. The plot is superb and completely unexpected, yet believable. If you're a Steampunk enthusiast you cannot do better than this series.