Best Gaslamp Fantasy Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Gaslamp Fantasy Books are a unique genre of literature that combines elements of Victorian-era England with fantastical and supernatural elements. These books are set in a time when gas lamps were the primary source of artificial lighting and the world was still largely unexplored. They typically feature strong, independent female protagonists and explore themes of magic, romance, and adventure. Gaslamp Fantasy Books are perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction and fantasy novels, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Legends & Lattes Cover #TOP 1
Legends & Lattes
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Shades of Magic Boxed Set Cover #TOP 2
Shades of Magic Boxed Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bookshops & Bonedust Cover #TOP 3
Bookshops & Bonedust
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Gaslamp Fantasy Books

Legends & Lattes

Baldree, Travis
Nov 8, 2022

Legends & Lattes is a heartwarming fantasy novel that follows Viv, a battle-weary orc who decides to open the first-ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. However, old and new rivals threaten her success. Viv soon learns that she can't go it alone and that the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers she meets along the way. This cozy novel delivers exactly what's advertised: a wholesome, low-stakes fantasy that feels like a warm hug. It's a must-read for D&D players who have ever wondered what happens after "happily ever after."

#TOP 2

Shades of Magic Boxed Set

Schwab, V. E.
Tor Books
Oct 16, 2018
Shades of Magic Boxed Set Cover
Shades of Magic Boxed Set: A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, A Conjuring of Light

The Shades of Magic Boxed Set by V. E. Schwab is a New York Times bestselling trilogy that follows Kell, a rare magician with the ability to travel between parallel Londons. The set includes A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light, with additional content and a pull-out map. The series is addictive and immersive, featuring perilous magic, treachery, and unforgettable characters. It's a classic work of fantasy that is compulsively readable and perfect for Neil Gaiman fans. A Conjuring of Light is everything readers could want, desire, dream of, and more. Overall, the Shades of Magic Boxed Set is a must-read for fans of fantasy action and adventure books.

#TOP 3

Bookshops & Bonedust

Baldree, Travis
Nov 7, 2023
Bookshops & Bonedust Cover
Bookshops & Bonedust

Bookshops & Bonedust is a high fantasy novel set in the world of New York Times bestselling Legends & Lattes. The story follows Viv, a young orc who is forced to take a break from her mercenary career after being injured on a mission. She finds herself in the sleepy beach town of Murk, where she spends her time at a local bookshop and unexpectedly finds love and adventure. This low-stakes fantasy is a heartwarming and cozy read that delivers exactly what it promises. The unique blend of high fantasy, romance, and second-hand books makes Bookshops & Bonedust a must-read for any fantasy action and adventure book lover.

#TOP 4

The Fragile Threads of Power

Schwab, V. E.
Sep 26, 2023
The Fragile Threads of Power Cover
The Fragile Threads of Power (Threads of Power, 1)

The Fragile Threads of Power, the first book in the Threads of Power series by V.E. Schwab, takes readers on a thrilling journey through four worlds connected by a single city, London. The story follows the struggles of two royals, King Rhy Maresh and young queen Kosika, as they fight to keep their crowns and their heads amidst rising rebellions and religious fervor. Alongside them is Tes, a girl with an unusual magical ability who possesses a device that could change the fate of all four worlds. Schwab's original premise and compelling execution make this book a gem of a tale to treasure.

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms

Holmberg, Charlie N.
Nov 1, 2022
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms Cover
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House)

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg is a bewitching novel that takes readers on a journey into a haunted house filled with magic, danger, and love. The story follows Merritt Fernsby, a writer who inherits a remote estate in Rhode Island, and Hulda Larkin, an expert in taming bespelled homes. As they work together to uncover the secrets of Whimbrel House, they realize that the sentient walls are not their only concern. Filled with delightful period details and artfully shaded characters, this whimsical novel is a perfect read for a cold fall night. Holmberg's creative magic systems and intriguing mystery make this book stand out in the folklore genre.

#TOP 6

Heir of Uncertain Magic

Holmberg, Charlie N.
Apr 11, 2023
Heir of Uncertain Magic Cover
Heir of Uncertain Magic (Whimbrel House)

Heir of Uncertain Magic (Whimbrel House) is a spellbinding novel by Charlie N. Holmberg, the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. The story revolves around Merritt Fernsby, the inheritor of the remote Narragansett Bay estate, who is on a quest to uncover his magical lineage. As he grapples with his burgeoning powers, he teams up with his ex-housekeeper, Hulda Larkin, to solve the mysteries of wizardry, chaos, and love. The book is a perfect blend of a delicate love story and an addictive mystery, making it a cozy fantasy that is sure to please.

#TOP 7

The Medici Manuscript

Archer, C.J.
Mar 5, 2023
The Medici Manuscript Cover
The Medici Manuscript (The Glass Library)

The Medici Manuscript (The Glass Library) is a fascinating historical mystery book that follows Sylvia's journey to uncover the secrets of an old manuscript she found in her attic. The book is written in a code that proves difficult to crack, and Sylvia needs the help of Gabe and his friends to solve the mystery. However, things get dangerous when the book is stolen and someone tries to kidnap Gabe. This book is a thrilling page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

#TOP 8

Stardust

Gaiman, Neil
William Morrow Paperbacks
Jan 20, 2021

Stardust by Neil Gaiman is a captivating tale of love, magic, and adventure that follows Tristran Thorn's quest to bring a fallen star to the woman he loves. However, he is not the only one seeking the star, and the star herself has her own agenda. Gaiman's writing is elegant and imaginative, infusing humor and romance into this beloved fairy tale. The book is beautifully repackaged with original watercolor art by Henry Sene Yee. Stardust is a timeless work that transports readers to a magical and enchanting world that will leave them spellbound.

#TOP 9

Shades of Magic Collector's Editions Boxed Set

Schwab, V. E.
Tor Books
Nov 5, 2019
Shades of Magic Collector's Editions Boxed Set Cover
Shades of Magic Collector's Editions Boxed Set: A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light

The Shades of Magic Collector's Editions Boxed Set by V.E. Schwab is a must-have for fans of the bestselling fantasy trilogy. The set features revamped covers, stunning fan art, reading ribbons, and updated glossaries of Arnesian and Antari terms. In addition to the original trilogy, the set includes six additional stories that explore the Shades of Magic world more deeply than ever before. The trilogy has received high praise from critics and readers alike for its addictive and immersive storytelling, inventive fantasy, and emotionally rich conclusion. Overall, this boxed set is a treasure trove for lovers of epic fantasy.

#TOP 10

A Pirate's Life for Tea

Thorne, Rebecca
Feb 20, 2023
A Pirate's Life for Tea Cover
A Pirate's Life for Tea: A Cozy Fantasy with Ships Abound (Tomes & Tea Cozy Fantasies)

A Pirate's Life for Tea: A Cozy Fantasy with Ships Abound is an LGBT fantasy fiction book that follows the journey of Kianthe and Reyna as they search for stolen dragon eggs and end up getting involved in a love story with a river pirate. The book is full of adventure, swashbuckling pirates, and matchmaking. The author, Rebecca Thorne, does an excellent job of creating a cozy and safe atmosphere for her characters, making it a delightful read for all. Overall, this book is a heartwarming and special addition to the fantasy genre, with its representation of LGBT characters and unique storyline.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is considered Gaslamp fantasy?

In a nutshell, gaslamp fantasy is fantasy that takes places any time during the 1800s, with some exceptions. Under its umbrella are Regency and Victorian fantasy, and some gothic fantasy fits as well.

2. What is a Gaslamp book?

Generally, the term refers to fiction based in a Victorian-style setting, similar to steampunk, but with a broader emphasis on magic.

3. What is Steampunk with magic called?

Gaslamp fantasy, also called gaslight fantasy, is Steampunk's more magically-inclined cousin. It's a subgenre of fantasy (and more specifically of Historical Fantasy) with a setting that is clearly recognizable as the real-world 19th or very early 20th century (or a reasonable analogue thereof).

4. Can fantasy be historical fiction?

Historical fantasy is a category of fantasy and genre of historical fiction that incorporates fantastic elements (such as magic) into a more "realistic" narrative.

Editor's Notes

During our gaslamp fantasy book research, we found 1,200+ gaslamp fantasy book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,473,025 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gaslamp fantasy books list. We found that most customers choose gaslamp fantasy books with an average price of $16.21.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.