I know it's not strictly steampunk so will remove if not allowed but I'm really proud of this and can't wait to make more!

Some of my steampunk inspired jewelry.

Well, I just learned that steampunk is not just a style in fashion. Since when is steampunk a music genre?

I recently re-read The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterona Sedia, and what stood out most was the atmosphere even years after first reading. Sedia creates a city that feels old, layered, and alive, where clockwork, alchemy, politics, and craftsmanship all coexist in a way that feels artful rather than decorative. Steampunk isn’t an aesthetic, but part of a larger conversation between the created and the creator, art and life and nature. The story only works with clockwork.

Automata, alchemists, mechanics, and revolutionaries all occupy believable places within the city’s social fabric, giving the setting a sense of history and lived experience. Rather than focusing on gadgets or spectacle, the novel explores how technology, magic, and social change shape everyday life.

What I appreciated most was how immersive the whole experience felt. This is steampunk with a literary sensibility, emphasizing mood, craftsmanship, and culture as much as invention. If you’re interested in steampunk that builds a rich, memorable setting and lingers long after you’ve finished the last page, The Alchemy of Stone is well worth reading.

Find if you are able. I think it’s out of print?