Urgent book help needed!

[harborshore]

My sister is buying a book today for someone who likes steampunk--does anyone have any tips for books that are either solidly steampunk but not maybe the most well-known books, or alternatively fantasy/sci-fi with steampunk elements? We would be super super super grateful.

ETA: Thank you so much, everyone! Awesome awesome recs.

Comments

[blindmouse.livejournal.com]

You might try the Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy by D. M. Cornish if you can find it (it's Australian, but it won some international awards, so maybe). YA alternate universe thing with tricorn hats and foundling boys and monster hunters with weird machinery insets over their eyes, and really lovely pen-and-ink character portraits scattered here and there.

[harborshore.livejournal.com]

That one was impossible to find but man, now I want to read it. *adds to list* It sounds fantastic!