12 Fantasy Books With Skyships
There’s something undeniably exhilarating about skyships—the fusion of maritime adventure and the limitless expanse of the skies. These vessels of wood and metal, held aloft by magic, steam, or sheer ingenuity, transform the heavens into vast oceans of possibility. Whether they are pirate ships riding the wind, warships waging battle among the clouds, or explorers chasing the horizon, skyships embody freedom, danger, and the call of adventure. If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through endless skies, these 12 fantasy books with skyships will take you on an unforgettable journey.
1. The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher
In The Cinder Spires series, Butcher crafts a world where towering spires serve as city-states and skyships rule the air. Captain Grimm, a seasoned skyship commander, navigates a world of political intrigue, aerial battles, and sky-high adventure. With a mix of steampunk aesthetics, pulse-pounding action, and fascinating airship technology, The Aeronaut’s Windlass is a must-read for fans of epic skyborne tales.
2. Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding
Imagine Firefly with skyships, and you get Retribution Falls. Captain Darian Frey leads a crew of misfits aboard the Ketty Jay, a rickety but beloved airship, as they take on smuggling, bounty hunting, and a job that goes horribly wrong. This book is a fast-paced, swashbuckling adventure filled with betrayal, humor, and heart—perfect for those who love roguish heroes and high-stakes escapades.
3. The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
A beautifully illustrated, wildly imaginative series, The Edge Chronicles features a world where skyships sail over floating rock formations and vast, uncharted landscapes. Each book follows different characters navigating a world of sky pirates, sky galleons, and dangerous beasts lurking in the mists. With intricate maps, stunning artwork, and a deep, immersive lore, this series is a treat for fantasy lovers of all ages.
4. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Though leaning into science fiction, Skyward has all the heart and excitement of a fantasy skyship adventure. Spensa dreams of becoming a pilot and soaring through the skies, but her father’s legacy as a traitor keeps her grounded—until she discovers an ancient, sentient starship buried beneath the surface. With thrilling aerial combat, a richly developed world, and Sanderson’s signature storytelling, Skyward is perfect for fans of sky-bound epics.
5. Ship of Smoke and Steel by Django Wexler
A fantasy adventure set on a massive, floating warship called Soliton, this book follows Isoka, a street-hardened fighter with the power to control magic, as she is forced to infiltrate and seize control of the legendary vessel. Wexler’s world is a brutal one, where skyships glide through unknown waters and survival is never guaranteed. It’s a thrilling blend of action, magic, and rebellion.
6. Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
In a world where enormous airships glide through the sky, Airborn follows Matt Cruse, a cabin boy aboard the Aurora, as he uncovers the mystery of an explorer’s dying words. With a mix of steampunk elements, thrilling aerial rescues, and a deep sense of wonder, this book captures the spirit of adventure and the magic of flight in a way that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
7. The Black Lung Captain by Chris Wooding
The second book in the Tales of the Ketty Jay series takes Captain Frey and his crew on another high-flying adventure. With a mix of aerial dogfights, treasure hunts, and unexpected betrayals, this book expands on the world of Retribution Falls, delivering more sky-bound action, razor-sharp wit, and unforgettable characters. If you love airship pirates and daring escapades, this is a series worth devouring.
8. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Though The Starless Sea is more of a dreamlike, literary fantasy, its ethereal skyships are unforgettable. This novel is a love letter to stories and storytelling, weaving together underground libraries, mysterious doors, and celestial ships that drift between realms. If you love poetic prose, layered narratives, and a touch of the surreal, this book will transport you into a world unlike any other.
9. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Set in an alternate steampunk World War I, Leviathan features an airship that’s not just a machine—it’s a living, breathing creature. Part biological construct, part warship, the Leviathan carries the fate of a world at war. Westerfeld’s mix of historical fiction, skyships, and dazzling imagination makes this a must-read for fans of both steampunk and adventure.
10. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
While known more for its necromantic duels and razor-sharp dialogue, Gideon the Ninth also features awe-inspiring skyships that traverse the dark void between planets. These colossal vessels transport the ruling houses of a bone-and-shadow-fueled empire, blending gothic fantasy with eerie, celestial travel. If you love books that bend genre conventions, this one will keep you spellbound.
11. Windhaven by George R.R. Martin & Lisa Tuttle
This lesser-known gem by Martin and Tuttle introduces a world where islands are scattered across an endless ocean, and only those who can fly on wing-like gliders can bridge the distances between them. While not traditional skyships, these soaring vessels carry the same sense of skybound freedom and adventure, making Windhaven a breathtaking tale of courage, destiny, and the cost of flight.
12. Temeraire by Naomi Novik
Though Temeraire is primarily about dragons, these intelligent, sky-sailing creatures function as airships in their own right. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, but with airborne dragon fleets, this series reimagines historical warfare with an aerial twist. The blend of military strategy, sky battles, and the deep bond between human and dragon makes this a must-read for fans of high-flying fantasy.
Conclusion: Adventure Awaits in the Skies
From rogue airship captains to ancient floating fortresses, these books capture the thrill of soaring through the heavens on wind-powered vessels, sailing above cloud-choked landscapes, and navigating the boundless freedom of the skies. Whether you seek battles in the stratosphere, sky-high mysteries, or explorations of worlds unknown, these fantasy books with skyships will take you on unforgettable journeys beyond the clouds. Ready to set sail? The sky is waiting. 🚀
