15 Books Set In Victorian London With Fantasy Twists
Victorian London—a city of gaslit alleys, towering spires, and secrets lurking in the fog—has long been a playground for mystery, intrigue, and the supernatural. It’s a world where magicians rub shoulders with aristocrats, monsters lurk in shadowed streets, and the boundaries between science and sorcery blur.
For those who love their historical fiction infused with magic, danger, and gothic wonder, these 15 books offer spellbinding tales set against the backdrop of Victorian London.
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
🎪 A Mysterious Circus, a Magical Rivalry, and an Enchanted Love Story
In an era of grandeur and illusion, a secret competition between two young magicians unfolds within a mesmerizing, otherworldly circus. The setting is drenched in Victorian elegance and wonder, and the story weaves magic, fate, and forbidden love into an unforgettable spectacle.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A lush, atmospheric read with breathtaking prose
✔ A slow-burn romance wrapped in mystery
✔ A magical London that feels like stepping into a dream
2. Soulless by Gail Carriger
☕ Steampunk, Werewolves, and a No-Nonsense Heroine
Lady Alexia Tarabotti has no soul—a fact that makes her quite the anomaly in Victorian London, where supernatural creatures thrive. When she accidentally kills a rogue vampire, she finds herself entangled in a web of danger, romance, and delightful steampunk gadgets.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A witty, charming, and fiercely independent heroine
✔ A delightful blend of steampunk and supernatural lore
✔ Sharp humor with a touch of romance
3. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
📜 The Revival of English Magic in the 19th Century
Magic has long been forgotten in England, until two magicians—one cautious and scholarly, the other reckless and daring—attempt to restore its lost glory. A beautifully intricate tale of rivalry, war, and the dark underbelly of Victorian-era magic.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ Deeply immersive, with intricate worldbuilding
✔ A blend of historical fiction, folklore, and gothic fantasy
✔ A sweeping tale of power, obsession, and fate
4. A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth
🏰 A Living House, a Family Curse, and a Deadly Secret
In a Victorian England where houses are alive with ancient magic, one girl must reclaim her family’s estate—before it consumes her. Filled with lush gothic atmosphere, hidden power, and a touch of tragedy, this novel is perfect for those who love a mix of history and eerie enchantment.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A unique twist on the haunted house trope
✔ Gorgeous prose that feels like a dark fairytale
✔ Magic that feels old, powerful, and terrifying
5. The Last Days of Jack Sparks by Jason Arnopp
👻 A Supernatural Mystery with a Modern Twist
A journalist obsessed with debunking the supernatural gets far more than he bargained for when he begins researching an exorcism in Victorian London. What follows is an eerie, mind-bending tale of ghosts, secrets, and the dangers of uncovering hidden truths.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A gripping, fast-paced blend of horror and historical fantasy
✔ An unreliable narrator who keeps you guessing
✔ Chilling, atmospheric depictions of haunted London
6. The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss
🔬 A Feminist Twist on Classic Monster Stories
Mary Jekyll, daughter of the infamous Dr. Jekyll, uncovers a secret society of monstrous women—including Frankenstein’s daughter and Rappaccini’s poisonous girl. Together, they must solve a gruesome mystery in Victorian London, where the line between science and horror is dangerously thin.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A fresh, feminist take on gothic horror
✔ A thrilling detective story featuring legendary literary figures
✔ Sharp dialogue and clever storytelling
7. A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess
🔥 A Chosen One with a Dangerous Secret
When Henrietta is revealed to have magical abilities, she is declared the prophesied savior against a rising tide of demonic horrors. But her power is not what they think it is, and in a world of gentleman sorcerers and cruel monsters, keeping secrets may be the only way to survive.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A strong heroine fighting against societal expectations
✔ Magic, monsters, and a mysterious prophecy
✔ A dark, thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of gothic horror
8. The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann
🦋 A Victorian Steampunk Tale of Fey and Shadows
In an alternate steampunk London, the city is haunted by faeries and dark magic. Bartholomew, a half-human, half-faery outcast, is swept into a dangerous mystery involving missing children and a sinister plot that could change the world.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A unique mix of steampunk, fae lore, and dark fantasy
✔ A thrilling, fast-paced adventure
✔ A richly detailed and eerie Victorian setting
9. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
⚙️ Demon Hunters in a Victorian Steampunk London
Tessa Gray arrives in London only to be kidnapped by warlocks, uncovering a hidden world of Shadowhunters, demons, and ancient magic. With steampunk technology, supernatural threats, and a compelling love triangle, this series is perfect for fans of dark urban fantasy.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A thrilling mix of action, romance, and gothic horror
✔ A heroine caught between destiny and dark secrets
✔ A richly built fantasy world full of Victorian elegance and deadly intrigue
10. The Nevers (Screenplay & Novel Adaptation by Joss Whedon)
✨ Women with Extraordinary Powers in a Rigid Society
A mysterious event grants supernatural abilities to women across Victorian London, making them both powerful and dangerous in a society that seeks to control them. A gripping tale of feminism, power, and hidden magic, filled with conspiracies and shocking twists.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ Strong, complex female characters
✔ A rich mix of historical intrigue and fantasy elements
✔ A fresh take on the X-Men meets Victorian London concept
11-15: More Enchanting Victorian Fantasy Reads
- Gaslight & Grimm – A fairy tale anthology with Victorian steampunk flair
- The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by G.W. Dahlquist – A dark fantasy thriller with alchemy and espionage
- The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon – A dystopian-fantasy London with clairvoyants
- The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger – More steampunk, romance, and supernatural humor
- The Shadow Histories by H.G. Parry – A magical alternate history of the British Empire
💀 Which of these books will transport you into the fog-drenched streets of magical Victorian London? Or do you have a favorite fantasy novel set in this eerie, enchanting world? Let’s discuss!
