In the realm of steampunk and dark fantasy literature, few games have captured the imagination quite like Dishonored. The game’s rich narrative and intricate world-building are reminiscent of some of the best books in the genre. If you’re a fan of Dishonored and looking to dive into similar worlds through literature, here are 17 books that will transport you to equally enthralling universes.
Books Similar to Dishonored
1. Perdido Street Station by China Miéville
Perdido Street Station is a masterpiece of urban fantasy, set in the sprawling, grimy city of New Crobuzon. The novel weaves together the lives of a scientist and a wingless bird-man in a tale filled with political intrigue and monstrous creatures. Fans of Dishonored will appreciate the dark, atmospheric setting and complex characters.
2. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora introduces readers to the cunning and charismatic thief, Locke Lamora, and his band of Gentlemen Bastards. Set in the Venetian-inspired city of Camorr, this novel is rich with deception, heists, and a touch of magic. It’s a perfect read for those who enjoy the stealth and strategy elements of Dishonored.
3. The City & The City by China Miéville
In The City & The City, Miéville crafts a unique narrative where two cities coexist in the same physical space, yet are perceived as separate entities. This detective story with a twist will captivate readers who enjoy intricate, thought-provoking plots and the blending of reality with the surreal.
4. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus is a tale of a magical competition between two young illusionists, set in a fantastical circus that appears without warning. The novel’s lush descriptions and enchanting atmosphere will appeal to those who loved the mystical elements in Dishonored.
5. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
In Mistborn: The Final Empire, Sanderson introduces a world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the night. The story follows a group of rebels with magical abilities as they attempt to overthrow a tyrannical ruler. The book’s themes of rebellion and power dynamics will resonate with Dishonored fans.
6. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell explores an alternate 19th-century England where magic is real but nearly forgotten. The novel follows the revival of English magic through the lives of two magicians. Its richly detailed world and historical setting will captivate those who enjoyed the lore and history in Dishonored.
7. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
The Golem and the Jinni tells the story of two mythical creatures who find themselves in 1899 New York City. Their struggle to fit into human society while hiding their true natures provides a compelling narrative. The book’s blend of historical fiction with supernatural elements makes it a great pick for Dishonored enthusiasts.
8. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
In The Bone Season, readers are introduced to a dystopian future where clairvoyants are hunted by a repressive regime. The protagonist, a dreamwalker, is captured and must navigate a world of danger and intrigue. The book’s dark, oppressive atmosphere mirrors that of Dishonored‘s Dunwall.
9. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Neverwhere follows Richard Mayhew, an ordinary man who stumbles into the hidden world of London Below, a dark and magical realm beneath the city. Gaiman’s ability to blend the mundane with the fantastical will appeal to those who enjoyed the hidden depths of Dishonored‘s setting.
10. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
The Shadow of the Wind is a gothic mystery set in post-war Barcelona, revolving around a young boy who discovers a forgotten book and uncovers secrets about its mysterious author. The novel’s atmospheric setting and intricate plot will captivate fans of Dishonored‘s storytelling.
11. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle, detailing the life of Kvothe, a legendary figure in a richly detailed fantasy world. The book’s intricate world-building and deep character development will resonate with those who appreciate the depth of Dishonored‘s narrative.
12. The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
The Grace of Kings is an epic fantasy inspired by Chinese history, following two friends who become leaders in a rebellion against a tyrannical emperor. The novel’s themes of loyalty, betrayal, and revolution will appeal to those who enjoyed the political intrigue in Dishonored.
13. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
Set in a future where biotechnology reigns supreme, The Windup Girl explores a world ravaged by environmental collapse and corporate greed. The story’s complex characters and dystopian setting will captivate readers who enjoy the dark, speculative elements of Dishonored.
14. The Court of the Air by Stephen Hunt
The Court of the Air is a steampunk adventure set in a world of political intrigue and mechanical wonders. The novel follows two orphans who uncover a conspiracy that threatens their society. Its blend of action, mystery, and steampunk elements makes it a great choice for Dishonored fans.
15. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Leviathan is an alternate history novel set during World War I, featuring a world divided between those who use advanced machinery and those who employ genetically engineered beasts. The book’s imaginative setting and thrilling plot will appeal to those who enjoyed the technological and fantastical elements of Dishonored.
16. The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher
In The Aeronaut’s Windlass, Butcher introduces readers to a world where humanity lives in massive, floating spires and airships dominate the skies. The novel’s mix of high-flying adventure and steampunk technology will captivate fans of Dishonored‘s unique blend of magic and machinery.
17. The Scar by China Miéville
The Scar is set in the same universe as Perdido Street Station, following a former prisoner who becomes embroiled in the machinations of a floating pirate city. The novel’s rich world-building and complex, morally ambiguous characters will resonate with those who loved the depth and darkness of Dishonored.