Fantasies in the not so very distant past

 Steampunk powers its machines with steam and resides in a moderately convincing real-world past, often Victorian, but other times work too. So it's fantasy, with a touch of mechanical realism (as opposed to magical realism I guess, though there's plenty of that too).

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The magical Night Circus is magically depicted in Erin Morgenstern’s beautiful novel, the Night Circus. It’s a Victorian world of clever tricks and amazements. But it hides a different world of magic and power, where two great magicians vie to best each other, using their proteges as tools.

A game is afoot, but neither protagonist knows the threat or the promise. And when they meet, they fall in love, with brings both threat and promise together.

The magic of love and the magic of words come together in a truly enticing novel and a captivating read. 

Even though I knew the End by C. L. Polk

Magical mystery set in 1940s Chicago, C. L. Polk’s Even though I knew the end invites readers into dark corners where mystical murder leaves shadows only the powerful can read. But sometimes it might be better not to read.

Exiled augur Helen sold her soul long ago, and the price will soon be due. But she’d persuaded to take one last case, hoping the payment perhaps will ease the trials of her lover, Edith, after she’s gone.

But nothing is as simple (or as simply complex) as it seems, and the result is a wonderfully gothic noir novel – thought-provoking, intriguing, with twists and turns that keep the pages flying by. Highly recommended.