by Kristina Gruell
Even if you didn’t know the name of the genre yet, chances are you’ve read a gaslamp book or two, like A.J. Lancaster’s Stariel series or Olivia Atwater’s Regency Fairytales. If not, Kristina Gruell tells you why the genre of Gaslamp Fantasy is definitely worth a try in today’s guest blog.
First of all … what is Gaslamp Fantasy?
It is a relatively new subgenre of which the name was coined in 2006 by Kaja Foglio. It is usually second world fantasy set in the equivalent of Victorian or Edwardian times. Unlike its cousin steampunk, which focuses on science, gaslamp is all about the magic.
There is so much to love about Gaslamp Fantasy, but I will try to keep my list short:
1. Magic!
Magic is an important part of the plot, the world building and the characters – but this is FaRoFeb, so we can’t forget about the romance. One of my favorite uses of magic in Gaslamp novels is enhancing the romantic connection (and adding some spicy fun to sexy encounters!). Whether it is a spell, a fated mate connection or sexual tension that awakens magic to enhance the experience, magic mixed with love and sex makes everything spicier! (For example, SL Prater’s Street Witch had some fun scenes with levitation.)
2. Waistcoats
Oi! Is there anything sexier than a man or woman in a waistcoat with their shirtsleeves rolled up? Especially if they are concocting potions, doing magic or otherwise engaging in witchery. Really, all the clothing is amazing. In my opinion some of the coolest outfits we see from this time is in the late Victorian period when the Rational Dress Society was getting attention. We have Viscountess Harberton, a member of that society, to thank for divided skirts, which have played a big role in fantasy novels.
3. Industrial elements
Since we are in the Victorian/Edwardian eras, unlike a lot of fantasy, we are at that cusp time period when the industrial era comes into play. One of my own favorite sayings when describing my In Blood and Fire Series: I have swords, magic, guns, and trains. With Gaslamp, we get a little bit of everything.
4. New social norms
Gaslamp is usually second world fantasy. So while it is inspired by the Victorian/Edwardian eras of our world, we authors get to take artistic license. Meaning the strict modesty that was seen in the Victorian Court can go out the window! The possibilities are endless which is one of the things that make it such a rich genre to explore and experience.
And while we are throwing out the modesty… we also get to explore relationships that would not have been openly seen in the 1800s along with some really kinky romance.
5. Pretty underwear
Speaking of things unseen… have you ever noticed that Victorian (and therefore Gaslamp) undergarments are not only well constructed but downright beautiful? The delicate lace, the embroidery all gives us even more reasons to want to get the characters out of their clothing!
Gaslamp really is the melting pot of fantasy romance. A place where we can explore what life could have been like if women had the same opportunities as men when it came to education and careers. How magic can and does permeate every aspect of our lives. How love is limitless, timeless, and all encompassing.
About Kristina Gruell
Kristina was born in Texas, in a former farming community. Growing up she rode horses, participated in FFA, danced, and read voraciously. After a car accident left her wheelchair bound for eight months , she turned to books and playing play-by-post role playing in the early days of AOL chatrooms. Her original stories and first novel were background for her online characters; eventually she began writing and telling stories to entertain her friends. Visit her at kristinagruell.com.