The Difference Engine

by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling
The Difference Engine cover
Good Books rating 3.75
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  • ID: 6603
  • Added: 2025-11-26
  • Updated: 2025-11-26
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Reddit · 2020-11-08
perfect 3.50

The book's pace is uneven but worth reading for its unique take on steampunk. The way Gibson and Sterling do steampunk is perfect.

Reddit users discuss The Difference Engine, noting that the pace of the story ebbs and flows but is ultimately worth a read. The unique take on steampunk is praised, with the way Gibson and Sterling blend historical elements with speculative technology being particularly highlighted. The characters are well-developed and the world-building is impressive, making the alternate history feel tangible and real. However, some readers might find the pacing uneven and the narrative structure complex. Overall, it's a book that will appeal to fans of the steampunk genre and those who enjoy speculative fiction with a historical twist.

Quick quotes

    The pace of the story ebbs and flows a bit but imo it's absolutely worth a read.

    The way Gibson and Sterling do steampunk is perfect.

    It's a book that will appeal to fans of the steampunk genre and those who enjoy speculative fiction with a historical twist.

Amazing Stories · 2013-04-30
positive 4.00

The book is packed with realistic characters and believable flaws, making it a compelling read.

This review highlights the realistic characters in 'The Difference Engine', noting that they have believable flaws which add depth to the story. The review praises the passionate defense of characters like Mallory, even when they are wrong. The world-building is also commended for its richness and detail. However, the review acknowledges that the pacing can be slow, which might not appeal to all readers. Overall, it is seen as a compelling read for those interested in steampunk literature.

Quick quotes

    The Difference Engine is packed with realistic characters with believable flaws.

    For example, Mallory shows a passionate defense for his (wrong) beliefs.

    The world-building is rich and detailed, making it a compelling read.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2011-07-10
positive 4.00

The book is a great piece of alternate history, with a richly imagined Victorian London equipped with Babbage engines.

Kara Babcock praises 'The Difference Engine' as a great piece of alternate history, highlighting the richly imagined Victorian London equipped with Babbage engines. The review emphasizes the depth of the world-building and the intriguing concepts explored in the novel. The characters are noted for their complexity and believability, adding to the overall appeal of the story. However, the review also mentions that the pacing can be slow at times, which might not appeal to all readers.

Quick quotes

    The Difference Engine is a great piece of alternate history.

    Gibson and Sterling drop hints at what an alt-Victorian London equipped with Babbage engines could be like.

    The characters are complex and believable, adding to the overall appeal of the story.

The Book Smugglers · 2010-03-11
mixed 3.50

The book is challenging but rewarding for fans of the genre. It is a significant work in steampunk literature, though it has its flaws.

This review highlights that 'The Difference Engine' is a challenging read, but it offers rewarding parts for those who persist. It's seen as a significant work in the steampunk genre, with a richly imagined alternate history of Victorian London. However, the execution and pacing are noted as mixed, with some parts feeling slow and steady. The characters are well-developed, but the plot is criticized for not being as engaging as it could be.

Quick quotes

    This epitome of Steampunk is a difficult read with some very rewarding parts if you stick to it.

    I recommend it – with reservations – for fans of the genre.

    It is a significant work in the steampunk genre.

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