Order of Steven Price Books

Steven Price is a Canadian poet and novelist. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a BFA in 2000 and later earned an MFA in poetry from the University of Virginia. Steven has received several prestigious awards for his work, including the Gerald Lampert Award in 2007 and the ReLit Award for Poetry in 2013. His novel By Gaslight was longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2016, and his work Lampedusa was shortlisted for the Giller Prize in 2019. He also writes historical fiction and dark fantasy novels as J.M. Miro. Currently, he teaches poetry and fiction at the University of Victoria and resides in Victoria with his partner, novelist Esi Edugyan.

Steven Price made his debut as a novelist in 2011 with Into That Darkess. Prior to that, he was a published poet. Below is a list of Steven Price’s books in order of when they were first released:

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Poetry Collections

Publication Order of The Talents Trilogy Books

(as J.M. Miro)

If You Like Steven Price Books, You’ll Love…

• J.M. Miro
• Barbara Kingsolver
• Abraham Verghese

Steven Price Synopses: Into That Darkness by Steven Price is a gripping tale set against the harrowing backdrop of a catastrophic earthquake that devastates Victoria, British Columbia. As the city crumbles, the story unfolds with a focus on the deeply human struggle for survival in the aftermath of disaster.

Arthur Lear, the protagonist, is drawn into a desperate situation when he hears a child’s cry amidst the chaos. His instinct to help compels him to navigate through the wreckage of collapsed buildings in a race against time to rescue a young boy and his mother. However, his journey quickly transforms from a simple rescue mission into a profound exploration of human nature and morality.

As Lear traverses the shattered city, he witnesses the breakdown of societal norms and the emergence of raw survival instincts among the survivors. The hospitals overflow with the injured, and the streets become a battleground for those desperate to survive. Throughout his journey, Lear faces not only the physical dangers of the crumbled city but also the moral dilemmas that arise when humanity is pushed to its limits.

Driven by his commitment to find the mother’s lost daughter, Lear’s quest becomes a test of his resilience and compassion. The narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships forged in crisis, revealing how love, fear, and desperation can shape actions and decisions in the face of overwhelming odds.

Ultimately, Into That Darkness is a powerful exploration of what it means to be human in the midst of chaos and destruction. It raises profound questions about identity, community, and the enduring spirit of hope, even when all seems lost. Lear’s journey home becomes a reflection of the fragility and strength of the human spirit, as he grapples with the meaning of survival in a world forever altered by disaster.

By Gaslight by Steven Price is a standalone novel. At the heart of the story is William Pinkerton, the son of the legendary detective Allan Pinkerton. Despite his father’s fame, William feels the weight of expectation as he seeks to uncover the truth about the elusive conman, Edward Shade. Shade’s infamy has grown, and with it, the stories surrounding his exploits. William’s determination to find Shade drives him deep into the underbelly of London, where he encounters a world of deception, danger, and unexpected alliances.

Parallel to William’s pursuit is the story of Adam Foole, a gentleman grappling with a haunting past and a love that once consumed him. After receiving a mysterious letter from his long-lost beloved, Adam’s journey leads him back to London, where he learns unsettling truths about her fate and its ties to Shade. This personal quest for closure forces him to confront grief and regret he thought he had buried.

As the two men’s paths intertwine, a captivating hunt unfolds through the city’s darkest corners—its sewers, opium dens, and grand drawing rooms, as well as the ethereal realm of séance halls. The foggy streets of London serve as both a setting and a character in its own right, adding to the atmosphere of suspense and foreboding.

William and Adam’s unlikely partnership blossoms amid the chaos. They bring their unique skills and perspectives to the hunt, navigating a world filled with double-crosses and hidden motives. As they draw closer to Shade, they unearth not just the mysteries surrounding the notorious thief but also the complexities of their own lives and the relationships that bind them.

Lampedusa is a standalone title by Steven Price. It is a poignant exploration of creativity, legacy, and the human experience, set against the lush backdrop of 1950s Sicily. The novel delves into the life of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, the last prince of Lampedusa, as he grapples with the daunting task of completing his magnum opus, The Leopard, a novel that would ultimately become a cornerstone of Italian literature.

Price masterfully captures the essence of Lampedusa’s character, immersing readers in the intricate thoughts and emotions of a man in the twilight of his life. As Lampedusa reflects on his aristocratic background and the fading grandeur of his family, he confronts the realities of mortality, societal change, and the quest for artistic immortality. His journey becomes a meditation on the struggle to create something of lasting value in a world that feels increasingly ephemeral.

The narrative is rich with evocative descriptions of the Sicilian landscape, evoking a sense of place that is as integral to the story as the characters themselves. The sun-drenched setting serves as a contrast to Lampedusa’s inner turmoil, emphasizing the beauty and transience of life. The interplay between the external world and Lampedusa’s internal struggles is beautifully rendered, allowing readers to feel the weight of his aspirations and fears.

As Lampedusa wrestles with his writing, the novel explores the transformative power of art. It delves into the relationship between the artist and their work, highlighting the profound impact that creation can have on both the creator and society at large. Price’s lyrical prose elevates the narrative, making Lampedusa’s struggles palpable and relatable.