I read The Native Star a few weeks ago but its actually released today and I have to really 'push' this book because it was one of the best debuts I have read this year!
The book is set just after the US Civil War and is an alternative world where magic fuels the industrial revolution. I did a review at the Bookpushers here
http://thebookpushers.com/2010/08/31/the-native-star-by-m-k-hobson/ - which sums up the book.
But if you are fan of well thought out fantasy and enjoyed Leanna Renee Hieber or Gail Carriger you will love this book.