The Wonder - Deep Blue by James Devo

In some Worlds, Society depends on Technology to expand its horizons. In the Victorian world of the Wonder, Magic is the leading light. It powers an Empire through an Industrial Revolution towards boundless possibilities, including the invasion and colonisation of any neighbours who may have reserves of Magic themselves.
In the follow-up to Blood Red, heroes and villains are forced together to defend their world against a smoke belching threat believed extinct for centuries. Despite the use of ancient magic and unlikely allies, a far-flung colony is forced to its knees as betrayal and treachery spread like a virus on both sides of an old war.