Are there any fantasy novels where the protagonist has to deal with a world that combines industrial technology with magic?

Oh, absolutely! That's a fantastic subgenre, and there are some truly captivating reads out there that blend industrial innovation with arcane forces. It's a setting ripe for all sorts of conflict and wonder, where steam engines might run on elemental spirits and airships could be powered by enchanted crystals.

One of the most prominent examples that immediately comes to mind is the "Mistborn" series by Brandon Sanderson. While it leans more towards a unique magic system that feels almost like a science within its world, the societal structure and the advancements made by the ruling powers often have an industrial feel, especially in later books. You see the manipulation of metals for power, the development of sophisticated machinery, and a stark contrast between the oppressed masses and the technologically advanced elite. It's a world where magic is a tangible force that has shaped its development in fascinating ways.

Another series that explores this dynamic is "The Daevabad Trilogy" by S.A. Chakraborty. While not strictly industrial in the way we might think of factories and steam, it features intricate magical cities with their own unique forms of advanced architecture and technology, often powered and maintained by djinn. There's a sense of ancient, powerful magic interwoven with complex social structures and political machinations that feel akin to the machinations of industrial-era empires. The cities themselves are marvels of magical engineering.

Then there's something like "The Golem and the Jinni" by Helene Wecker, which, while more focused on the characters' personal journeys, is set in late 19th century New York. It masterfully weaves in magical beings into a world on the cusp of massive industrial change. The clatter of trolleys, the burgeoning electricity, and the sheer scale of the city provide a backdrop where ancient magic must navigate and adapt to a rapidly modernizing world. The contrast between the old and the new, the magical and the mundane, is a central theme.

You might also find some enjoyment in "Powder Mage" by Brian McClellan. This series is quite literally about gunpowder mages, where the use of firearms and military tactics are augmented by magical abilities. It has a distinctly Napoleonic-era feel with muskets and cannons, but the magic users add a whole other layer of devastating power and strategic complexity. It’s a world where industrial-era warfare has been significantly altered by the presence of magic.

These are just a few starting points, but the combination of industrial might and magical prowess is a recurring theme in fantasy for good reason. It allows for incredible world-building and offers unique challenges and opportunities for protagonists. Happy reading!