Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
4.0

1806. England is beleaguered by the long war, and centuries have passed since magicians faded from view. But one remains: the reclusive Mr Norrell. Proceeding to London, he raises a woman from the dead and summons an army of ghostly ships to terrify the French. Yet the cautious Norrell is challenged by the emergence of another magician. Young, handsome and daring, Jonathan Strange is his very antithesis. So begins a dangerous battle between these two great men - which overwhelms that between England and France. And soon their own secret dabblings with the dark arts are going to cause more trouble than they can imagine.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

About Susanna Clarke

A British author acclaimed for her historical fantasy novels, particularly Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which reimagines 19th-century England with the return of magic. Clarke's meticulously researched historical detail, elegant prose, and imaginative integration of folklore and the supernatural create a unique and immersive reading experience. Her work is celebrated for its wit, depth, and sophisticated world-building.

Other Books by Susanna Clarke

Book cover

Piranesi

by Susanna Clarke

4.2

In Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, a man lives in a surreal, labyrinthine house filled with endless halls, statues, and a mysterious ocean. Known only as Piranesi, he catalogs the wonders of his strange world and meets only one other person: the enigmatic "Other." As fragments of forgotten truths emerge, Piranesi begins to question everything he knows. Written in journal entries, the novel is a quiet, meditative mystery exploring identity, solitude, and the nature of knowledge. Both fantastical and deeply human, Piranesi is a beautifully strange tale of wonder and revelation.

Similar Books

Book cover

Black Sun

by Rebecca Roanhorse

Series: Between Earth and Sky (#1)

4.2

Rebecca Roanhorse’s Black Sun is an epic fantasy inspired by pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. Set in the city of Tova, where celestial prophecies converge, it follows a blind priestess, a ship captain with secrets, and a mysterious man marked as a god. As a solar eclipse approaches, political tensions and divine destinies collide. Roanhorse weaves a richly detailed world of magic, prophecy, and power struggles, crafting a narrative full of diverse cultures, complex characters, and mythic resonance. Black Sun is the first in the Between Earth and Sky series and a bold, genre-defying fantasy adventure.

Book cover

The Bear and the Nightingale

by Katherine Arden

Series: Winternight Trilogy (#1)

4.1

Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale is a rich historical fantasy rooted in Russian folklore. Set in a remote village, it follows Vasya, a girl who can see spirits others cannot. As Christianity spreads and the old ways fade, dark forces stir in the forest. Vasya must embrace her gift to protect her family and her world from ancient evil. With lyrical prose, magical realism, and a fiercely independent heroine, the novel weaves myth and history into a haunting coming-of-age tale about belief, bravery, and the struggle between tradition and change.

Book cover

The Witches of New York

by Ami McKay

4.4

In 'The Witches of New York,' Ami McKay weaves a captivating tapestry of historical fiction that blends elements of fantasy and social commentary. Set in 1880s New York City, the novel immerses readers into the lives of three extraordinary women: Adelaide Thom, Eleanor St. Clair, and the seemingly unremarkable Beatrice Dunn. They operate a tea shop that serves as a sanctuary for women seeking wisdom and healing. When mysterious occurrences and dark threats begin to close in, these three are propelled into a world of danger and intrigue. Rich in atmospheric detail, McKay's narrative confronts themes of female empowerment, otherness, and the societal constraints women face. Amidst the realism of New York's bustling streets, the story balances myth, mystery, and history to craft an enchanting and thought-provoking tale. Readers are drawn into the magical undercurrents of these women's lives, confronting prejudice and embracing the mystical bond of sisterhood. McKay's lyrical prose not only entertains but also incites reflection on the enduring spirit of women who defy the roles prescribed to them.

Book cover

The Water Dancer

by Ta-Nehisi Coates

4.5

Ta-Nehisi Coates' debut novel, The Water Dancer, blends historical fiction with magical realism to tell the story of Hiram Walker, a young man born into slavery with a mysterious power. After a near-death experience, Hiram discovers he possesses a supernatural ability called "conduction," which aids in his quest for freedom. The novel explores themes of memory, family, and liberation, offering a fresh perspective on the antebellum South and the Underground Railroad. Coates' lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling create a compelling narrative about the enduring human spirit.