Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Sunasanna Clarke.
This book is set in early 19th century Britain, where gentlemen’s clubs exist for scholars to dedicate themselves to the theoretical study of magic. It is all very neat and tidy until Mr. Norrell reveals that he can, in fact, produce real magic. He proves himself and takes on an apprentice in Jonathan Strange. The two magicians are soon helping
the British government against Napoleon’s armies by creating faerie roads and British ghost ships made out of rain. It soon becomes obvious that Norrell and Strange are interested in different types of magic, and this sets up their rivalry. Clarke has done an amazing job of making the magic in the book seem somewhat commonplace. I have seen this book compared to J.K. Rowling, Phillip Pullman, and Jane Austen - yes it is a humorous fantasy but I think that Susanna Clarke has created something unique that can stand on its own merits.