SUSANNA CLARKE ...

Is a British fantasy novelist best known for her debut novel 'Johnathan Strange & Mr Norrell' which I consider to be probably the best fantasy novel written, as it combines the realistic historical detail of a fantasy novel like 'The Lord of the Rings' with great characters like 'Harry Potter'. The story is set in an alternative 19th century England against the background of the Napoleonic Wars and follows the exploits of two magicians as they attempt to return magic to England. The novel has smoky illustration's that complement the text well throughout.

 

                    © Susanna Clarke                                            © BBC

It was turned into a BBC TV series that despite a limited budget really captured the spirit of the book well and somehow managed to adapt all of it into just seven episodes. Clarke has also written a collection of short stories called 'The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories' and a short novel called 'Piranesi'. She is currently working on a new novel set in Bradford England.

Here's a link to her books on Amazon where you can buy them.