After enjoying Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, I was hoping A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, which is similarly pitched, would be a good read. Unfortunately it was not… basically written at the Lightning Thief-level, so fine for 12-14 year olds who can handle a little gratuitous torture, but pretty tedious for adults.  NPR though gave it a favorable review. I disagree, but then you have to decide who to trust, NPR or me?