The BBC's Jonthan Strange & Mr Norrell

Two magicians shall appear in England.
The first shall fear me; the second shall long to behold me;
The first shall be governed by thieves and murderers; the second shall conspire at his own destruction;
The first shall bury his heart in a dark wood beneath the snow, yet still feel its ache;
The second shall see his dearest possession in his enemy’s hand.
The first shall pass his life alone; he shall be his own gaoler;
The second shall tread lonely roads, the storm above his head, seeking a dark tower upon a high hillside.

If you're at all familiar with Susanna Clarke's masterful Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell then you already know fans have long been vying for a screen adaptation. Subtle magic, British sensibilities, fairy enhancement? Come on. We need this!

In 2004, New Line Cinema paid a hefty sum for the rights to product a film adaptation of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. The plans puttered about until the studio merged with Warner Brothers in 2008. After which point the project lost steam, leaving fans uncertain as to whether or not we'd ever see this adaptation realized.

Luckily, on 30 November 2012, the BBC announced its plans to turn this book into a six-part mini series. The series is being directed by Toby Haynes (whose past works include episodes of Dr. Who and Sherlock). Filming is already underway.

As for the cast, I can say I'm very satisfied! Let's take a look, shall we? I've even constructed an image so you can easily put a face to these names.

Eddie Marsan - Mr Norrell
Bertie Carvel - Jonathan Strange
Charlotte Riley - Arabella
Alice Englert - Lady Pole
Marc Warren - The Gentleman with the Thistle-Down Hair
Enzo Cilenti - Childermass
Samuel West - Sir Walter Pole
Ariyon Bakare - Stephen Black
Paul Kaye - Vinculus

What do you think? Like the cast? Hate it? Would you have chosen different actors? I was a bit iffy at first but at this point I'm pleased with the casting decisions. I can't make a final judgement without seeing everyone in character. 

Needless to say, I am looking forward to seeing this! From the very beginning I had hoped the BBC would get their hands on this. Who better?

Will you be watching? 

Wonders by SJ Tucker

You may call my truest name and fling it to the floor,
but ticks and tocks from broken clocks can't hurt me anymore.
Let’s be done with fairytales and how they’re meant to end.
The truth is that I lost my way and found it here again 

It's no secret that my favorite author is Catherynne M. Valente. She's absolutely amazing. Few authors have moved me like she has. In truth, it was her work that reignited my love of reading. She showed me that some books still hold wonders unimaginable - that some books are still worth losing yourself to.

So imagine my delight when I discovered Wonders by SJ Tucker, a beautiful collection of music inspired by Valente's The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. I cannot stop listening to this album! There's truly something on here for everyone - from the haunting "Glashtyn Shanty" to the yearning "For Iago". You'll even find Valente's own lullaby, "Little Skylark".

You can give this album a listen for free by visiting SJ Tucker's site: here. Love it as much as I do? Purchase it and take this collection with you on your adventures.

Have you found any music inspired by books you love? Sound off and tell me your favorites!