Here’s a new (instant) classic: Susanna Clarke’s “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell: A Novel.”
Pretty long novel about two 19th century magicians, once allies, turned rivals. The subject matter isn’t like the Sandman graphic comix at all, but if you dig that aesthetic, you’d like it. It also can be read as a pointed satire of academia. It’s in paperback (I’m pretty sure), but apparently the hardcover didn’t sell well, and you can pick up first-print versions for like $6. I’ve seen it cheap at Borders, and Amazon (as always) has it.
Nothing like The Prestige or The Illusionist.
Not necessarily a good pick for the sci-fi crowd, but if you did the magic thing, Neil Gaiman, or Tori Amos, check it out.