Author, 19, Who Wrote First Book at 14 Hailed as Next J.K. Rowling

A 19-year-old British woman who wrote her first novel at 14 is being hailed as the next J.K. Rowling.

Like the "Harry Potter" author, Catherine Banner’s recently published novel, "The Eyes of a King," focuses on young people and the adventures they experience amid a world of magic, The Daily Mail reported.

"She may even take on J.K. Rowling," said Lauren Buckland, Banner's editor at Random House Children's Books.

It also is the first fantasy novel of a trilogy and hit bookstores on Wednesday.

Banner, who lives in Cambridge with her parents, told The Mail she started writing during school as a "bit of fun."

"Growing up, I always loved stories and writing," she told The Mail, citing C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" as her inspiration.

At 16 Banner attended a book festival and was able to get a literary agent to read her novel. She learned she would be signed and published a short time later when finishing high school, The Mail reported.

Banner, who will start an English degree program at Cambridge University this fall, said she has finished the second novel in the trilogy and started on the third.

Buckland told The Mail that Banner is a remarkable talent and a writer to watch.

"She has created a brilliant book — it's got pace, great characters and a real sense of adventure, which leaves the reader wanting to know more."

Banner’s book is expected to be a bestseller.

Click here to read more on this story from The Daily Mail.