I'd say go ahead, but that's because I've already heard practically that whole book. I think it would be somewhat confusing, but then again, this site is as much for improving your writing as it is for introducing books chronologically, so if you're stuck on no. 1 and want to do no. 2 I say go ahead.
“Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Lord Wellington asked Strange.
Strange frowned. He seemed to dislike the question. “I suppose a magician might,” he admitted, “but a gentleman never could.” — Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
