More Magic Book Club

Demi Utley
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Books

Welcome to the More Magic Book Club, a podcast for fantasy readers dying to talk about the latest fantasy book you read. Each month, we discuss a recent fantasy novel in detail so you know you’re not the only one who hated that character or wanted to move into that fantasy world (and you also don’t have to worry about exhausting your friends who just don’t get it). This podcast is not spoiler-free. Listen at your own risk.

  1. Aug 30

    Book Club: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

    This month we chat about the Hugo award-winning novel, The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett. A fantasy-murder mystery mashup, we get tastes of multiple genres that left us eager to see where this world goes. Grab your sleuthing tools and join us for a discussion *with spoilers* of this creative book! The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9781984820716 Let us know what you think in the comments, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Prefer email? Sign up at moremagicpodcast.com to receive emails when new episodes release, updates on new projects, and special subscriber-only magic. Credits: Host: Demi Utley, ⁠https://demiutley.substack.com/⁠ Co-Host: Marianne Boules —  Audio Production - Gregory Mikels Additional credits for the music used during the intro and outro: Remix Composition & Production - Gregory Mikels Danse Sacrée composed by Claude Debussy  Public Domain Performed by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra with Major Jason K. Fettig, conducting, MSgt Karen Grimsey, harp soloist on Aug. 14, 2010, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. The Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saëns  License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en  Performers Pianos: Neil and Nancy O'Doan Orchestra: Seattle Youth Symphony, conducted by Vilem Sokol. Recorded 1980 Original music links: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danse_Sacr%C3%A9e.ogg  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns_-_The_Carnival_of_the_Animals.ogg

    Book Club: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

  2. Aug 20

    Mythology Retellings with Lauren J.A. Bear

    Some stories stay with us for 3,000 years. In this special episode, mythology retelling author, Lauren J.A. Bear joins to chat about why we love mythology, the importance of it today, and even the implications for art of all types. It's a fun episode where we share a few book recs and really dive into this subgenre and it's legacy. Books mentioned in this episode: Daughters of Bronze by A. D. Rhine Clytemnestra’s Bind by Susan Wilson Helen’s Judgement by Susan Wilson Songs of Achilles by Madeline Miller Circe by Madeline Miller Seeds by Angie Paxton Daughter of Olympus by Hannah Lynn Ungodly Rich Katharine McGee Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin Beloved by Toni Morrison The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 1984 by George Orwell Lauren’s piece for Fantasy Cafe: https://www.fantasybookcafe.com/2023/04/women-in-sff-month-lauren-j-a-bear/  Let us know what you think in the comments, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Prefer email? Sign up at moremagicpodcast.com to receive emails when new episodes release, updates on new projects, and special subscriber-only magic. Credits: Host: Demi Utley, ⁠https://demiutley.substack.com/⁠ Guest: Lauren J.A. Bear, https://www.laurenjabear.com/ https://www.instagram.com/laurenjabear/ —  Audio Production - Gregory Mikels Additional credits for the music used during the intro and outro: Remix Composition & Production - Gregory Mikels Danse Sacrée composed by Claude Debussy  Public Domain Performed by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra with Major Jason K. Fettig, conducting, MSgt Karen Grimsey, harp soloist on Aug. 14, 2010, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. The Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saëns  License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en  Performers Pianos: Neil and Nancy O'Doan Orchestra: Seattle Youth Symphony, conducted by Vilem Sokol. Recorded 1980 Original music links: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danse_Sacr%C3%A9e.ogg  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns_-_The_Carnival_of_the_Animals.ogg

  3. Aug 3

    The Golem and the Jinni with Helene Wecker - Author Interview!

    In this extra special book club episode, we chat with author Helene Wecker about her book, The Golem and the Jinni. From historical immersion in 1899 New York to the complexity of a magic system built on belief to characters trapped both physically and mentally, this story has much to discuss. Helene shares many behind-the-scenes aspects of the book and larger trilogy along with amusing anecdotes. You'll laugh and learn a few new things in this episode! Channel Chava and grab your favorite pastry, a beautiful tin cup, and join us for this fun discussion. Let us know what you think in the comments, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Prefer email? Sign up at moremagicpodcast.com to receive emails when new episodes release, updates on new projects, and special subscriber-only magic. The complete trilogy: The Golem and the Jinni The Hidden Palace The Gates of Midnight Helene's website for future updates: https://www.helenewecker.com/ Credits: Host: Demi Utley, ⁠https://demiutley.substack.com/⁠ Co-Host: Marianne Boules —  Audio Production - Gregory Mikels Additional credits for the music used during the intro and outro: Remix Composition & Production - Gregory Mikels Danse Sacrée composed by Claude Debussy  Public Domain Performed by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra with Major Jason K. Fettig, conducting, MSgt Karen Grimsey, harp soloist on Aug. 14, 2010, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. The Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saëns  License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en  Performers Pianos: Neil and Nancy O'Doan Orchestra: Seattle Youth Symphony, conducted by Vilem Sokol. Recorded 1980 Original music links: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danse_Sacr%C3%A9e.ogg  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns_-_The_Carnival_of_the_Animals.ogg

    The Golem and the Jinni with Helene Wecker - Author Interview!

  4. Jul 20

    The Love of Gods: Mythology Fantasy

    Who doesn't love a book with gods and goddesses? These immortal, powerful being create perfect drama and stories that leave us appreciating our humanity. From Greek mythology retellings to invented mythologies in secondary worlds, there's a book with gods for everyone. In this special episode, authors A.J. Peterson and Rebecca Brodkey join to chat about their love of gods and offer recommendations for your next read. Pour a cup of something powerful and settle in for this episode (toga optional). Let us know what you think in the comments, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Prefer email? Sign up at moremagicpodcast.com to receive emails when new episodes release, updates on new projects, and special subscriber-only magic. Credits: Host: Demi Utley, ⁠https://demiutley.substack.com/⁠ Guests: A.J. Peterson, https://www.ajpeterson.com/ Rebecca Brodkey, https://www.rebeccabrodkey.com/ —  Audio Production - Gregory Mikels Additional credits for the music used during the intro and outro: Remix Composition & Production - Gregory Mikels Danse Sacrée composed by Claude Debussy  Public Domain Performed by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra with Major Jason K. Fettig, conducting, MSgt Karen Grimsey, harp soloist on Aug. 14, 2010, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. The Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saëns  License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en  Performers Pianos: Neil and Nancy O'Doan Orchestra: Seattle Youth Symphony, conducted by Vilem Sokol. Recorded 1980 Original music links: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danse_Sacr%C3%A9e.ogg  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns_-_The_Carnival_of_the_Animals.ogg

  5. Jul 10

    Book Club: Circe by Madeline Miller

    For this month's book club, we dive into the highly acclaimed novel Circe by Madeline Miller. It's arguably one of the *best* mythology retellings and a masterclass in beautiful characters, prose, and storytelling. We had so much fun chatting about this iconic witch, and it's perfect timing with the new Odyssey movie hitting theaters. Light a candle, steep some herbs, and join us in the realm of the gods. Let us know what you think in the comments, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Prefer email? Sign up at moremagicpodcast.com to receive emails when new episodes release, updates on new projects, and special subscriber-only magic. Credits: Host: Demi Utley, ⁠https://demiutley.substack.com/⁠ Co-Host: A. J. Peterson, https://www.ajpeterson.com/ —  Audio Production - Gregory Mikels Additional credits for the music used during the intro and outro: Remix Composition & Production - Gregory Mikels Danse Sacrée composed by Claude Debussy  Public Domain Performed by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra with Major Jason K. Fettig, conducting, MSgt Karen Grimsey, harp soloist on Aug. 14, 2010, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. The Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saëns  License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en  Performers Pianos: Neil and Nancy O'Doan Orchestra: Seattle Youth Symphony, conducted by Vilem Sokol. Recorded 1980 Original music links: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danse_Sacr%C3%A9e.ogg  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns_-_The_Carnival_of_the_Animals.ogg

    Book Club: Circe by Madeline Miller

  6. Jun 15

    Favorite High Fantasy Books

    For when you'd be anywhere but reality, high fantasy books provide a perfect escape. With other worlds, beings, even types of physics, high fantasy offers ultimate escapism. In this episode, we're joined by high fantasy reader and author, A. J. Peterson, to chat about the best high fantasy novels out there. If you've been in a reading slump or just want an escape from reality, this is the episode for you! Let us know what you think in the comments, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe.Prefer email? Sign up at moremagicpodcast.com to receive emails when new episodes release, updates on new projects, and special subscriber-only magic.Credits:Host: Demi Utley,⁠ ⁠https://demiutley.substack.com/⁠⁠Co-Host: Marianne Boules Special Guest: A.J. Peterson, Author & EditorFind her at: https://www.ajpeterson.com/https://ajpeterson.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/dreamscape.editing/Audio Production - Gregory Mikels Additional credits for the music used during the intro and outro: Remix Composition & Production - Gregory Mikels Danse Sacrée composed by Claude Debussy  Public Domain Performed by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra with Major Jason K. Fettig, conducting, MSgt Karen Grimsey, harp soloist on Aug. 14, 2010, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. The Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saëns  License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en  Performers Pianos: Neil and Nancy O'Doan Orchestra: Seattle Youth Symphony, conducted by Vilem Sokol. Recorded 1980 Original music links: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danse_Sacr%C3%A9e.ogg  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns_-_The_Carnival_of_the_Animals.ogg

  7. May 30

    Book Club: The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

    This month's book is the Hugo award-winning The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin. We dive into the themes, the characters, the unique writing style and more. There's a reason this book won the award--it's complex with many elements to discuss. We could spend hours chatting about it and not touch on every topic. What are your thoughts on this book? Let us know what you think in the comments, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Prefer email? Sign up at moremagicpodcast.com to receive emails when new episodes release, updates on new projects, and special subscriber-only magic. Credits: Host: Demi Utley, ⁠https://demiutley.substack.com/⁠ Co-Host: Marianne Boules Audio Production - Gregory Mikels Additional credits for the music used during the intro and outro: Remix Composition & Production - Gregory Mikels Danse Sacrée composed by Claude Debussy  Public Domain Performed by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra with Major Jason K. Fettig, conducting, MSgt Karen Grimsey, harp soloist on Aug. 14, 2010, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. The Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saëns  License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en  Performers Pianos: Neil and Nancy O'Doan Orchestra: Seattle Youth Symphony, conducted by Vilem Sokol. Recorded 1980 Original music links: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danse_Sacr%C3%A9e.ogg  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns_-_The_Carnival_of_the_Animals.ogg

    Book Club: The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

  8. May 18

    Dragonlore: Dragon Book Series, Standalones, and History

    From gold-loving villains to soulmate level partners, dragons have filled many roles in fantasy. But they don't exist solely in the pages of a fantasy novel. Dragons have been part of human culture for centuries, across continents. In this episode, we touch on the representation of dragons throughout history, their portrayal in our favorite books, and attempt to answer the question: could dragons have been real? Grab a pint, pull up a chair, and settle in for this episode. Let us know in the comments: what are your favorite dragon books?! As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Prefer email? Sign up at moremagicpodcast.com to receive emails when new episodes release, updates on new projects, and special subscriber-only magic. Credits: Host: Demi Utley, ⁠https://demiutley.substack.com/⁠ Co-Host: Marianne Boules Audio Production - Gregory Mikels Additional credits for the music used during the intro and outro: Remix Composition & Production - Gregory Mikels Danse Sacrée composed by Claude Debussy  Public Domain Performed by the United States Marine Chamber Orchestra with Major Jason K. Fettig, conducting, MSgt Karen Grimsey, harp soloist on Aug. 14, 2010, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. The Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saëns  License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en  Performers Pianos: Neil and Nancy O'Doan Orchestra: Seattle Youth Symphony, conducted by Vilem Sokol. Recorded 1980 Original music links: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danse_Sacr%C3%A9e.ogg  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Camille_Saint-Sa%C3%ABns_-_The_Carnival_of_the_Animals.ogg

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About

Welcome to the More Magic Book Club, a podcast for fantasy readers dying to talk about the latest fantasy book you read. Each month, we discuss a recent fantasy novel in detail so you know you’re not the only one who hated that character or wanted to move into that fantasy world (and you also don’t have to worry about exhausting your friends who just don’t get it). This podcast is not spoiler-free. Listen at your own risk.

Information

  • Creator
    Demi Utley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Demi Utley
  • Show Website
    More Magic Book Club