More Magic Book Club

Demi Utley
  • 5.0 (6)
  • 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. Oct 15

    Dracula Lore & Mystery Play with Elizabeth Kostova

    What if Dracula is still alive? What lengths would a famous actor go to for long-term fame? These are a few questions Elizabeth Kostova addresses in her books. From her best-selling debut, The Historian to its standalone sequel, Mystery Play, she crafts suspenseful worlds that force us to question mortality, art, and familial relationships. In this special *no spoilers* episode, Elizabeth joins us to chat about her books and share behind-the-scenes of her new novel. Grab a cup of something comforting, settle into your favorite armchair, and join us for this century-spanning discussion. Mystery Play released on October 13, 2026. Grab a copy and join us in this suspenseful world of theater, magic, and mystery. Books mentioned in this episode: The Historian - https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780316070638 The Swan Thieves - https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780316065795 The Shadow Land - https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780345527875 Mystery Play - https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9781524799649 Dracula by Bram Stoker - https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9781540780690 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: Elizabeth Kostova, https://www.elizabethkostova.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

  2. Oct 1

    Book Club: Hekate by Nikita Gill

    This month’s book introduces us to the life of the queen of all witches, the goddess Hekate. Written in verse, this novel provides a unique reading experience certain to twist your heart. A.J. Peterson joins as co-host to chat about the magic (Greek mythology!), favorite characters, and some of the truly grotesque punishments Greek gods create. Light a candle, grab your familiar, and join us for this descent into the underworld.  Warning: contains many, many spoilers.  Books Mentioned:  Hekate: The Witch by Nikita Gill, https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780316596763  Circe by Madeline Miller, https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780316556323  Aphrodite in Pieces by Lauren. J.A. Bear, https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780593638972  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: Hekate by Nikita Gill

  3. Sep 19

    What is weird SFF?

    In this episode we try to define what exactly is "weird" Sci-Fi or Fantasy? Co-host A.J. Peterson joins along with Rain Sullivan (@writeasrainsullivan on IG), a self-described author of weird SFF. Grab your most unusual mug, sink into a cozy chair, and join us for this informative episode! Books mentioned in this episode: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780062444134 Monk and Robot by Becky Chambers: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9781250386335 Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9781250313188 The Martian by Andy Weir: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780553418026 Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9781250320520 This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9781534430990 The Raven Scholar by by Antonia Hodgson: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780316577229 Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780593804216 There is no Antimemetics Division by qntm: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780593983751 The Raven Tower by Anne Leckie: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780316388702 Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780316565172 Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9780316565172 Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer: https://bookshop.org/a/120999/9781250824042 Bookstores Mentioned: Charlie's Queer Books (Seattle) https://charliesqueerbooks.com/ Parallel Worlds Bookshop (Portland) https://www.parallelworldsbookshop.com/ Hidden Worlds Bookstore (Hillsboro, OR) https://www.hiddenworldsbookstore.com/ 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/ Special Guest: Rain Sullivan, https://rainsullivanwrites.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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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!

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Demi Utley
  • Show Website
    More Magic Book Club