Demi Utley ✨

@demiutley.bsky.social

Host of the More Magic Book Club podcast Fantasy writer The real. The fantastical. And everything between. https://linktr.ee/demiutley

In this extra special book club episode, we chat with author @weckerh about her book, The Golem and the Jinni. 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! #booksky

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For this month's book club, we dive into the highly acclaimed novel Circe by Madeline Miller. It's arguably the *best* mythology retelling. We had so much fun chatting about this iconic witch, and it's perfect timing with the new Odyssey movie. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. #booksky

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Some fantasy books require you to let go and enjoy the ride. Are there any where you were completely confused in the beginning but ended up becoming a favorite? 👀 Clip of @cozywritingdragon from the Favorite High Fantasy Books episode of the More Magic Book Club podcast. . . . #booksky

Fantasy books provide a special form of escapism. Love this take by @cozywritingdragon on hope in fantasy. What books have given you the most hope? Clip from the Favorite High Fantasy Books episode of the More Magic Book Club podcast. . . . #booksky

Do you start unfinished series? Marianne argues that Brandon Sanderson is safe, even though the full series isn't complete. 👀 What do you think: does Brandon Sanderson have a backup plan in place? Clip from the High Fantasy Books episode of the More Magic Book Club podcast. . #booksky

If you've read the Broken Earth trilogy: are the remaining two books darker than the first? 👀 I've placed a hold on the second book and am tentatively hopeful for the rest of the series. Full discussion of The Fifth Season on the latest episode of the More Magic Book Club podcast. . #booksky

The Fifth Season has so many parallels to our world. We could spend days discussing themes alone. Do you think fear of orogenes made the world more dangerous? Full episode of the More Magic Book Club podcast available on your favorite podcast platform (and YouTube). 💙 📚 🪐 #booksky

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. Listen on your favorite podcast platform. #booksky

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Dragons are one of those mythological creatures that seem to be everywhere. In the latest episode of the More Magic podcast, Marianne and I discuss dragons, their history, and their varied representations across fantasy books. It's the perfect episode if you love dragons and want to read more!

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. The latest episode of More Magic is all about the mythical beasts!

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A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan is the first "light academia" fantasy novel I've read. What else is out there? Please send all of your recs! Clip from the most recent book club episode of the More Magic podcast. #booksky 💙 📚 🪐

In the latest episode of the More Magic Book Club podcast, we discuss A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan. It's perfect if you love scientific expeditions, ambitious female characters, and dragons. Listen to the full episode on your favorite platform. #booksky

A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan touched on key themes we love to explore: feminism, naturalism, imperialism, classism, and more. Slip on your tweed, elbow-patched jacket, pour a cup of tea, and settle in for this episode. #booksky

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In the Historical Fantasy episode of the More Magic Book Club podcast, we chat about the subgenre, why it's important, and our favorite books. Historical fantasy has an extra bit of magic because history itself already feels fantastical in many ways. What time periods are most magical to you?

Aside from the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik, I haven't read any historical fantasy set in Australia, which is crazy! If you know of any historical fantasy books in Australia, please share! Our list is woefully empty. Clip from the More Magic Book Club podcast. #booksky

Historical fantasy is one of my favorite subgenres. In the latest episode of the More Magic Book Club podcast, we discuss why historical fantasy is so important, a few of our favorites, and the books we can't wait to read. Listen on your favorite podcast platform. #booksky

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is one of my absolute favorite books. Why I love it: 🚃 Travel throughout Europe from Oxford and Belgium to Romania, Bulgaria, and more 📅 Immersive Cold War setting 🧛‍♂️ A continuation of the Dracula story (and so good) #booksky

Historical fantasy may be my favorite fantasy subgenre. Discover life in a past time period? Yes, please. Magic? Absolutely. In this episode, Marianne and I chat about our favorite historical fantasy books and the ones we want to read next--all grouped by time period and place. #booksky

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The characters in Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter were all interesting, Agnes in particular. She's smart, compassionate, and persistent. The type of protagonist we love to see. Listen to the episode of the More Magic podcast for the full discussion (warning: spoilers!). #booksky

We knew Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter would have cats, and somehow it exceeded those expectations. From the unique personalities to the special quirks and their surprising role in the plot, this book was truly a love letter to cats. Have you read it? #booksky