Enemies to Spellmates? The Thinking Woman's Guide to Magic Turns Mr. Darcy Into A Wizard!

What happens when a heartbroken grad student stumbles into a world of fae glamour, dangerous enchantments, and forbidden knowledge? In this episode, we dive deep into A Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker — a novel that blends fantasy, literature, and feminist grit into a thrilling magical journey.

We’ll explore:
✨ Nora’s transformation from disillusionment to empowerment
📚 How Pride and Prejudice acts as an emotional and intellectual bridge between Nora and Aruendiel
🧠 What makes this a thinking woman’s fantasy — and why it matters
⚖️ The high stakes of magical morality, academic obsession, and romantic restraint
🧙‍♀️ Plus, our predictions, favorite moments, and how this book plays with genre in all the best ways

Whether you’re a lover of dark academia, magical realism, or just want a book that respects your brain and your heart— this one’s for you.

00:00 - 03:38 The "Portal Fantasy" with a Brain
03:38 - 04:46 Nora as a Modern Heroine
04:46 - 06:12 The Faitoren & Dark Fairy Glamour
06:12 - 08:27 Magic That Isn’t Cute
08:27 - 13:35 The Bookish Love Story
13:35 - 15:52 Spoiler Segment

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