Dear Fantasy Reader – Ep 2: "Quicksilver" Favorites: Characters, Moments, and Chaos

Hosts: Hannah, Kinsey, Carly
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Podcast Theme: A deep-dive book club-style exploration of fantasy novels, focusing on the Empyrean series and, in this episode, Callie Hart’s Quicksilver from the Fae & Alchemy series.

Episode Overview

In this lively and spoiler-filled episode, Hannah, Kinsey, and Carly unpack their favorite characters, moments, quotes, and all the wild chaos of Callie Hart’s Quicksilver as they ramp up for the upcoming sequel, Brimstone. The discussion dives into the book's unique worldbuilding, the magic of alchemy, character arcs, unforgettable romantic tension, laugh-out-loud humor, and the anticipation for what’s next. Full of fangirl enthusiasm, witty banter, and critical insight, it’s the ultimate debrief for Quicksilver fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. First Impressions and Rereading Magic

• Second Time’s the Charm:
  • All three hosts agreed that Quicksilver improves on a reread—deeper appreciation for characters, humor, and motivations.
    • “On a reread...all of the characters I had even more appreciation for. I could appreciate their humor a lot more.” – Hannah (05:11)
    • “This book is almost like a comfort reread at this point.” – Carly (11:56)
• Audiobook Praise:
  • The audiobook comes highly recommended as an immersive and memorable experience, especially with the familiar voice actor from the ACOTAR series.
    • “The audiobook is next level. I love it.” – Carly (05:52)
    • “I listened and read at the same time...it was worth doing that.” – Kinsey (05:55)

2. Worldbuilding and Magic System

• Dual Worlds & Survival:
  • Fascination with the way Serris's world (Sylvarian) uses deprivation of water as control, juxtaposed with the dangers of the Fae world.
    • “I felt like the survival elements of these books were really interesting.” – Carly (03:19)
• Alchemy & Quicksilver as Magic:
  • The use of quicksilver (mercury) as both literal and figurative magic (madness link, historical inspiration), praised for its originality in the fantasy genre.
    • “I think it's incredible and unique and refreshing.” – Hannah (07:17)
    • “Quicksilver is a fascinating topic...people used to go mad from making them.” – Carly (07:34)

3. Hook Moments & Pacing

• Where Were You ‘In’?
  • Kinsey was hooked at Kingfisher’s dramatic introduction (08:07). Carly loved the early ‘thief’ aspects and fast pace (08:37). Hannah labeled herself a “slow burn hook” case, needing the later romantic reveals (09:59).
  • Debate over whether the central romance is true ‘enemies to lovers’, and discussion of meaningful pacing.
• Tension and Sexual Chemistry:
  • The book’s sexual tension and zippy pacing were called “jarring” but ultimately addictive on reread (09:59).

4. Main Character Deep Dive

Serris

• Resilient, Sassy, Relatable:
  • Widely admired for her sass, wit, determination, loyalty to her brother, and believable motivations. Recognized as more than “just a thief.”
    • “...girl, you are so much more than a thief. Like, you're a great warrior…she created two God swords...” – Kinsey (13:21)
    • “Her personality also makes sense for the circumstances that she is in.” – Hannah (14:45)

Kingfisher

• The Toxic Yet Devoted Book Boyfriend:
  • Initially divisive for his abrasive demeanor but ultimately beloved for his depth, feral energy, and eventual devotion; his emotional arc is a highlight.
    • “He’s feral and a complete dick, and I was totally into it. This—the whole book.” – Carly (15:52)
    • “On a first read, I didn’t get that vibe…but toward the end, he starts to lean that way…on track to be devoted.” – Hannah (16:11)
    • “He has beat Zaden on my list.” – Kinsey (17:51)

Carrion

• Breakout Fan Favorite – The Comedic Relief with Layers:
  • Initially “annoying,” but quickly revealed to be vital, loyal, and hilarious. His depth and secret Fae identity were high points.
    • “He absolutely did (carry the book). I would do anything for Carrion.” – Kinsey (19:12)
    • “I want to be his best friend. I’m not a Carrion book boyfriend girl, I’m a Carrion best friend girl.” – Carly (19:26)
    • Favorite moment: Carrion’s Fae reveal (28:53).

Onyx and Other Sidekicks

• Soft Spot for Animal Companions:
  • Onyx the pet fox offers much-needed levity amid darkness—a collective favorite.
    • “I was so scared the entire time that something bad was gonna happen to him.” – Hannah (23:24)
• Honorable Mentions:
  • Renfys and Lorath appreciated as steadfast friends; Everlane’s absence noted as a spot for more strong female side characters (25:40).

5. Standout Quotes & Viral Moments

Carrion’s Greatest Hits ([30:03–33:19])

• “Carrion Swift, if you don’t wake up right now, I’m gonna tell all your asshole friends back in the third that you were a shitty lay.”
• “I love a girl with a sharp tongue and a bad attitude. Kind of makes my dick hard.” —Carrion (32:19)
• Carrion’s endless hilarious lines and running sexual innuendo, masterfully delivered.

Kingfisher’s 'Seven Gods' Speech ([39:08–39:20])

• “Nobody will ever fuck you the way I’m about to fuck you, Sarah Svane. I’m about to introduce you to all seven gods. When you meet them, don’t forget to tell them I’m the one you worship. On your knees.” —Kingfisher (Kinsey recitation, massive group reaction)
  • “Fuck yes.” “Please.” “Pick a hole.” —various hosts in gleeful, spicy agreement (39:26)

Devotional, Romantic Moments

• “Because she is moonlight, the mist that shrouds the mountains, the bite of electricity in the air before a storm…the smoke that rolls across a battlefield…You have no idea what she is, what she could be. You should call her majesty.” —Kinsey quoting Kingfisher (42:23)
• “I’ll be grateful for every second that I can say I belong to you, Saris Fane. 80 years or 18 hours, it doesn’t matter to me. It’ll still be the highest honor of my life.” —Kingfisher (43:53)

O'Sheala—The Butterfly Nickname Reveal ([48:56–50:57])

• “O’Sheala means ‘most sacred’ in Old Fae. They are the most beautiful thing a person can experience in this lifetime…and protecting them is considered a sacred rite.”
  • Major collective swooning—called “the most beautiful moment in the whole book” by Hannah (49:40).

6. Fated Mates, Tattoos, and Godly Intervention

• Slow-Burn Revelations:

  • The fated mates trope is rare and made even more special by a divine blessing–the hosts are obsessed with this twist and its blend of romantic inevitability and high stakes.
    • “Fated mates are rare...But then she, like, one-upped it...then being that blessed is even more rare. But here’s a caveat—it comes with a tragic ending.” – Hannah (36:28)
  • Kingfisher’s hesitancy to accept the bond—then, in the end, his full embrace—echoes the book’s wider themes of choice vs. fate (37:01).

• God of Chaos & Fate Manipulation: ([53:11–54:43])

  • Late-book reveal: the God of Chaos manipulated fate to separate Serris and Kingfisher, but they always found each other—deepens the romantic mystique and teases bigger mythology to come.
    • “No matter what he did, they would always find each other. Which is absolutely fascinating...but also so fucking romantic. You just covered your bases for me.” – Hannah (54:24)

7. The Ending: “Chaos in the Best Way Possible”

• High Stakes, Sudden Twists:
  • Discussion of the climactic last chapters: Carrion’s big Fae reveal, Serris’s turn and meeting with gods, Seris unexpectedly becoming Queen of the vampires, the tradition-breaking labyrinth, and a ramp-up in scale for Book 2.
    • “The ending was crazy. There was so much that she put in there…typical Romantasy fashion: shit hitting the fan…” – Kinsey (55:27/60:11)
    • All hosts agree the ending demands a reread, and leaves huge anticipation for Brimstone.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Context | |-----------|----------|---------------| | 05:11 | Hannah | “On a reread...all of the characters I had even more appreciation for.” | | 13:21 | Kinsey | “...girl, you are so much more than a thief. Like, you’re a great warrior...she created two God swords...” | | 15:52 | Carly | “He’s feral and a complete dick, and I was totally into it. This—the whole book.” | | 19:12 | Kinsey | “He absolutely did (carry the book). I would do anything for Carrion.” | | 30:03–33:19 | Kinsey, Carly | Multiple Carrion comedic moments: “Carrion Swift, if you don’t wake up right now, I’m gonna tell all your asshole friends…”; “Kind of makes my dick hard.” | | 39:08–39:20 | Kinsey (as Kingfisher) | “Nobody will ever fuck you the way I’m about to fuck you...when you meet them, don’t forget to tell them I’m the one you worship. On your knees.” | | 42:23 | Kinsey | “She is moonlight…the smoke that rolls across a battlefield…You should call her majesty.” | | 43:53 | Hannah | “I’ll be grateful for every second that I can say I belong to you…” | | 48:56–50:57 | Hannah, Kinsey | O’Sheala butterfly nickname reveal: “O’Sheala means ‘most sacred’ in Old Fae…” | | 53:11–54:43 | Hannah, Kinsey | Fate twist: God of Chaos admits manipulation, but Serris & Kingfisher always find each other | | 55:27 | Kinsey | “The ending was crazy. There was so much…shit hitting the fan the last couple of pages...” |

Additional Highlights & Thematic Threads

• Comfort Rereads & Series Depth:

  • The hosts extol the virtue of rereading, especially as sequels and new plot information continue to reshape their perspective on the original book.

• Side Characters & Pet Companions:

  • Deep affection for animal companions (Onyx the fox!) and the subtle, substantial support provided by secondary cast.

• Book Boyfriend Rankings:

  • Kingfisher threatens to dethrone longstanding favorites. Carrion, meanwhile, is poised to leap to the top when his own book arrives.

• Spicy Content & Unfiltered Reactions:

  • This episode is “Rated R”—hosts go wild for pillow talk, viral spicy audiobook quotes, and expletive-fueled enthusiasm.

• Worldbuilding Easter Eggs:

  • Foreshadowing, Norse mythology references, and speculation about the significance of the Tree of Life, quicksilver, gods, and tattoos set up for a comprehensive lore dive in a future episode.

• Series Predictions & Hype:

  • Anticipation is sky-high for Brimstone, with a promise of deeper dives into worldbuilding, predictions, and heartbreak/fixes to come in upcoming episodes.

Flow of Topics (with Timestamps)

• [02:07] Episode starts – Spoiler warning and introduction
• [03:09] Overall impressions of Quicksilver
• [13:10] Main characters: Serris, Kingfisher, Carrion
• [23:13] Side characters, animal companions, and world flavor
• [26:43] Favorite Carrion moments
• [33:51] Discussion of fated mate reveal
• [39:08] Viral ‘seven gods’ line – group reaction
• [42:23] Devotional quotes and favorite romantic moments
• [53:11] Endgame and God of Chaos reveal
• [55:27] Labyrinth, vampire coronation, and thoughts on the ending
• [58:42] Scaling the stakes for book two and brief mention of the twins
• [59:22] Transition to future topics, including gods’ perspective
• [60:17] Kinsey's ‘I read it before it was cool!’ reflection
• [61:26] Recap of chaotic ending and anticipation for Brimstone

Memorable Moments & Community Feels

• Hosts’ BFF Dynamic:

  • Lots of laughter, teasing, swooning, and freely shared “oh my GOD” or “shut the fuck up” exclamations enhance the book-club-with-your-besties vibe.

• Carrion Hilarity:

  • Every Carrion scene is a meme factory; listeners are encouraged to send in their favorite lines.

• Audiobooks in Public PSA:

  • “Not safe for work or school pickup!” stories about accidental public audiobook scenes (41:04–41:57).

Final Thoughts

• Quicksilver is beloved for its humor, its willingness to balance dark survival themes with light, pet companions, its spicy and deeply romantic writing, as well as its unique take on fated mates and mythic worldbuilding.
• Rereading is highly recommended, both to catch missed details and to anticipate how Brimstone might light up hidden foreshadowing.
• The next episode promises bold Brimstone predictions and even more deep-dive analysis as the wait continues.

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