Lit Witches: A Fantasy Book Podcast

On this week's Chosen One episode, we speak to Shara Curlett about the first book in her brand-new fantasy series, Protector of Beyond, that's full of mythical creatures, perilous trials and kids with mysterious powers. She tells us how she came up with the 'spark' for this magical world after a winding professional journey from DJ to author (tune in to hear the surprising thing those two jobs have in common!). We also talk about about the power of fantasy to capture children's imaginations, and how important it is to get kids reading books in today's online world. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Shara Curlett. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

Release the kraken! On today's Roundtable episode, we're chatting about our latest epic fantasy romance obsession, Steelborn by Taylor J LaRue. From well-crafted magic systems and expansive worlds to underground networks of thieves and spies, we dive into everything we loved about this fantasy debut. We also ask the hardhitting questions: What do we do when fae aren't the love interests? Why aren't there more krakens and pirates in our books? And, most important of all, should the name 'Gavin' be banned in fantasy? Our book recommendations this week: Adiba: The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson Issi: Mine After Midnight by Lauren Jackson (check out our interview with Lauren Jackson!) Adelaide: The Eye of the Bedlam Bride by Matt Dinniman (don't miss our roundtable chat on the Dungeon Crawler Carl series) Spoiler Alert! We discuss major spoilers and the ending of Steelborn in our After Dark section, from 30.42 to 39.30. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Adiba Oemar and Isabelle Werro. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

Read Shadow Reaper yet? Good. Let's spoil everything! In this full spoiler review, we're diving deep into Lynette Noni's latest fantasy novel, breaking down the biggest plot twists, shocking reveals, unforgettable character moments, and that ending. From our favourite scenes and emotional moments to the questions we're still asking, nothing is off limits. Whether you're looking for a Shadow Reaper review, an ending explained, or simply want to hear fellow fans obsess over every twist, this episode is for you. Want more on Lynette Noni, Prison Healer or Shadow Reaper? Check out our previous episode 'Soul-sucking reapers or death prisons? Fantasy queen Lynette Noni is back with Shadow Reaper'. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Adiba Oemar and Isabelle Werro. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On this week's Chosen One episode, we speak to one of the Romance Queens of Australian writing, Lauren Jackson, about her vampire romance trilogy, The Red Thorne series. Lauren tells us about the classic vampire content that inspired the series - Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, of course - and gives us a sneak peek of what to expect from the recently released final book, Fight For Us. We also chat about her bestselling sports romance series and her upcoming foray into the masked man romance subgenre. Then Lauren reveals her secret to writing a good book (write what you want to read!) and why it's so important to forget that anyone will ever read your spicy scenes. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Lauren Jackson. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable episode, we're diving into the bonkers world of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. We chat about the utterly unique chaos of this series and how it weaves together themes of AI, colonisation and reality TV against a backdrop of an alien invasion, a deadly progression game and a talking cat. We also discuss the rise of the Lit RPG genre and the crossover appeal that pulls in gamers, non-gamers and fantasy fans alike. And, most important of all, we reveal our favourite characters and why we're all joining the Royal Court of Princess Donut. Our book recommendations this week: The Will of the Many by James Islington Strange Familiars by Keshe Chow Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Belinda Conners and Lily Crozier. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On this week's Chosen One episode, we speak to husband-and-wife author duo, Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld about their new book, The Mortons, a gothic thriller with The Secret History meets Succession vibes. We discuss why fantasy fans will be drawn to the dark academia atmosphere underpinning the first book in this new series focusing on a murderous crime family. We also chat about what it's like to have your significant other as your writing and critique partner, and why hyper-specifc details like cocktail preferences and vintage fashion make an old-money dynasty all the more believable. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable Fantasy Classic Book Club episode, we're discussing all things The Odyssey, from our first experiences of the epic poem to our brutally honest thoughts on Christopher Nolan's new film adaptation. We chat about our love for Greek mythology (hello, Disney Hercules) and how each translation and retelling brings something new to these ancient myths. We also share our review of Nolan's The Odyssey: what we thought of the performances and the cinematography, whether the star-studded cast was a distraction, what the film got right and what it missed, and why we consider it to be a war epic instead of a fantasy epic. Then we answer life's ultimate question: has cinema etiquette been lost to the gods? Our book recommendations this week: Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen The Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins by R.A. Spratt Kiss of the Black Flame by Helen Scheuerer Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Arianna Khalidi and Shané Oosthuizen. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Chosen One episode we speak with the brilliant Kate Forsyth, author of The Changeling. We dive into Kate's long-lasting interest in Mary, Queen of Scots, faeries and witchcraft, and how she has incorporated all into her latest novel. We discuss the trend of retelling fairytales and their impact on modern storytelling. We also talk Greek mythology, Scottish folklore and Kate's lifelong quest to find the truth of the female characters in these classic stories. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Kate Forsyth. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable book club episode, we're diving into Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen, the thrilling sequel to Dire Bound and second book in 'The Wolves of Ruin' series. In this fantasy book review, we unpack the unhinged predictions we made in our Dire Bound Roundtable episode and whether or not they came true, and how contemporary themes like propaganda and fake news are reflected in Fury Bound. We also get into the romantasy tropes we adore (we don't care if they're toxic!!), our reading red flags, and whether shadow mummies are the new shadow daddy. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Shané Oosthuizen and Isabelle Werro. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Chosen One episode, we share an episode from our sister podcast, Ask Penguin. This interview with legendary fantasy author Philip Pullman takes us through forty years of storytelling, through Northern Lights, His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust. We discuss in detail the final installment of The Book Of Dust: Vol 3 The Rose Fields, and how to say goodbye to a beloved character for the final time. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen. This episode is hosted by Rhianna Dillon, courtesy of the Ask Penguin Podcast. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable episode, we meet for our first Fantasy Classics Book Club, discussing one of the original vampire stories, Dracula by Bram Stoker. We get into Dracula's impact on modern day vampire literature, the lore of vampires and how it's changed over time - from horror to romance. We talk vampire tropes, our favourite vampire books, shows and movies; including The Lost Boys, Sinners and The Vampire Diaries. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Talia Moodley and Jodie Ramodien. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Chosen One episode we speak to Sophie Clark about Cruel Is the Light , her debut romantasy full of demon-hunting exorcists, forbidden love and tangled webs of power. We discuss the gothic elements of the Vatican-inspired world and how the setting became a character in and of itself. We also delve into our love of the grumpy x sunshine trope, especially when it's flipped on its head, and we talk about attitudes towards trope culture in romance and how the same criticisms are never levelled at other genres, even when they might be warranted. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Sophie Clark. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable episode, the 2010s are back as we revisit the paranormal romance books that shaped our love of fantasy. From Fallen to Vampire Academy and City of Bones , we delve into all the reasons why we adored these books as angsty teenagers. We give our hot takes about the best angel fiction and the worst classics, and we recall the struggle of keeping track of all our book boyfriends. We also reveal our contentious opinions about book adaptations (#NotMyJace) and which fantasy books we're looking forward to reading. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Jodie Ramodien and Isabelle Werro. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable episode, join us for another trip down memory lane as we reveal the fantasy books that shaped our undying love for the genre. From Percy Jackson to Inkheart , The Starless Sea and many more, we discuss the stories that turned us into readers and the ones that reshaped our reading as adults. We also reveal the lifelong obsessions sparked by these books, including how one of us planned an entire holiday around visiting the filming locations for Twilight . Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Lily Crozier and Isabella Francis. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle, Isabella Francis and Maia Longhurst. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable episode, we get sentimental as we look back at the formative books that made us fall in love with fantasy. From Eragon to Northern Lights , Six of Crows and many more, we chat about the stories that feel like coming home, whether they still hold up today and how they have influenced our reading tastes as adults. We also discuss how reading unlocks memory, identity and empathy, and we reveal the fantasy new releases we can't wait to get our hands on. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Hannah Armstrong and Shané Oosthuizen. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Chosen One episode we speak to internationally bestselling author Ryan Cahill about Of Blood and Fire , the first book in his high fantasy series 'The Bound and the Broken'. We chat about how he created an epic fantasy world spanning multiple cultures and a unique language (spoiler: it involves a cartography obsession and a professional linguist), and we uncover the real reason why readers are eternally drawn to dragons. We also discuss the changing landscape of the fantasy genre and why Ryan is a romantasy defender, and he reveals the surprising skill that fantasy and romance writers both possess. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Ryan Cahill. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable episode we discuss Shadow Reaper, the new book by Lynette Noni that Rebecca Yarros called the 'must-read YA fantasy' of the year. In this spoiler-free chat, we delve into our first impressions of Shadow Reaper – the intriguing magic system, our favourite characters, and what we thought of this new fantasy world. We debate whether Shadow Reaper is darker than The Prison Healer series, and we discuss how young adult fantasy can work well as a safe space for exploring heavy themes. We also talk about how the genre has changed since the romantasy explosion, and we reveal our favourite YA fantasy couples and reads. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Adiba Oemar and Isabelle Werro. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Chosen One episode we speak to bestselling author Stacia Stark about We Who Will Die, an Ancient Rome–inspired romantasy filled with vampires, humans, magical creatures and more. We bond over our love of character art and our favourite tropes (forced proximity! only one bed!), and we uncover the unexpected parallels between writing fights and spicy scenes. We also discuss the book's themes of grief and the parentification of eldest daughters, and how a hyperfixation on gladiators came in handy during the research process. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Stacia Stark. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Roundtable episode we discuss Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry, the thrilling second installment in the bestselling romantasy series 'Shield of Sparrows', which delivers plot twists, romance and epic worldbuilding in spades. Join us for a deep dive into what makes a perfect fantasy sequel, how to avoid the dreaded second book slump and why writing a satisfying series is truly an art form. We also chat about our favourite fantasy sequels, the best character redemption arcs of all time (hi Zuko) and the surprising link between book series and . . . dating? Spoiler Alert! We discuss major spoilers and the ending of Rites of the Starling in our After Dark section, from 28.11 - 42.02. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Shané Oosthuizen and Isabelle Werro.Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

On today's Chosen One episode we speak to debut author Braidee Otto about Songbird of the Sorrows , the first in a brand-new romantasy trilogy that ticks all the boxes – assassins, secret princesses, heists, second chance romance, forbidden love, and, of course, dark and broody men. We discuss the Greek-inspired world, why we love trials as a fantasy plot device and how romantasy is the next in a long line of undermined genres thanks to its predominantly female readership. We also delve into the benefits and pitfalls of using tropes for marketing, and we learn how Braidee overcame selfdoubt to write her debut novel in under six months. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Braidee Otto. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.