Lit Witches: A Fantasy Book Podcast

On today's Roundtable episode, we're diving into Under the Iron Sky by A.T. Emerald, the first book in a brand-new dark fantasy series set in a world where technology meets magic. We chat about the unique worldbuilding, whether the enemies to lovers arc is a true slow burn, and how this epic debut dances on the line between fantasy and dystopian fiction. Our book recommendations this week: Made you fall in love with fantasy: Round the Twist & Unreal by Paul Jennings / Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan Reading right now: Hollywood Ending by John Green / Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan Can't recommend to your parents: Gild by Raven Kennedy / Sweetverse series by Kathryn Moon Favourite of 2026: The Scarlet Ball by Nghi Vo / Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (inspired by our YouTube series on East of Eden! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfdrJm1oTPs&t=4s) Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Belinda Conners and Lexi Stevens. 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.

A bookbinder and an immortal warrior forced to work together? Sign us up! On today's Chosen One episode, we speak to Australian author Helen Scheuerer about Kiss of the Black Flame, the first book in her brand-new romantasy trilogy. Helen tells us about her timely pivot from literary fiction to romantasy and why she chooses to write main characters who are no longer coming of age. We also bond over our shared love of Tamora Pierce, and Helen reveals what it's like being beta-read by her husband. Helen's book recommendations: Book that shaped her: Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce / Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda Book that made her cry: Seven Days in June by Tia Williams Book she wishes to read again for the first time: Deep End by Ali Hazelwood Best book to screen adaptation: Lord of the Rings Best book of 2026: The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson Next on the TBR: Daggermouth / The Washwoman at the River's End If you'd like to learn more about Kiss of the Black Flame, here's the link: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/kiss-of-the-black-flame-9781911760627 Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Helen Scheuerer. 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.

Lit Witches goes abroad! On today's episode, we travel to the UK to speak to two publishers who are at the forefront of the fantasy boom. We chat about how the fantasy genre has grown and changed, and the role social media and BookTok has played in connecting readers with books they'll love. They also reveal their favourite fantasy reads, what books perfectly execute their favourite tropes and the exciting new releases you're going to want on your bookshelf in 2027. Our book recommendations this week: Formative fantasy book: Twilight / The Assassin's Apprentice Perfectly executes your favourite trope: The Cruel Prince / When the Moon Hatched Can't stop recommending: A Court of Thorns and Roses / Throne of Glass / Dire Bound Next on the TBR: There is No Antimemetics Division / The Knave and the Moon / One Dark Window Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Rachel Winterbottom and Lara Stevenson from Wayward TxF. 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.

Grab your orange shirts and beaded necklaces - we're going back to Camp Half-Blood! On today's Roundtable episode, we revisit one of our favourite, most nostalgic fantasy reads: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. We chat about our first experiences with the Percy Jackson world and why it truly stands the test of time thanks to the characters, the humour, and the iconic modern twist on Greek mythology. And, of course, we debate who our Greek God parent would be. Our book recommendations this week: Book you'd love to read again for the first time: The Silver Brumby / The Raven Scholar Favourite Greek myth retelling: The Song of Achilles / Psyche and Eros Deserves a TV adaption: Skulduggery Pleasant / The Will of the Many / The Starless Sea Series you wish would never end: The Shadowhunters universe by Cassandra Clare Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Isabella Francis 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 Roundtable episode, we meet for another Fantasy Classics Book Club, this time to discuss Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. We break down the book's timely themes, the enduring appeal of the monster and how it's influenced the genres of fantasy and sci-fi today. We also chat about the recent film adaptation featuring Jacob Elordi and our VERY different reactions to it. Our quickfire book recommendations this week: First classic: Little Women / The Secret Garden / Narnia Favourite classic: The Secret History / Rebecca / Catcher in the Rye / One Hundred Years of Solitude Classic we couldn't finish: Anna Karenina / Dracula / The Great Gatsby Best classic adaptation: Alice in Wonderland / The Great Gatsby / Pride and Prejudice and Zombies / Little Women Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Ariana Khalidi and Vishali Seshadri. 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 celebrating the release of Turncloak with a full spoiler review of Silvercloak, the first book in L.K. Steven's brutally dark fantasy series. We reveal the biggest plot twists, our favourite romantic - and gruesome - scenes, and we break down that WILD ending. We also chat about why we're joing the L.K. Steven fan club, plus, we give our predictions for Turncloak and a mini preview of what you can expect in book 2. Our book recommendations this week: Eragon by Christopher Paolini / Fireborne by Rosaria Munda Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros / A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Shané Oosthuizen and Maddie Taplin. 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 gearing up for a revolution as we talk all things Silver Elite by Dani Francis, a dystopian fantasy that combines the best of both genres. We revisit our dystopian fiction origin stories and the genre's explosion in the 2010s with classics like The Hunger Games and Divergent. Then we look at how Silver Elite combines spicy romance with dystopian themes of revolution and oppression, and a dash of some top tier tropes (only one bed, with a twist!). Our quickfire book recommendations this week: 5 star reads: Female Fantasy by Iman Hariri-Kia / The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson Childhood fantasy fave: Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy / Graceling by Kristin Cashore Fantasy Newbie Rec: Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeires by Heather Fawcett /The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem / The Will of the Many by James Islington Book that Surprised You: The Winged Game by Sophie Kim / To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast Next on the TBR: Kiss of the Black Flame by Helen Scheuerer / Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson Spoiler Alert! We discuss the ending of Silver Elite in our After Dark section from 32.45 to 41.32. Skip ahead to our fun fantasy game at the end of the episode if you're yet to read it. 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 Roundtable episode, we're heading to the carriwitchet stadium and cheering on our favourite characters in The Winged Game by Sophie Kim, a brand-new sports romance set in a colourful fantasy world. 'Sports romantasy' may be the next big genre, and this book proves why: true slow-burn enemies to lovers (they really hate each other, and it's exquisite), found family, high-stakes matches, a surprise quest, and countless laugh-out-loud shenanigans. If you read one book this year, make it this one. Our book recommendations this week: Jodie: Under the Iron Sky by A.T. Emerald Hannah: Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni Adelaide: Kiss of the Black Flame by Helen Scheuerer Spoiler Alert! We discuss major spoilers and the ending of The Winged Game in our After Dark section from 22.32 to . Skip ahead to our fun fantasy game at the end of the episode if you're yet to read it. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Hannah Armstrong 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 this week’s Roundtable episode, we’re opening the filing cabinet on Office Romantasy and diving into all four books in Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s Assistant to the Villain series. It’s grumpy/sunshine on speed, complete with found family, dragons, castles, sorcery, office memos and, naturally, “light paperwork and occasional casual beheading.” We’re talking openly and with spoilers about Books 1–3, from the workplace romance and ridiculous fantasy bureaucracy to the found-family dynamics that make this unexpectedly delightful rom-com so much fun. We talk Book 4 spoilers run from 24:58–33:12, so skip ahead to our fun fantasy game if you're yet to read Adversary to the Villain. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Lucy Dalziel and Sarah McDuling. 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 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.