Lit Witches: A Fantasy Book Podcast

Yes, Jurassic Park was a book first! On today's Roundtable episode, we revisit the blockbuster dinosaur franchise and the Michael Crichton book that inspired it. We break down the biggest differences between the book and the film, and we discuss how the themes of human ambition and scientific responsibility are still frighteningly relevant today. We also think back to our earliest dinosaur obsessions - The Land Before Time, of course - and try to prove our theory of the dinosaur-obsessed-kid-to-fantasy-reader pipeline.

Our book recommendations this week:

Made you fall in love with fantasy: Ingo by Helen Dunmore / Fairy Realm by Emily Rodda

Favourite dinosaur story: The Land Before Time / Dinosaur (2000 film) / Fossil Feud by Maggie North

Book you stayed up late to finish: Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James / The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

Favourite book read on holiday: Fever House by Keith Rosson / Bat Eater by Kylie Lee Baker

Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Talia Moodley and Caitlin Lang.

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 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 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.