Lit Witches: A Fantasy Book Podcast

Book-inspired tattoos and a roadtrip to Forks: How fantasy books have shaped us as readers 01.06.2026 19min

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.

Peak nostalgia and pure magic: The fantasy books that shaped us as readers 24.05.2026 25min

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.

Dragons, magic and deep nerd stuff: Ryan Cahill on 'Of Blood and Fire’ 18.05.2026 41min

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.

Soul-sucking reapers or death prisons? Fantasy queen Lynette Noni is back with 'Shadow Reaper' 11.05.2026 33min

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.

Gladiator meets The Vampire Diaries: Author Stacia Stark on her new fantasy trilogy 'We Who Will Die' 04.05.2026 30min

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.

Is this the perfect romantasy sequel? Unpacking 'Rites of the Starling' by Devney Perry 27.04.2026 44min

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.

Yearning, angst and a Mr Darcy hand flex - Author Braidee Otto on her romantasy debut 'Songbird of the Sorrows' 20.04.2026 43min

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.

Power dynamics, enemies to lovers, and . . . The Lion King? Queer fantasy and the 'Captive Prince' trilogy by C.S. Pacat 13.04.2026 42min

In this Roundtable book club episode, we discuss C.S. Pacat’s groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, Captive Prince, and the importance of mitigating harm when portraying queer characters. We delve into why it’s the ultimate enemies-to-lovers story, full of slow burn, intense pining and complex power dynamics in a rich queer-normative fantasy world. We also trace our fan-fiction reading roots (shoutout to Wattpad and LiveJournal) and our favourite fantasy book-to-screen adaptions.Spoiler Alert! We discuss major spoilers and the ending of the Captive Prince series in our After Dark section, from 34.35 - 39.45. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guests are Hannah Armstrong 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.

The Roman Empire is back: Author James Islington on his high fantasy 'Hierarchy' series | EP06 06.04.2026 42min

On today's Chosen One episode we speak to bestselling author James Islington about The Will of the Many and The Strength of the Few, the first two books in his epic high fantasy Hierarchy series. We discuss the Roman-inspired fantasy world, the long-held tradition of writing very long fantasy books, and the rise and potential impact of AI for writers. We also find out which fantasy book turned James into a reader and why we all need to add it to our TBR. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen and this episode's guest is James Islington.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.

Wolves or men with wings? 'Dire Bound' by Sable Sorensen and our addiction to romantasy 30.03.2026 41min

On today's Roundtable book club episode, we chat about Sable Sorensen's addictive fantasy novel Dire Bound, and how the explosion of the romantasy genre has - in our opinion, anyway - been fuelled by our favourite young adult fantasy books and tropes of the 2010s. We also reveal our OG book boyfriends, why wolves are the new dragons when it comes to bonded creatures, whether love triangles are making a comeback, and we chart the Three Waves of Romantasy (trademark pending). Spoiler Alert! We discuss major spoilers and the ending of Dire Bound in our After Dark section, from 28.33 - 38.23. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episodes guests are Shané Oosthuizen and Isabelle Werro.Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle, Isabella Francis and Kate Jacobs. 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.

'It's Beauty and the Beast, with vampires' - Author Lily Crozier on her romantasy novel 'Vow of Eternal Night' 23.03.2026 36min

On today's Chosen One author interview, we talk to Lily Crozier about her debut romantasy novel, Vow of Eternal Night. We discuss the appeal of monstrous men and the morally grey love interest for female readers, and we uncover how the real history of vampires, Dracula and Howl's Moving Castle inspired the book. We also delve into Lily's career in books and her journey from BookToker to author. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode's guest is Lily Crozier. Produced by Liz Burnett. Recording and Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

'It's not just dragons and castles' - 'Blood Over Bright Haven' by M.L. Wang and the rise of dark academia fantasy 16.03.2026 47min

On today's Roundtable book club episode, we talk all things dark academia and well-crafted magic systems in M.L. Wang's standalone fantasy Blood Over Bright Haven. Join us to hear hot takes on how all fantasy is political and reflects real-world issues, why school settings work so well in the fantasy and dark academia genres, and also how we've never fully moved on from the formative fantasy books we read as teenagers (Vampire Academy, Hush Hush and more). Spoiler Alert! We discuss major spoilers and the ending of Blood Over Bright Haven in our After Dark section, from 36:00 to 46:15.Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, with guests Talia Moodley and Shané Oosthuizen. Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Isabella Francis. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead.

'Alchemised' by SenLinYu, and how a 1000-page gothic fantasy epic became a record-breaking bestselling book 09.03.2026 50min

On today's Roundtable book club episode, we discuss the internationally bestselling fantasy debut Alchemised by SenLinYu, and how gothic fantasy is the perfect vehicle for exploring dark themes in nuanced way. We also discuss our favourite fantasy tropes (enemies to lovers, the chosen one and bonded creatures) and we debate whether morally grey characters can ever be fully redeemed. Spoiler Alert! We discuss the ending of Alchemised in our After Dark section, from timecode 38.00 - 49.00.Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, with guests Lily Crozier and Vishali Seshadri.Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle, Isabella Francis and Kate Jacobs. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Powered by Penguin.00:00 Introductions03:23 SenLinYu's fan fiction to traditional publishing journey06:30 The dark and confronting themes of the book09:10 Tackling a 1000 page epic 10:35 The world-building of Alchemised and understanding the magic system13:09 The exploration of trauma in the book14:46 The binary of good and evil in wartimes18:30 The class divide of Alchemised 21:19 The characters and reclaiming the chosen one through a feminist lens25:36 The ethical dilemmas of the magic system29:23 Helena as an unreliable narrator31:08 Kaine as the ultimate morally grey male character33:15 The tropes of Alchemised38:12 AFTER DARK (SPOILERS FOR ALCHEMISED ENDING!) 42:05 The role of redemption and our favourite moments48:58 The unconventional structure of the book49:09 Final fantasy battle game and sign off

Author Bronte-Marie Wesson on her 'dark, queer Zelda book', the high fantasy 'The Ascension of Souls' 09.03.2026 49min

On today's Chosen One author interview, we talk to fantasy author and content creator Bronte-Marie Wesson about her traditional publishing debut, The Ascension of Souls - the first book in a new high fantasy series that she describes as her 'dark, queer Zelda book'. Join us as we discuss what shaped Bronte-Marie's love of fantasy, why Tywin Lannister is her favourite fantasy character and how she created an immersive fantasy world inspired by her Irish, anti-colonial heritage. This is a spoiler-free conversation. Lit Witches is hosted by Adelaide Jensen, and this episode features author Bronte-Marie Wesson.Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle, Isabella Francis and Kate Jacobs. Additional scripting and research by Shané Oosthuizen. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Sally Dunkerley and Olivia Mead. Recording and theme song composition by Ben Cauduro. Powered by Penguin.0:00 Introduction and Bronte-Marie's introduction to fantasy04:50 The Ascension of Souls and how it came to be 'The Legend of Zelda but dark, gay and for adults'07:00 The world-building of an empire and a country at war09:07 The magic tree and Irish cultural influence on the book15:16 Fairies and changelings vs fae and sexy elves16:35 Building the prophecy in The Ascension of Souls20:46 The characterisation of Luminara and the chosen family trope23:31 Rianthran and the antidote to brooding dark love interests27:00 Side characters and the gaming influence on Ascension 28:38 Queer representation in fantasy32:13 Bronte-Marie's advice for queer writers36:16 Role play and writing with a partner40:20 Categorising the Broken Cycle trilogy, tropes and building on The Brass Wyvern47:17 Final fantasy game and sign off

Introducing: Lit Witches, The Podcast for Fantasy Book Lovers 02.03.2026 1min

Join the Lit Witches as they open the portal to fantasy for readers, writers and all things in between. Hosted by Adelaide Jensen, take a seat at The Roundtable and delve into all of your favourite fantasy genres, with a rotating cast of special guests who share an undying passion for all things fantasy. And meet the Chosen Ones, fantasy authors from around the globe who will lift the veil on their latest spellbinding novels. Video and audio episodes out every Tuesday. Powered by Penguin.