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Lit Witches: A Fantasy Book Podcast

Lit Witches: A Fantasy Book Podcast

By: Penguin Books Australia
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Summary

Lit Witches opens 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. We’ll introduce you to the Chosen Ones, fantasy authors from around the globe who will lift the veil on their latest spellbinding novels. The magical journey begins with new video and audio episodes every Tuesday. Powered by Penguin.Penguin Books Australia Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • This year’s must-read YA fantasy: 'Shadow Reaper' by Lynette Noni
    May 11 2026

    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.

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    34 mins
  • Gladiator meets The Vampire Diaries: Author Stacia Stark on her new fantasy trilogy 'We Who Will Die'
    May 4 2026

    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.

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    31 mins
  • Is this the perfect romantasy sequel? Unpacking 'Rites of the Starling' by Devney Perry
    Apr 27 2026

    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.

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    45 mins
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