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Lit Witches: A Fantasy Book Podcast

Lit Witches: A Fantasy Book Podcast

By: Penguin Books Australia
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About this listen

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
  • 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
  • Yearning, angst and a Mr Darcy hand flex - Author Braidee Otto on her romantasy debut 'Songbird of the Sorrows'
    Apr 20 2026

    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.

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    43 mins
  • Power dynamics, enemies to lovers, and . . . The Lion King? Queer fantasy and the 'Captive Prince' trilogy by C.S. Pacat
    Apr 13 2026

    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.

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    42 mins
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