Novel Finds: A literary podcast

CW: We briefly discuss Kiersten's experiences growing up with religion and religious trauma about 22 minutes in. In this episode, host Julia chats with bestselling author Kiersten White about her graphic novel adaptation of Mister Magic . Adapted by Scott Peterson and illustrated by Andy and Veronica Fish! Mister Magic follows a group of adults who are brought back together to reminisce about the...

In this episode, Novel Finds host Julia chats with popular romance author, Alicia Thompson, about her upcoming novel: In Every Possible Way (order now!) You may remember Alicia from her episode with Julia back in 2022 about her debut novel, Love In the Time of Serial Killers , but if not, it's definitely worth a listen . Alicia says her new book is different from her others, lacking the usual cyni...

In this episode, Novel Finds host Julia chats with debut author Ama Ofosua Lieb about her new book: Goldenborn ! It's an excellent afro-futuristic story set in San Francisco...a place where humans, mages, and those who work to supernatural phenomena a secret live amongst each other, with Akoma Addo at the center. Goldenborn is available now, so why not order it from one of Ama's favorite independe...

CW: There is mention of depression, suicidal ideation, and general references to mental health throughout the episode. In this episode, your host Julia chats with debut author and BookTube star, Cindy Pham, about her book The Secret World of Briar Rose , available in the US June 2nd and UK 4th June. The Secret World of Briar Rose takes the classic fairytale we know and asks the question: What if t...

Live from London! In this episode, Julia (literally) sits down with award-winning author, Silvia Park, to talk about their novel, Luminous --a science fiction exploration into robots, AI, belonging, and grief. The book is available now wherever you get your books, but why not try Silvia's favorite bookstore: Raven Book Store , located in Lawrence, Kansas While you're at it, check out Silvia's late...

In this episode, Julia chats with Shelly Page, author of Brewed with Love and most recently Charmed and Dangerous ! She writes stories about Black queer girls conquering their fears and taking the world by storm, and both of her books are available now. Why not order them from one of her favorite indie bookstores, like Annabelle's Book Club , Grand Gesture Books , Underdog Bookstore , or Books of...

In this episode, long-time book lover and mid-time podcast host Julia chats with Olivia Waite, author of many books spanning various genres, but the one thing that ties them all together? The queer representation. Their conversation covers Olivia's newest book: Nobody's Baby , the sequel to Murder by Memory in her Dorothy Gentleman novellas. You'll also hear thoughts on Heated Rivalry, AI slop, an...

In this episode, Julia chats with internationally bestselling author, Hannah Whitten about her popular series The Nightshade Crown and also her upcoming book Reliquary ! There are no spoilers in this episode, so don't worry if you haven't read all of her books. If you haven't read any of her books yet, find them at her favorite independent bookshops: Parnassus Books , The Novelette , or The Novel...

In this episode, Julia chats with TJ Alexander about their newest book, A Lady For All Seasons (available March 10th!) This historical regency romance follows Verbena Montrose through the season as she tries to find a suitable husband to spirit her away from her family home, and instead finds friendship with an alluring poetess. Hijinks ensue, identities are mistaken, and Lord Byron makes a lastin...

We've made it to the end of our fifth season (no not the N.K. Jemison book)... in this episode, Julia chats with her longtime bff Hannah, content developer & reviewer for Novel Finds about this season. We've got analytics, favorite books and moments, and a bit about where we want to go with season six. Thank you so much for listening to the show! Happy Holidays from the Novel Finds team! Want...

In this episode, Julia and her partner Jonah head to Harrogate for the 2025 Thought Bubble Festival to interview graphic novelists and comic creators! We had the chance to chat with Sarah Graley, one half of the team for Pizza Witch and Our Super Adventure, Hamish Steele of DeadEndia (both the comic creator and Netflix show) and most recently Go-Man , and Bex Glendining of On Starlit Shores , thei...

In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author Ayana Gray about her newest mythological novel, I, Medusa . They discuss the importance of representation, historical accuracy, and...spiders? Find Ayana's books in her favorite bookstores: WordsWorth Books , Pyramid Books , and Paper Heart Books Death By TBR (Ayana's favorite books): Little Thieves by Margaret Owen, Sorcery of Thorns by Margare...

WARNING: If you have not read the ACOTAR series, this episode is not for you as it contains spoilers, and also doesn't make sense for those who have not read the books. In this episode, Julia chats with longtime friend and ACOTAR correspondant, Dr. Shelby Van Rossum! Shelby is the one who introduced Novel Finds to the A Court of Thorns and Roses books (and the rest of the Maasverse) and has appear...

In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling and award-winning author Alexandria Bellefleur about her latest novel, which just happens to be a paranormal romance called The Devil She Knows! We chat about late-in-life queer dating, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and even get a bit philosophical about what a soul is. Pre-order her book now , or find it from her fave independent bookstores like Strand Bo...

In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author, Julie Leong, about her upcoming cozy fantasy The Keeper of Magical Things! Brief Summary: Certainty Bulrush is a mage-in-training and just wants to be useful...unfortunately, she isn't very good at magic. What she *is* good at is connecting with magical inanimate objects, so when she is sent on a too-good-to-be-true assignment to the remote tow...

In this episode, Julia chats with webtoon-creator-turned-graphic-novelist Miranda Mundt about their graphic novel, Muted! In Muted, we follow Camille Severin, orphaned witch of one of the famed witch families of New Orleans. Camille struggles with her magic and when her coming-of-age ritual goes awry, she's suddenly given the gift of time to discover herself. Volume 1 is available now, and Volume...

In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author (and Doctor Who writer and newly established Bratz doll collector) Juno Dawson, about her seriously magical series (and series finale) Her Majesty's Royal Coven! The epic conclusion to the series, Human Rites , is out now and you can find it at Juno's fave bookshops: Anderson's Bookshop , Gibson's Bookstore , An Unlikely Story , Queer Lit , Gays...

CW: not graphic, brief mention of SA and torture when discussing Outlander In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author Sara Raasch about her newest Dnd-inspired book, The Entanglement of Rival Wizards ! A Magic-Meets-STEM fantasy university set in Philadelphia with two hot bisexual messes who hate each other so much that they kiss (naturally). Pre-order Sara's book now from her fave indie...

In this episode, Julia chats with author, editor, and scholar Lee Mandelo, about his anthology Amplitudes: Stories of Queer and Trans Futurity , in which he compiled and editied 22 short stories from prominent and emerging LGBTQIA+ voices! The book is out now, so find it at your favorite local indie, or order it from one of Lee's faves: Carmichael's , Charis Books & More , Loyalty Books , Book...

In this episode, Julia chats with bestselling author Hannah Nicole Maehrer (pronounced May-er) about her Assistant to the Villain series and it's newest installment, Accomplice to the Villain ! Coming out August 5th, 2025. Death By TBR (Hannah's favorite books): A Forbidden Alchemy by Hannah's Best Friend Forever, Stacey McEwan, The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole, and A Forbidden Fate by Kaven Hir...

In this episode, Julia chats with debut author Lindsey Byrd about the first book in her new duology The Sun Blessed Prince (out now!) In this three POV narrative, we follow Elician, Giver and Prince of Soleb, Cat, Reaper of Allelune, and Fenlia, Elician's younger sister who also happens to be a Giver. Their fates are woven intricately together in this fantasy, and begs the question: are we really...

In this episode, Julia chats with queer romance author, TJ Alexander, about their newest novel: A Gentleman's Gentleman ! A trans regency novel with hijinks, an epic carriage chase, and many moments of queer joy. A Gentleman's Gentleman is available now, and if you want a signed copy, grab it from TJ's fave local bookstore: Word Up Bookshop in Manhattan. Here's the Spotify playlist created for A G...

CW: After the Patreon ad, Rebecca and I discuss the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) scandal involving a child predator, among other things that happened. If you would like to skip this section, it starts at 42:00 and wraps up around 55:32. If you or someone you know was affected by this predator, please reach out to your trusted adults for help and guidance. Additionally, this episode is...

In this episode, Julia chats with Bestselling author & #1 NYT-disqualified & Hugo Award-disqualified, but Alfie Award winner (And Hugo Award winner) Xiran Jay Zhao! Author of the Iron Widow series ( Iron Widow & Heavenly Tyrant ) and Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor. Find Xiran's books through Books of Wonder , Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore , or IndieBound ! Want more than just Xiran'...

In this episode, Julia chats with popular Webtoon creator, artist, and author the Purpah about her newest volume of Suitor Armor ! Purpah reveals how she became a Webtoon creator, the benefits of using the fantasy genre to tell hard stories, and her deep love of fairies. Find Suitor Armor Volume Two from her fave indie bookstores: The King's English Bookshop , Barnes and Noble , and Black Cat Comi...