Move over, Chosen Ones.

We're shining a spotlight on the fantastic but often overlooked side characters of fantasy who well and truly make the story.

• (00:00) Intro
• (00:34) Listener Audio: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
• (04:33) Unsung Heroes in Fiction
• (06:03) #1: Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings
• (09:28) #2: Szeth-son-son-Vallano from Stormlight Archive
• (12:49) #3: Night Eyes from Realm of the Elderlings
• (16:41) The Importance of Unsung Heroes and Why We Relate to Them
• (18:19) Share Your Favorite Unsung Heroes

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

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New year, new me... Right?

Luke shares the four most impactful non-fiction books to help you achieve personal growth, cultivate success, and change your mindset for a better 2026.

• (00:00) Intro
• (00:34) Listener Audio
• (01:19) Book Recommendation: The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
• (02:29) How to Become the Best Version of Yourself
• (04:47) The Science of Stuck by Britt Frank
• (08:21) Atomic Habits by James Clear
• (11:24) The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
• (15:40) The Second Mountain by David Brooks
• (20:01) The 4-Book Wrap Up
• (21:00) Make Reading Books A 2026 Goal

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

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Forget everything you know about magic.

From a deep dive into the incredible world-building to the unforgettable journey of Sabriel, Luke tackles Garth Nix's iconic fantasy series, The Old Kingdom Trilogy.

• (00:00) Intro
• (00:32) Listener Audio
• (02:39) The Old Kingdom Trilogy by Garth Nix
• (05:07) Initial Connection to the Series
• (07:08) Sabriel by Garth Nix
• (10:45) Lirael by Garth Nix
• (15:03) Abhorsen by Garth Nix
• (17:54) Encouragement to Read or Reread the Trilogy
• (19:05) Call to Listeners: Share Your Takeaways
• (19:50) Closing Remarks

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
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Join The Good Books Club as Luke reviews Kristin Hannah's epic Alaskan survival story, The Great Alone.

• (00:00) Intro
• (00:34) Listener Audio
• (03:19) The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
• (04:12) First Impressions
• (05:22) Immediate Takeaways
• (07:20) The Setting of Alaska
• (08:16) Key Themes
• (11:57) Complex Characters
• (15:50) SPOILER WARNING: The Ending
• (21:17) Call to Listeners: Your Experiences of the Book
• (23:53) The Next Book Club Pick: The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
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Matthew Reilly steps into The Writer's Room to discuss his latest books The Detective and the creative process behind his bestselling novels.

• (00:54) Matthew Reilly's Books Shaped Luke's Reading Journey
• (02:55) Getting Young Guys Back to Reading: The Power of Ice Station and Hell Island
• (05:01) Influential School Books: To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies
• (07:31) Literary Influences
• (09:07) Advice to His 19-Year-Old Self
• (13:43) The Epic Scope of Mr. Einstein's Secretary
• (14:16) Finding Sam Speedman's Voice in The Detective
• (17:10) Every New Book Must Be Better Than the Last
• (22:01) Not Surprising the Reader with Unsolvable Twists
• (27:55) Obsessiveness in Writing
• (33:42) Writing for Book Clubs
• (39:15)The Impact of Killing Off a Character in Scarecrow
• (44:34) Matthew Reilly's "Good Book"

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

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Warning: Get tissues.

Luke recommends the most emotionally powerful novels. why we often seek out books that make us cry and how they help us process our own feelings.

• (00:00) Intro
• (00:39) Listener Audio
• (02:42) Books That Still Bring Me to Tears
• (04:16) Impenetrability is Harmful
• (07:11) Loss in Magician by Raymond E. Feist
• (09:12) Loneliness in The Witcher
• (11:17) Sacrifice in The Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett
• (13:36) Reunion in Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb
• (15:32) Historical Fiction: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
• (17:41) Post-Apocalyptic Fiction: The Road by Cormac McCarthy
• (19:17) Conclusion: Vulnerability is Strength
• (22:02) Closing Remarks

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

Follow all the action on our socials:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there is one thing Luke loves, it’s a quest.

Luke picks three essential reads that define the epic fantasy genre, diving deep into epic world-building, intricate magic systems, and characters on journeys of impossible scale.

• (00:00) Intro
• (00:39) Listener Recommendation: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
• (07:58) Introducing Epic Fantasy
• (08:25) Personal Connection: Fantasy as an Escape
• (13:58) What to Expect: Not Just Swords and Soldiers
• (15:25) Defining Epic Fantasy vs. Fantasy
• (17:16) Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
• (17:47) The Painted Man by Peter V. Brett
• (18:08) The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
• (19:49) Call to Listeners: Share Your Epic Fantasy Stories

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

Follow all the action on our socials:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
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Strap in, because this is a very special and emotional episode.

Luke is joined by his biggest supporter, his Mum, to discuss his childhood love of reading, the books that shaped him, and the stories they cherish together.

• (00:00) Intro
• (01:08)The First Book Club Pick: The Great Alone
• (02:12) Introducing Special Guest: Luke's Mother, Leanne
• (03:30) Reading Rituals As Kids
• (04:52) Favorite Childhood Reading Memories
• (06:30) Reading's Positive Impact
• (07:47) Luke's Deep Passion for Books
• (09:42) A Box of Books During Luke's Struggle
• (11:09) Advice to Parents
• (15:43) Mom's Fear about Luke's Vulnerability on Social Media
• (18:24) Authenticity & Joy
• (20:31) Luke's Final Thank You

We want to hear from you! Send us your audio by emailing us at GoodBooks@nine.com.au.

Follow all the action on our socials:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inthegoodbooks_podcast/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.