Reader's Table

Which books and movies defined 2024—and what are we most excited to discover in 2025? In this TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, we look back at the stories that stayed with us and ahead to the books, films and projects on our radar for the new year.

We share Priscilla’s and Nick’s favourite reads of 2024, reflect on the movies that left an impression, and talk about what we’re most looking forward to in 2025.

Nick also gives a behind-the-scenes update on his first book, The Mask of Verdon, ahead of its April 2025 release.

Along the way, we discuss Heretic spoiler-free, look ahead to our upcoming Nosferatu episode, and highlight some of the book releases we’re excited about for the year ahead.

Pull up a chair and join us for a relaxed conversation about books, movies, creative projects and the stories we want to carry into 2025.

Listener Seat: What was your favourite book or movie of 2024—and what are you most excited to read or watch in 2025?

Chapters
02:54 Reflecting on 2024
04:32 Nick’s First Book: The Mask of Verdon
14:36 Priscilla’s Top 2024 Reads
20:31 Nick’s Top 2024 Reads
25:48 Heretic — Spoiler-Free Discussion
30:58 Next Episode: Nosferatu
35:30 Book Releases We’re Excited for in 2025
40:38 Closing Thoughts

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More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

What happens when an ordinary teenager inherits a secret that leads to another world? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we discuss Fairy Tale by Stephen King and the way it blends coming-of-age fiction, dark fantasy and classic fairy-tale storytelling.

We talk about the novel’s emotional core, its sense of wonder and dread, and the bond that gives the story much of its heart. Along the way, we explore how King uses familiar fairy-tale ideas—hidden kingdoms, dangerous journeys, monsters and impossible choices—to tell a story about loyalty, courage and growing up.

If you enjoy Stephen King, dark fantasy, coming-of-age stories and modern takes on classic myths and fairy tales, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What is your favourite modern story that feels like a fairy tale?

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More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

How do you build a fantasy world around gods, war and faith without losing the character at its center? In this special Reader’s Table interview, we sit down with Canadian author H.M. Long to talk about Hall of Smoke and the world behind her epic fantasy fiction.

We discuss Hessa, a warrior priestess of the Goddess of War, the mythology and belief systems that shape the novel, and the creative process behind writing a story about faith, violence, atonement and survival.

H.M. Long also talks about her path as an author, the development of the Hall of Smoke world, and what readers can expect from its stand-alone follow-up, Temple of No God.

If you enjoy epic fantasy, mythology, warrior protagonists and conversations about how fictional worlds are built, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What matters most to you in epic fantasy—the characters, the worldbuilding, or the mythology?

Learn more about H.M. Long and her books:
https://hmlongbooks.com

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https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

What happens when Norse mythology is retold through the eyes of the woman beside Loki? In this special Reader’s Table interview, we sit down with Canadian author Cat Rector to talk about The Goddess of Nothing At All and the mythology, characters and creative choices behind the novel.

We discuss Sigyn, Loki, the appeal of retelling familiar myths from a different perspective, and the challenge of building an emotionally grounded story inside a world readers may already think they know.

Cat also talks about writing and publishing the book, the journey toward its sequel Epilogues for Lost Gods, and the realities of creating and releasing fantasy fiction independently.

If you enjoy Norse mythology, myth retellings, character-driven fantasy and conversations about the writing and publishing process, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: Which mythological character do you think deserves to have their story retold from a new perspective?

Learn more about Cat Rector:
https://linktr.ee/CatRector

Links mentioned in the episode:

Self-Publishing Guide by Travis Baldree:
https://medium.com/@travisbaldree/self-published-book-launch-a-z-39ec6f9257e1

Heart and Seoul by Erin Kinsella:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52752050-heart-and-seoul

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60222807/legends-lattes

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

Why has The Secret History by Donna Tartt become such an enduring dark academia classic? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we explore the novel’s atmosphere, obsession, intellectual elitism and the dangerous allure of belonging to a closed world.

We talk about the tension between beauty and corruption, the pull of exclusivity, and the way Donna Tartt turns a group of privileged students into something far more unsettling than the polished academic setting first suggests.

Along the way, we reflect on why The Secret History continues to resonate with readers who are drawn to dark academia, literary fiction, morally complicated characters and stories where atmosphere matters just as much as plot.

If you enjoy literary mysteries, psychological tension, campus novels and slow-burn stories about obsession and consequence, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What is your favourite dark academia novel—and what makes that atmosphere work for you?

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

How does Brandon Sanderson reinvent the world of Mistborn after the events of the original trilogy? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we dive into Mistborn Era 2 and explore a setting shaped by new technology, political tension, familiar powers and a very different kind of adventure.

We talk about how Allomancy evolves in a more modern world, the shift in tone from epic fantasy toward something closer to mystery, western and political intrigue, and the balance between returning characters, old legacies and a new generation.

Along the way, we reflect on what makes Era 2 feel connected to the original Mistborn trilogy while still developing its own identity.

If you enjoy Brandon Sanderson, the Cosmere, inventive magic systems and fantasy worlds that change over time, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: Do you prefer the epic scale of Mistborn Era 1 or the more grounded, fast-moving style of Era 2?

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

What makes a story feel like Christmas? In this festive TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, we explore the books and movies that capture the warmth, nostalgia, wonder and occasional melancholy of the holiday season.

We share some of our favourite Christmas reads, recommend festive films for cozy winter evenings, and talk about why certain stories become part of our seasonal traditions year after year.

Along the way, we reflect on the ingredients that make holiday storytelling work—from family and memory to magic, comfort, humour and the feeling of returning to something familiar.

If you’re looking for Christmas book recommendations, festive movie ideas or simply want to spend some time at the table during the holidays, this episode is for you.

Listener Seat: What book or movie do you return to every Christmas?

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

Dive into the second installment of Stephen King's Dark Tower as we unravel the pages of 'The Drawing of the Three'.

Join us as we dissect the intricate plotlines, discuss character developments, and delve into the multiverse crafted by the master of horror himself.

Tune in for a bite-sized exploration into the world of Roland Deschain and his quest for the Dark Tower.

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What makes a story genuinely frightening—and why do we keep coming back to horror every Halloween? In this special TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, we talk about the books, films and memories that define the spooky season for us.

We revisit our own Halloween experiences, from trick-or-treating and childhood scares to the stories that shaped our love of horror. We also explore some of our favourite horror subgenres and the writers and filmmakers we associate most strongly with the genre.

Along the way, we talk about Stephen King, Mike Flanagan, John Langan, Shirley Jackson and the different ways horror can unsettle us—through ghosts, monsters, psychological dread, atmosphere and the unknown.

We also look ahead to the horror books we want to read and the films we think belong on every Halloween watchlist.

If you love horror fiction, haunted stories, gothic atmosphere and spooky-season recommendations, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What book or movie do you return to every Halloween?

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

Today on BookBites, we delve into the first installment of Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, The Gunslinger. Join us as we journey alongside Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, through a desolate world filled with mystery, danger, and supernatural forces.