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Karyne (00:00:07) - Hi fantasy readers! This is Karyne Norton, your fellow book binger, and you're listening to the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast, where you can test out a new fantasy story every other week to find your next favorite author. This week’s story features a dragon rider who just wants to be a fisherman. It’s written by Kez Sharrow, who belongs to the tribe of the uprooted and transplanted, those who live between cultures, and she writes stories of travelers in fantasy worlds. Based in Wuhan, by day she dabbles in the alchemy of human transformation as a leadership coach. Early mornings and weekends, she creates worlds out of smoke and dragon’s breath. Her debut novel, Dragon Ripples, was released in 2025. Today's narrator is Paeter Frandsen, host of Christian Geek Central. Stick around to the end or check out today's show notes to see where you can find more from both the author and the narrator! For now, please enjoy The Reluctant Rider by Kez Sharrow. Paeter (00:01:12) - The Reluctant Rider is read by Paeter Frandsen. Due to copyright, the full transcript of the story cannot be included here.  Karyne (01:14:07) - I hope you enjoyed listening to The Reluctant Rider by Kez Sharrow, narrated by Paeter Frandsen of Christian Geek Central. This story is part of her larger Sea Dragon series, so you’ll want to check out her first book in the series, Dragon Ripples, which is available in all formats, including audiobook. You can find it on her website at http://kezsharrow.com/. If you enjoyed listening to Paeter narrate the story, you might also enjoy listening to his audio dramas at spiritblade.com, or his podcast, Christian Geek Central, where he discusses movies, video games, and all things enjoyed by self-proclaimed geeks from a Christian worldview. If you’re interested in helping out with the podcast, there are two great ways to do that. You can always make a financial donation at findingfantasyreads.com/donate. All donations go directly towards podcast expenses like hosting fees, editing services, and advertising, allowing us to record more fantastic stories for you! But if you’re more time rich, we’re also looking for volunteer readers and an audio editor. I have information about both of those roles in the volunteer application form, which you can find at findingfantasyreads.com/volunteer. I wouldn’t be able to keep this running so smoothly if it weren’t for Hannah Hershberger and her amazing admin skills. These episodes all post on time thanks to her! You can show your appreciation by checking out her info at findingfantasyreads.com/about and signing up for her newsletter with short stories, movie reviews, and books reviews! As always, I will have links for all those sites in the show notes. Thank you all for listening, and happy reading!

In this episode you'll hear a short story from LE Richmond featuring underwater adventures that force enemies to become friends. The Narwhal's Ransom is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: LE Richmond's website Preorder Return the Rain. The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Don't forget to check out the Classics Rebooted Kickstarter, nine YA novels featuring classics retold with a sci-fi twist. Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a short story from Savannah Jezowski told from the perspective of a heroic squirrel. Well of Fate is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Savannah Jezowski's website. Find her short story Dark Affliction here. Check out her previous episode: At the Corner of Elm and Main by H.L. Burke & Tears of the Sea by Savannah Jezowski The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website Sign up for the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast biweekly updates, with new episodes, deals on audiobooks, and more. Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a cozy fantasy short story from Jennifer Dyer with bumbling new fairy godmothers. The Midnight Disappointment is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Jennifer Dyer's website. Find Jennifer's high stakes YA hacker thriller, The Donor, HERE. Check out her previous episodes: Three Havok Flash Fiction Stories The Midnight Requirement The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Be sure to check out this month’s giveaway! Know a story we should feature? Apply with your own story or nominate an author here. Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a high fantasy short story from Charlie N. Holmberg with a fresh take on "death" as a character. A Crack in the Stone is narrated by Paeter Frandsen and Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Charlie N. Holmberg's website Check out Charlie's new reader magnet, Illusions of Love, for free HERE. The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Don't forget to check out this month’s giveaway. Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear which stories and authors were most played and most appreciated for Season Three. Award Winners: Most Played Episode Award: Captivated by Roseanna M. White - Find her Awakened series here Narrator's Choice Awards: Paeter - Claws, Collars, and Curses by Daisy Graves - Find more of her books here Karyne - Of Pumpkins and Golden Apples by Hannah Carter - Check out her website here Listeners' Choice Awards: Romantic Fantasy - After Stars Fall by Nicole Wheeler - Check out her website here Fantasy Adventure - The Tinker by Emily Barnett - Check out her website here YA Fantasy - Beyond the Shimmer by Rachel A. Greco - Get her free collection of short stories here Epic/High Fantasy - A Descent of Dragons by Jasmine Young - Snag the first book in the series here Flash Fiction - The Water Hazard on Hole 18 by J.M. Allison - Check out her website here Looking for something else to listen to while waiting for Season 4 to start on August 4th? Check out Karyne's audiobook podcast, where you can listen to her entire debut epic fantasy novel for free: Blood of the Stars. Enjoying the podcast? Consider donating toward podcast expenses or joining our volunteer staff to help us make more episodes!

In this episode you'll hear four flash fictions from Morgan L. Busse, JM Allision, H.M. Hershberger, and Steve Rzasa that span the fantasy genre, all originally published by Havok. These stories are narrated by Paeter Frandsen and Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Authors: Morgan L. Busse's website. Preorder Winter's Dawn on Amazon. JM Allison's website. H.M. Hershberger's email list sign up. Steve Rzasa's website. Don't forget to check out the Tangents anthology, featuring Covet Not and many other stories. The Narrators: Paeter Frandsen's website Karyne Norton's website This month’s giveaway Be sure to cast your vote for this season's Finding Fantasy Reads Awards at findingfantasyreads.com/vote. Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear an epic fantasy short story from Ashley Schaller featuring a young woman challenging her nation's throne. Queen's Game is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Ashley Schaller's website Discover more stories from Quill & Flame authors in the Tails, Scales, and Tiaras anthology. The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website This month’s giveaway Instructions on how to subscribe to the podcast Voting for the Finding Fantasy Reads awards opens next week. Be sure to cast your vote at findingfantasyreads.com/vote. Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a short story from Roseanna M. White filled with underwater adventures and romance. Captivated is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Roseanna M. White's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Don't forget to check out this month’s giveaway for the chance to stock your personal library with books from our featured authors! Instructions on how to leave a review for the podcast Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a high fantasy short story from Laurel A. Burlew filled with books, mysterious magic, and apprentices. The Book Doctor's Apprentice is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Laurel's website and Instagram The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website This month’s giveaway Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a YA fantasy short story from H.L. Davis filled with eerie adventures, pirates, and ghost ships. The Phantom is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: H.L. Davis's Substack and Instagram @h.l.davis_stories For more stories of the sea, find the full Sailing Magic anthology HERE. Check out her previous episode: Four Havok Fairy Tales by H.L. Davis The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining our volunteer staff to help us make more episodes! Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a short story from Amanda Auler featuring a unique world with morally grey characters and the lessons they learn. Of Prophecies and Pools is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Amanda's website. Find her on Instagram as @authoramandaauler and on Facebook as Amanda Auler. The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website Listen to Karyne's other podcast: Blood of the Stars - a serialized fiction release of her debut novel. Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a YA Fantasy short story from Nicole Wheeler filled with sweet romance that blends the pain of grief with the joy of love. After Stars Fall is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Nicole Wheeler's website The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Be sure to check out The Sun Still Rises anthology in memory of Lani Forbes where After Stars Fall was first published. All proceeds go to Lani's family. Enjoying the podcast? Be sure to share with a friend! Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear an epic fantasy short story from Karyne Norton featuring a unique underwater world. The Light That Glimmers is narrated by Paeter Frandsen. Important Links: The Author: Karyne's website and Curse of the Moon Kickstarter! Check out her previous episodes: The Light That Takes When There's A Tomorrow The Light That Burns The Narrator: Paeter Frandsen's website and audio dramas. Don't forget to check out the Kickstarter for Curse of the Moon, book 3 in Karyne's epic fantasy series The Half-Light Chronicles that features a world divided by magical barriers and filled ancient artifacts, prophecies, and found family. Find the full show notes on our website.

In this episode you'll hear a science fantasy short story from Emily Barnett featuring a fresh take on Peter Pan. The Tinker is narrated by Karyne Norton. Important Links: The Author: Emily's Barnett's website and Substack The Narrator: Karyne Norton's website Enjoying the podcast? Consider donating toward podcast expenses to help us make more episodes! Find the full show notes on our website.