UK INDIES EDITION Author: Raven Kennedy Fantasy romance Published on 22nd September 2026 by Penguin Books Ltd (Michael Joseph Ltd) in the United Kingdom as part of the 'Played by the Piper' series.Hardback | 528 pages 240mm x 156mm | 750g PRE-ORDER YOUR NEW ROMANTASY OBSESSION FROM THE GLOBAL SENSATION, RAVEN KENNEDY From the Sunday Times bestselling author of the Plated Prisoner series comes the first book in an alluring and addictive romantasy duology set in a world of fae and dark magic--It’s time to pay the Piper. Our world cracked open like an egg. Power burst out, and with it, nine monstrous Banes ready to destroy everything. The powerful Core fae finally slayed them all, but each Bane left a Plague to punish us. But that’s not the only thing they left behind. I’m half Bane, half fae, and wholly hated. Survival means enduring every vicious glare and cursed outbreak. Until one day, a Plague descends upon my city that means certain death. Then he comes. The Pied Piper. He rids my city of the Plague, but it comes at a cost. One hundred and thirty people are taken as payment. Including me. I don’t know what he’s going to do to us, but I know I have to get home. My family’s lives depend on it. But the Piper won’t let me go, and something wicked stirs between us. The sweet scent in my veins beckons him, while the seductive lure of his magic sinks under my skin. I have to escape before it’s too late. Because if I don’t, it’s not just my heart at risk. . . But the entire world. Note: Pied Piper reimagined. This dark fantasy is full of romance and secrets, with mature themes and explicit scenes only suitable for adults. This is book one of a duology. Tropes:Forced ProximityCaptive Romance"Who hurt you?" Only one bed . . . and horse . . . and tent!So. Much. Banter!--Praise for The Sweetest Fiend"Raven Kennedy does it again. . .a clever and creative twist on a classic tale that feels both fresh and dangerous, with plenty of heat, of course. Fans of Kennedy's work are in for the sweetest treat!" -Nisha J. Tuli, USA Today Bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen"Raven Kennedy has done it again. . .I need the next book yesterday." —Sarah A. Parker, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of When the Moon Hatched"This Pied-Piper inspired fantasy showcases exactly what Kennedy does best, rendering a page-perfect love interest with just the right amount of questionable morals.” —Stacey McEwan, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of A Forbidden Alchemy"Raven continues to prove why she is one of the best in the genre.” -C.R. Jane, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Pucking Wrong Series and The Spartan Flame Trilogy“With lush description and razor-sharp prose, Raven Kennedy’s writing ensnares as easily as the Pied Piper’s seductive song.” - Julie Johnson, No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of THE WIND WEAVER "How dare this be so good. This slow-burning romantasy reads like a dark, sexy, and haunting fairy tale. I devoured it!"—Ella Fields, USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author Readers are OBSESSED with Raven Kennedy!‘The world and characters built through the story rivals the best fantasy novels I have read’ 5 ? reader review‘I literally stayed up all night to finish this masterpiece’ 5 ? reader review‘Will grip you from the very first page’ 5 ? reader review'Sexy and touching all at the same time . . . and that plot twist, OMG' 5 ? reader review'I literally devoured this book in one sitting' 5 ? reader review‘If you’re into fantasy romance you won’t be disappointed!’ 5 ? reader review
