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Played by the Piper #1
The Sweetest Fiend
From the New York 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, loosely inspired by the legend of the Pied Piper.
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 Proximity
• Captive Romance
• "Who hurt you?"
• Only one bed... and horse...and tent!
• So. much. banter!
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 Proximity
• Captive Romance
• "Who hurt you?"
• Only one bed... and horse...and tent!
• So. much. banter!
496 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2026
About the author
Raven Kennedy
48 books23.5k followersRAVEN KENNEDY is an international bestseller, whose love for books pushed her into creating her own worlds. The Plated Prisoner Series, a dark fantasy romance, has sold in over twenty countries. It became a New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, and Spiegel bestseller, hit #1 in the Amazon store, and has sold over six million copies worldwide.
Her newest book, The Sweetest Fiend, is the first of a duology and will be released in September 2026. You can connect with Raven on her social media, and visit her website for more info.
Her newest book, The Sweetest Fiend, is the first of a duology and will be released in September 2026. You can connect with Raven on her social media, and visit her website for more info.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 661 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
EASIEST 5 STARS EVER!!!!!
I am OBSESSED with this book!! literally hooked from page one and I didn’t want to put it down! the tension, banter, and yearning omgggggg!!! I need the next book right now because that ending was criminal. one of my favorite reads of the year!!
thank you avon, netgalley, and raven kennedy for the arc! <3
I am OBSESSED with this book!! literally hooked from page one and I didn’t want to put it down! the tension, banter, and yearning omgggggg!!! I need the next book right now because that ending was criminal. one of my favorite reads of the year!!
thank you avon, netgalley, and raven kennedy for the arc! <3
Currently Reading
September 22, 2026
Pre-read:
The Pied Piper took a half-monster, half-fae woman as payment for saving her city and things are already getting suspiciously ✨wicked✨.
The Brothers Grimm gave us a cautionary tale.
Romantasy said, “Okay, but what if he’s hot?” 👀🎧✨️
The Pied Piper took a half-monster, half-fae woman as payment for saving her city and things are already getting suspiciously ✨wicked✨.
The Brothers Grimm gave us a cautionary tale.
Romantasy said, “Okay, but what if he’s hot?” 👀🎧✨️
August 17, 2026
Me reading the Sweetest Fiend:
If I could rate this book infinity stars, I would. ✨
Was I worried that Raven Kennedy wouldn’t be able to live up to the perfection that was The Plated Prisoner series, one of my favourite romantasy series? Absolutely. But honestly, within the first few chapters, I knew this was going to be a 5-star read.
This book gave me the exact same feeling I had when I was reading Gleam (book 3 of the PP series). IYKYK. There was just something about the story, the characters… I was HOOKED.
The world-building was phenomenal. It was woven into the story so seamlessly that I never once felt overwhelmed with information.
Now the characters, where do I even begin?
Esti was such a strong FMC to lead this book, and I was rooting for her the entire time.
And… the Pied Piper. *smirks*
That is all.
It is only fair that you meet that man yourself because this was me every single time he spoke:
Honestly, I don’t want to spoil anything because I absolutely loved going into this book with no idea what to expect and I would genuinely recommend doing the same.
The ONLY thing I will add is the banter. 11/10. No notes.
The push and pull between these characters was top-tier Raven Kennedy. The tension, the little moments, I ATE it all up. And even the side characters brought that extra comedic relief you need.
Overall, I loved this book. I need book 2 IMMEDIATELY.
And if you’re a Plated Prisoner fan… just read it. You’re welcome.
If I could rate this book infinity stars, I would. ✨
Was I worried that Raven Kennedy wouldn’t be able to live up to the perfection that was The Plated Prisoner series, one of my favourite romantasy series? Absolutely. But honestly, within the first few chapters, I knew this was going to be a 5-star read.
This book gave me the exact same feeling I had when I was reading Gleam (book 3 of the PP series). IYKYK. There was just something about the story, the characters… I was HOOKED.
The world-building was phenomenal. It was woven into the story so seamlessly that I never once felt overwhelmed with information.
Now the characters, where do I even begin?
Esti was such a strong FMC to lead this book, and I was rooting for her the entire time.
And… the Pied Piper. *smirks*
That is all.
It is only fair that you meet that man yourself because this was me every single time he spoke:
Honestly, I don’t want to spoil anything because I absolutely loved going into this book with no idea what to expect and I would genuinely recommend doing the same.
The ONLY thing I will add is the banter. 11/10. No notes.
The push and pull between these characters was top-tier Raven Kennedy. The tension, the little moments, I ATE it all up. And even the side characters brought that extra comedic relief you need.
Overall, I loved this book. I need book 2 IMMEDIATELY.
And if you’re a Plated Prisoner fan… just read it. You’re welcome.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
”𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒍𝒚.
𝑴𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘 𝒊𝒏. “𝑹𝒆𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕?”
“𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚.”
“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
i keep going back & forth on what i wanted to rate this book. the beginning was SO STRONG, i loved how stoic and intimidating Varrik was, i also loved the world building and how unique it all was. the tone was dark, with the different plagues and the struggle to survive.
all my issues started in the second half of the book, where everything went off the rails for the romance. Esti had always been mistrusting of Varrik, which was understandable but there wasn’t a smooth transition from “enemies to lovers” with them. it was a strange mix of lusty infatuation, although you could argue the romance itself was more of a slow burn? idk. it was actually quite jarring, especially since Varrik’s personality switched all over the place a million times.
i was getting 2nd hand embarrassment from how intense he was & all his corny innuendos, i liked him a lot more when he was broody & silent. Esti had been mistreated all her life for what she is, so her impulsivity and anger made sense to me. i just felt that she suddenly became more whiny as the book went on.
the plot had so much potential, but after a while we get random domestic moments with the characters.. instead of the urgency that they started the book with. i hope we get more of Conrad though, his personality was like a shining beacon when things got dull. the cliffhanger did make me curious to read the next one, but even then the decisions felt drastic there too.
➷ many thanks to NetGalley, the author, Avon and Harper Voyager for the arc, all opinions are my own.
𝑴𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘 𝒊𝒏. “𝑹𝒆𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕?”
“𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚.”
“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
i keep going back & forth on what i wanted to rate this book. the beginning was SO STRONG, i loved how stoic and intimidating Varrik was, i also loved the world building and how unique it all was. the tone was dark, with the different plagues and the struggle to survive.
all my issues started in the second half of the book, where everything went off the rails for the romance. Esti had always been mistrusting of Varrik, which was understandable but there wasn’t a smooth transition from “enemies to lovers” with them. it was a strange mix of lusty infatuation, although you could argue the romance itself was more of a slow burn? idk. it was actually quite jarring, especially since Varrik’s personality switched all over the place a million times.
i was getting 2nd hand embarrassment from how intense he was & all his corny innuendos, i liked him a lot more when he was broody & silent. Esti had been mistreated all her life for what she is, so her impulsivity and anger made sense to me. i just felt that she suddenly became more whiny as the book went on.
the plot had so much potential, but after a while we get random domestic moments with the characters.. instead of the urgency that they started the book with. i hope we get more of Conrad though, his personality was like a shining beacon when things got dull. the cliffhanger did make me curious to read the next one, but even then the decisions felt drastic there too.
➷ many thanks to NetGalley, the author, Avon and Harper Voyager for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 stars! will be back with a review but ate this UP!
Raven Kennedy... you are so sick for this.
I've said this before, but it's been really special watching her writing evolve from series to series. I've mostly read her longer works, and this genuinely feels like some of her strongest writing yet.
The prologue had me hooked immediately. It delivers so much lore and world-building without ever feeling overwhelming, and somehow it even had me a little emotional? It set the tone perfectly and made me immediately invested. I cared about this world before the story had even really started, which is honestly hard to do.
I also loved how the beginning was paced. It never felt rushed, but there also wasn't a single point where I was waiting for something to happen. Every chapter gave you a little more of the world, a little more of the characters, and just enough answers to keep you turning the page.
And the back and forth??
Esti and the Piper are both so unbelievably stubborn that every interaction feels like neither of them is willing to blink first. The banter was so much fun, the tension kept building, and watching two equally determined people slowly become something more was one of my favorite parts of the book. We love a rat man and a girl who sparkles tbh.
Also... only Raven Kennedy could take The Pied Piper and somehow make me want him?? A man running around playing a recorder, commanding rats, making pipe jokes should not work.
...and yet here we are.
There was one line pretty early on that immediately made me stop and think, "...Raven, don't you dare." If you've read her books before, you know exactly what I mean. She loves planting little breadcrumbs that don't seem important until they emotionally hurt your feelings later.
Turns out my instincts were right.
Now I need book two.
If I had one critique, I do wish the romance had just a little more room to breathe. Since I've mostly read Raven's longer series, I'm used to those relationships taking longer to unfold. But knowing this is a duology—and especially after that ending—it actually makes complete sense why the relationship develops the way it does.
One thing I'll always appreciate about Raven is that no one else is coming up with ideas like this. She doesn't just retell a fairytale—she completely reinvents it. Her writing can be beautiful one page, hilarious the next, and then have you anxious five pages later.
If you want a romantasy with banter, unique world-building, a fresh magic system, a morally questionable rat man you somehow end up rooting for... and an ending that's going to make you immediately ask when book two comes out...
...I'd absolutely recommend this one.
Raven Kennedy... you are so sick for this.
I've said this before, but it's been really special watching her writing evolve from series to series. I've mostly read her longer works, and this genuinely feels like some of her strongest writing yet.
The prologue had me hooked immediately. It delivers so much lore and world-building without ever feeling overwhelming, and somehow it even had me a little emotional? It set the tone perfectly and made me immediately invested. I cared about this world before the story had even really started, which is honestly hard to do.
I also loved how the beginning was paced. It never felt rushed, but there also wasn't a single point where I was waiting for something to happen. Every chapter gave you a little more of the world, a little more of the characters, and just enough answers to keep you turning the page.
And the back and forth??
Esti and the Piper are both so unbelievably stubborn that every interaction feels like neither of them is willing to blink first. The banter was so much fun, the tension kept building, and watching two equally determined people slowly become something more was one of my favorite parts of the book. We love a rat man and a girl who sparkles tbh.
Also... only Raven Kennedy could take The Pied Piper and somehow make me want him?? A man running around playing a recorder, commanding rats, making pipe jokes should not work.
...and yet here we are.
There was one line pretty early on that immediately made me stop and think, "...Raven, don't you dare." If you've read her books before, you know exactly what I mean. She loves planting little breadcrumbs that don't seem important until they emotionally hurt your feelings later.
Turns out my instincts were right.
Now I need book two.
If I had one critique, I do wish the romance had just a little more room to breathe. Since I've mostly read Raven's longer series, I'm used to those relationships taking longer to unfold. But knowing this is a duology—and especially after that ending—it actually makes complete sense why the relationship develops the way it does.
One thing I'll always appreciate about Raven is that no one else is coming up with ideas like this. She doesn't just retell a fairytale—she completely reinvents it. Her writing can be beautiful one page, hilarious the next, and then have you anxious five pages later.
If you want a romantasy with banter, unique world-building, a fresh magic system, a morally questionable rat man you somehow end up rooting for... and an ending that's going to make you immediately ask when book two comes out...
...I'd absolutely recommend this one.
July 31, 2026
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You infuriate me, Piper.”
“You enrapture me, blight.”
Once again! Raven Kennedy delivers a unique loose reimagining in The Sweetest Fiend that lures you into its sinful melody and unfolds a decadent slowburn.
Set in a world marked by a devastating tragedy when terror ruptured from the earth and left its blight upon cities and their people, Esti is one of the many victims forced to carry the burden and shame of that terror—as she is a "Fiend", half-Fae and half-Bane, the living reminder that the monstrous Banes have not only left deadly plagues but also a tainted offspring.
Among the many cities tormented by plagues for years, Esti's city is faced with an even greater threat that is poised to bring nothing but further rot and ruin.
That is until a Pied Piper emerges and lulls the devastated city with his piercing music, and he ensnares its people, including Esti, within the eerie notes of his melody.
The question remains: is the Pied Piper meant to be an omen of salvation or damnation?
Reading through the perspective of a heroine forced to navigate a world that views her as an abomination and expects her to endure being treated as lesser, it just fills my heart with so much sorrow for Esti.
But even with fractured trust and living among a community that relentlessly rejects her and other Fiends, she remains remarkably resilient in the face of it all.
Raven excels at crafting unique lore and atmospheric world-building, the rot and ruin felt quite tangible to me. I can feel the dread and despair pound within every page.
As for the romance... it's a decadent yet scalding slowburn with tension stretched so taut it could have snapped and struck me.
Neither Esti nor the reader have any choice but surrender to the Piper's sinful allure and dangerous charm.
This is the first installment in a duology and I will be waiting with bated breath for the second one!
Thank you to HarperCollins/Avon Books for offering me an eARC in exchange for a review. Always grateful for such opportunity!
“You infuriate me, Piper.”
“You enrapture me, blight.”
Once again! Raven Kennedy delivers a unique loose reimagining in The Sweetest Fiend that lures you into its sinful melody and unfolds a decadent slowburn.
Set in a world marked by a devastating tragedy when terror ruptured from the earth and left its blight upon cities and their people, Esti is one of the many victims forced to carry the burden and shame of that terror—as she is a "Fiend", half-Fae and half-Bane, the living reminder that the monstrous Banes have not only left deadly plagues but also a tainted offspring.
Among the many cities tormented by plagues for years, Esti's city is faced with an even greater threat that is poised to bring nothing but further rot and ruin.
That is until a Pied Piper emerges and lulls the devastated city with his piercing music, and he ensnares its people, including Esti, within the eerie notes of his melody.
The question remains: is the Pied Piper meant to be an omen of salvation or damnation?
Reading through the perspective of a heroine forced to navigate a world that views her as an abomination and expects her to endure being treated as lesser, it just fills my heart with so much sorrow for Esti.
But even with fractured trust and living among a community that relentlessly rejects her and other Fiends, she remains remarkably resilient in the face of it all.
Raven excels at crafting unique lore and atmospheric world-building, the rot and ruin felt quite tangible to me. I can feel the dread and despair pound within every page.
As for the romance... it's a decadent yet scalding slowburn with tension stretched so taut it could have snapped and struck me.
Neither Esti nor the reader have any choice but surrender to the Piper's sinful allure and dangerous charm.
This is the first installment in a duology and I will be waiting with bated breath for the second one!
Thank you to HarperCollins/Avon Books for offering me an eARC in exchange for a review. Always grateful for such opportunity!
Currently Reading
September 22, 2026A catastrophe caused a massive rift in Earth. From that, nine monsters known as Banes came crawling out, which were eventually killed by the Core Fae, leaving a deadly Plague behind. In the world that follows, there is disease and other beings that carry the Bane's legacies.
Esti is a Fiend, a half Fae and half Bane. She's a truth reader, able to read whom ever she meets from the first glance. She's hated and feared for her ability. When the Plague reaches her city, the Pied Piper is the only one who can save them but in return he takes 130 people with him, one of whom is Esti.
The Piper is NOT what he appears to be. Is he actually a villain or a savior? No matter what, Esti does not trust him.
This better NOT disappoint.
Esti is a Fiend, a half Fae and half Bane. She's a truth reader, able to read whom ever she meets from the first glance. She's hated and feared for her ability. When the Plague reaches her city, the Pied Piper is the only one who can save them but in return he takes 130 people with him, one of whom is Esti.
The Piper is NOT what he appears to be. Is he actually a villain or a savior? No matter what, Esti does not trust him.
This better NOT disappoint.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The absolute HIGH I felt finishing this book. ALL THE STARS FOR MY FIRST RAVEN KENNEDY BOOK.
🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: September 22, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Avon Books
🖤 Dark fantasy romance
🖤 1st person POV
🖤 Captor x captive
🖤 Dark magic
🖤 Plague-ridden world
🖤 Loosely inspired by the Pied Piper
🖤 ALL THE BANTER & FLIRTING
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
This dark fantasy romance was UNPUTDOWNABLE (I binged it in 2 days). Addictive. Absolutely fantastic. I have never read a Raven Kennedy book before this, but I still went in with very high expectations since SO many of my friends love her work. Her writing definitely lived up to the hype! This gave me the same adrenaline and giddiness as reading The Twisted Sisters' series.
I went into this book somewhat blindly, and I'm glad I did because this was just a rollercoaster of a reading experience. Now, do I recommend every reader going in blindly? NO. I beg readers to read the trigger warnings–especially if they don't typically read dark romantasy/romance—because this features a lot of dark themes that will make some readers uncomfortable. ESPECIALLY because the main romance is a captor x captive dynamic. I know this will not be every reader's cup of tea, but it was mine.
This world is dark as hell. Raven Kennedy paints a gruesome and dark stage for this tale, which I was very much in the mood for given that we're about to be in the first week of fall. The grittiness of this world and the setting definitely heightened my emotions going into this story.
I really enjoy the magic system and how the different beings came to be. It felt like a fresh and unique spin on different types of fae.
I LOVE our FMC. She's resilient and has endured so much. I love the bond she shares with her aunt and mother, which I definitely understand being the type of person who is willing to risk everything and anything for their family. I feel like I went to hell and back alongside this character.
Ohhhhhh rat man. The way I was kicking my feet and giggling my butt off because of this man and their banter. It's been a hot second since I've read of an MMC this flirty, and I GOBBLED HIM UP. If someone told me I'd be charmed by a man who hypnotizes rats with a pipe, I'd laugh in your face. And here I am, charmed like one of those rats.
Could I be nit picky about this book? Yes, especially because I felt like the beginning started off slower than I would have liked. BUT the way I inhaled the second half of this book completely made up for any negative feelings I had about the beginning. Ultimately, I feel like I have to rate this 5 stars because I was literally buzzing after finishing this book.
That ending had my jaw on the floor, but I know it's going to divide readers (I tend to be in the camp that likes divisive endings/cliffhangers 😂). Gimme book 2 now, PLEASE.
🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: September 22, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Avon Books
🖤 Dark fantasy romance
🖤 1st person POV
🖤 Captor x captive
🖤 Dark magic
🖤 Plague-ridden world
🖤 Loosely inspired by the Pied Piper
🖤 ALL THE BANTER & FLIRTING
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
This dark fantasy romance was UNPUTDOWNABLE (I binged it in 2 days). Addictive. Absolutely fantastic. I have never read a Raven Kennedy book before this, but I still went in with very high expectations since SO many of my friends love her work. Her writing definitely lived up to the hype! This gave me the same adrenaline and giddiness as reading The Twisted Sisters' series.
I went into this book somewhat blindly, and I'm glad I did because this was just a rollercoaster of a reading experience. Now, do I recommend every reader going in blindly? NO. I beg readers to read the trigger warnings–especially if they don't typically read dark romantasy/romance—because this features a lot of dark themes that will make some readers uncomfortable. ESPECIALLY because the main romance is a captor x captive dynamic. I know this will not be every reader's cup of tea, but it was mine.
This world is dark as hell. Raven Kennedy paints a gruesome and dark stage for this tale, which I was very much in the mood for given that we're about to be in the first week of fall. The grittiness of this world and the setting definitely heightened my emotions going into this story.
I really enjoy the magic system and how the different beings came to be. It felt like a fresh and unique spin on different types of fae.
I LOVE our FMC. She's resilient and has endured so much. I love the bond she shares with her aunt and mother, which I definitely understand being the type of person who is willing to risk everything and anything for their family. I feel like I went to hell and back alongside this character.
Ohhhhhh rat man. The way I was kicking my feet and giggling my butt off because of this man and their banter. It's been a hot second since I've read of an MMC this flirty, and I GOBBLED HIM UP. If someone told me I'd be charmed by a man who hypnotizes rats with a pipe, I'd laugh in your face. And here I am, charmed like one of those rats.
Could I be nit picky about this book? Yes, especially because I felt like the beginning started off slower than I would have liked. BUT the way I inhaled the second half of this book completely made up for any negative feelings I had about the beginning. Ultimately, I feel like I have to rate this 5 stars because I was literally buzzing after finishing this book.
That ending had my jaw on the floor, but I know it's going to divide readers (I tend to be in the camp that likes divisive endings/cliffhangers 😂). Gimme book 2 now, PLEASE.
August 9, 2026
Thank you to Avon/Harper Collins for the ARC. I’m calling it, everyone is going to eat this up. This was refreshing. The magic system in this book is so unique and actually interesting which (in my opinion) is lacking in newer romantasy books. The world-building is a lot at times, but it’s not too dense and the lore is sprinkled throughout. It’s a lot more romance-forward than I was expecting, but I ended up having a lot of fun with it. I will NEVER see the Pied Piper the same again and I’m not mad about it at all. I enjoyed the ensemble of characters especially Aunt Lenna. I think it was adequately paced even if it is somehow equal parts insta-love and slow burn. The story itself is also great even though it ends on a brutal cliffhanger. The only thing that kept it from being 5 stars is the language used between the two main characters. It felt too modern and out of place which took me out of the story several times. Also, the one-liners were ridiculous. BUT DON’T WORRY, I CAN LOOK PAST IT. CAN’T WAIT FOR BOOK #2.
September 7, 2026
If you are looking for an audiobook rec, this is it. The audiobook is incredible. Especially loved the piper music element to it.
Raven has created such a cool fantasy with a piper and plagues and poison and rats 🐀 GIVE US MORE. This book had me hooked from the get go and the ending has just left me wanting so much more of this series 😍
Raven has created such a cool fantasy with a piper and plagues and poison and rats 🐀 GIVE US MORE. This book had me hooked from the get go and the ending has just left me wanting so much more of this series 😍
September 1, 2026
queen raven never misses!!! i knew i would love this after devouring the plated prisoner series.
the sweetest fiend was a complete breath of fresh air!!
this book was so fast paced i nearly read the whole thing in one sitting. i was completely immersed from page one and that’s because of how captivating raven’s writing is.
i absolutely loved esti from the beginning and was rooting for her the entire time.
the pied piper? SIR. he is so cheeky and flirty and i was obsessed with the banter between him and esti, he had me laughing so much!
”you’re irritating.”
“i’ll get you a salve.” looooool.
i also love that we got to see a more vulnerable side to him too.
”i’m glad i found you.”
“i’m glad you found me too.” 🥹
the ending had me GAGGED i was not expecting that at all and i am now desperate for book 2.
thank you so much to penguin michael joseph for an early review copy!!
also just to note that i’ve seen a couple of reviews complain that it didn’t feel like enemies to lovers, that’s because raven didn’t market it as that!! enemies to lovers isn’t a trope for this book. not every romantasy has to be enemies to lovers to be done well, pls🙄🙄🙄
the sweetest fiend was a complete breath of fresh air!!
this book was so fast paced i nearly read the whole thing in one sitting. i was completely immersed from page one and that’s because of how captivating raven’s writing is.
i absolutely loved esti from the beginning and was rooting for her the entire time.
the pied piper? SIR. he is so cheeky and flirty and i was obsessed with the banter between him and esti, he had me laughing so much!
”you’re irritating.”
“i’ll get you a salve.” looooool.
i also love that we got to see a more vulnerable side to him too.
”i’m glad i found you.”
“i’m glad you found me too.” 🥹
the ending had me GAGGED i was not expecting that at all and i am now desperate for book 2.
thank you so much to penguin michael joseph for an early review copy!!
also just to note that i’ve seen a couple of reviews complain that it didn’t feel like enemies to lovers, that’s because raven didn’t market it as that!! enemies to lovers isn’t a trope for this book. not every romantasy has to be enemies to lovers to be done well, pls🙄🙄🙄
Currently Reading
September 22, 2026Pre-read: it’s TIME to pay the piper. Honestly, whenever Raven Kennedy comes out with a new book I will pay whatever she wants. And if the piper is even remotely like Slade, I volunteer as tribute. For the greater good, obviously 😏
June 23, 2026
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒆, 𝑷𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒓."
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆, 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕."
Have you ever wondered what would happen after a magical apocalyptic event? Well, get your bug zappers ready! And get ready to pay (your next book boyfriend) The Pied Piper!
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒊𝒑𝒆.” 😁🫣😂
The Sweetest Fiend by Raven Kennedy has been my most anticipated read of 2026 ever since it was first announced. I’m a huge fan of the Plated Prisoner series, and I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to get an eARC. (Thank you so much Raven Kennedy and Avon Books!)
I became engrossed and enamored with this world IMMEDIATELY. I love Raven Kennedy’s world building, and The Sweetest Fiend world is no exception. Without saying too much for spoilers I loved all of the characters, secrets, and plot twists and turns in this book (and that ending! 😮) - I can’t wait to find out what fate awaits Esti and the Piper in the next book.
For now, my biggest problem is which edition of The Sweetest Fiend I’ll choose to buy (or how many haha)!
🗯️So which edition are you buying of The Sweetest Fiend? Asking for a friend. 👀
Hell yeah. Raven Kennedy is back. Full review coming soon, but you’re going to want to add this one to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book gave me so many conflicting feelings. Overall, the world building was very incredible, so unique! This aspect was by far my most favorite part.
The romance is where this book was lacking for me. It happened so fast, and it kind of comes out of nowhere. I wish this was not a duology so we could let this story cook longer. The premise is so good, and the Pied Piper story is SO INTRIGUING!!
Most things in this were really cool/so unique but it just felt a tad rushed.
HOWEVER- the premise was still so good, and in true Raven Kennedy fashion, the plot twist at the end was a doozy! I still really enjoyed this, and I cannot wait to get the second half of this story, because there’s a lot to recover from.
4 stars ⭐️
The romance is where this book was lacking for me. It happened so fast, and it kind of comes out of nowhere. I wish this was not a duology so we could let this story cook longer. The premise is so good, and the Pied Piper story is SO INTRIGUING!!
Most things in this were really cool/so unique but it just felt a tad rushed.
HOWEVER- the premise was still so good, and in true Raven Kennedy fashion, the plot twist at the end was a doozy! I still really enjoyed this, and I cannot wait to get the second half of this story, because there’s a lot to recover from.
4 stars ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
SO unique! Thinking a 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ situation for me! & thank you to Avon for providing me with an ARC!
PLOT
- Esti is a fiend; descended from the Banes who the released plagues that make the world a constant state of danger. She’s treated like garbage by her fellow people (who blame her for said plagues) when one day, the mysterious & terrifying Pied Piper shows up. & he decides he’ll be taking people back with him, including her. & she’s not a huge fan of this.
- romantasy duology book 1
- fae, plagues, & banes
- rich lore
- enemies to lovers with lots of back & forth banter
- Pied Piper retelling
- med spice (not a ton but whoop there it is)
PROS
- This world & lore are SUPER unique. I really like the fantasy elements of this world, it is so interesting. I genuinely think we could have like multiple series out of this world vs. a single duology. It is rich with lore & it genuinely feels full of opportunity for as much or as little as Raven wants.
- The story is also super unique! I don’t feel like I’ve read anything quite like this. I love the twist on the Pied Piper, the plagues, etc. & there is so much story to tell based on where we went.
- Solid side characters so far, Conrad being my fave. We didn’t get a ton of anyone else yet but what we saw I enjoyed.
- Esti’s family dynamic was very sweet & heartwarming.
- The spice we got was in fact, hottie patottie. Raven Kennedy writes some gnarly (compliment) spice & I can count on her to make me sweat a lil.
- Some solid social & societal commentary.
- Pied Piper is VERY interesting. I’m looking forward to more from him. We got the little bit in the prologue that was super enrapturing so I’m excited to dive deeper into him. He’s also got a mouth on him (love).
- After THAT ending I feel like THERE IS A LOT of story for book 2 which is really exciting. I’m really interested in that plot unfolding.
MIDS
- Esti as an FMC was both delightful & frustrating. I enjoy how vulnerably she was written; she’s been ostracized by society her whole life & I appreciate that we see into a girl that’s got a lifetime of both hurt (society) & love (family) & how that balance plays out. My heart really feels for her in many ways. She’s also witty enough for clever banter & made me giggle a few times. But she also made an abundance of alarmingly short-sighted decisions constantly & she didn’t seem naive enough for them. & that is just something I don’t enjoy. So for me, she was a mid.
- Also, the pacing of the romance was kinda wild. The banter was so fun & I absolutely love a rakish, filthy MMC but we sort of nose dived into some stuff kind of outta nowhere. Like it didn’t NOT make sense but it also just seemed abrupt & not quite earned. So again, watching them develop was fun but I also got whiplash a lil bit. So also a mid.
CONS
- The ending itself was not bad & I liked the *thing* BUT I have 2 qualms
— The setup to get to the “how” for me was unbelievable given who we are working with & what we’ve seen of them so far. I was just like “no one is dumb enough to think they can [do this thing] successfully” so it felt a little too easy to get to that.
— I am not really excited to revisit an existing dynamic again.
Excited to see where book 2 goes & thanks again to Raven & the team at Avon for the ARC!
PLOT
- Esti is a fiend; descended from the Banes who the released plagues that make the world a constant state of danger. She’s treated like garbage by her fellow people (who blame her for said plagues) when one day, the mysterious & terrifying Pied Piper shows up. & he decides he’ll be taking people back with him, including her. & she’s not a huge fan of this.
- romantasy duology book 1
- fae, plagues, & banes
- rich lore
- enemies to lovers with lots of back & forth banter
- Pied Piper retelling
- med spice (not a ton but whoop there it is)
PROS
- This world & lore are SUPER unique. I really like the fantasy elements of this world, it is so interesting. I genuinely think we could have like multiple series out of this world vs. a single duology. It is rich with lore & it genuinely feels full of opportunity for as much or as little as Raven wants.
- The story is also super unique! I don’t feel like I’ve read anything quite like this. I love the twist on the Pied Piper, the plagues, etc. & there is so much story to tell based on where we went.
- Solid side characters so far, Conrad being my fave. We didn’t get a ton of anyone else yet but what we saw I enjoyed.
- Esti’s family dynamic was very sweet & heartwarming.
- The spice we got was in fact, hottie patottie. Raven Kennedy writes some gnarly (compliment) spice & I can count on her to make me sweat a lil.
- Some solid social & societal commentary.
- Pied Piper is VERY interesting. I’m looking forward to more from him. We got the little bit in the prologue that was super enrapturing so I’m excited to dive deeper into him. He’s also got a mouth on him (love).
- After THAT ending I feel like THERE IS A LOT of story for book 2 which is really exciting. I’m really interested in that plot unfolding.
MIDS
- Esti as an FMC was both delightful & frustrating. I enjoy how vulnerably she was written; she’s been ostracized by society her whole life & I appreciate that we see into a girl that’s got a lifetime of both hurt (society) & love (family) & how that balance plays out. My heart really feels for her in many ways. She’s also witty enough for clever banter & made me giggle a few times. But she also made an abundance of alarmingly short-sighted decisions constantly & she didn’t seem naive enough for them. & that is just something I don’t enjoy. So for me, she was a mid.
- Also, the pacing of the romance was kinda wild. The banter was so fun & I absolutely love a rakish, filthy MMC but we sort of nose dived into some stuff kind of outta nowhere. Like it didn’t NOT make sense but it also just seemed abrupt & not quite earned. So again, watching them develop was fun but I also got whiplash a lil bit. So also a mid.
CONS
- The ending itself was not bad & I liked the *thing* BUT I have 2 qualms
— The setup to get to the “how” for me was unbelievable given who we are working with & what we’ve seen of them so far. I was just like “no one is dumb enough to think they can [do this thing] successfully” so it felt a little too easy to get to that.
— I am not really excited to revisit an existing dynamic again.
Excited to see where book 2 goes & thanks again to Raven & the team at Avon for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Excuse me @ravenkennedybooks the banter! The Banter! I highlighted so many great lines and innuendos.
Our FMC is feisty and is not happy that she’s been “collected” by the Piper. Our MMC is broody and mysterious. There’s unique magic plus all the Romantasy vibes we love.
I don’t want to give away too much but just know that I’m FUMING at the ending. 😤
The special editions are amazing so definitely don’t skip on preorders if one of them catches your eye.
The Sweetest Fiend is out September 22 2026
Thank you to @avonbooks and @netgalley for my advanced reader copy! I devoured it and can’t wait for everyone to get their hands, ears and eyes on this new duology Played by the Piper from the author of The Played Prisoner Series.
Our FMC is feisty and is not happy that she’s been “collected” by the Piper. Our MMC is broody and mysterious. There’s unique magic plus all the Romantasy vibes we love.
I don’t want to give away too much but just know that I’m FUMING at the ending. 😤
The special editions are amazing so definitely don’t skip on preorders if one of them catches your eye.
The Sweetest Fiend is out September 22 2026
Thank you to @avonbooks and @netgalley for my advanced reader copy! I devoured it and can’t wait for everyone to get their hands, ears and eyes on this new duology Played by the Piper from the author of The Played Prisoner Series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Raven Kennedy has done it again.
The Sweetest Fiend is a darkly enchanting Pied Piper retelling. An incredibly fresh choice that proves, once again, how gifted Kennedy is at taking a familiar tale and transforming it into something entirely her own.
As an early reader, there is so much I want to say, but doing so without spoilers feels nearly impossible. What I can say is that I was captivated from the very beginning and completely invested in discovering where the story would lead. The tension and pacing build relentlessly, tightening their grip with every chapter and refusing to let go.
Kennedy has an extraordinary ability to make readers feel deeply connected to her characters. My heart hurt, warmed, soared, and shattered alongside Esti. Her pain became my pain. Her hope became my hope. Her love became my love.
I decided to do a reread and this time I experienced the story through the audiobook, featuring duet narration by Isabelle Turner and Sean Masters, with original music by Lindsay Dills. The music was the absolute perfect addition to a story inspired by the Pied Piper. Its haunting sound added an entirely new layer to the atmosphere and made an already captivating story feel even more immersive.
Isabelle Turner did an incredible job bringing every emotion Esti experiences to life. I felt every bit of her pain, hope, fear, and love all over again and somehow, it may have hurt even more the second time.
Darkly enchanting, emotionally devastating, and utterly impossible to put down!
I originally went into this book without realizing what I was about to do to myself. Now, after experiencing it again through the audiobook, my desperate need for book two has only grown stronger and book one has not even been released yet.
The Sweetest Fiend is a darkly enchanting Pied Piper retelling. An incredibly fresh choice that proves, once again, how gifted Kennedy is at taking a familiar tale and transforming it into something entirely her own.
As an early reader, there is so much I want to say, but doing so without spoilers feels nearly impossible. What I can say is that I was captivated from the very beginning and completely invested in discovering where the story would lead. The tension and pacing build relentlessly, tightening their grip with every chapter and refusing to let go.
Kennedy has an extraordinary ability to make readers feel deeply connected to her characters. My heart hurt, warmed, soared, and shattered alongside Esti. Her pain became my pain. Her hope became my hope. Her love became my love.
I decided to do a reread and this time I experienced the story through the audiobook, featuring duet narration by Isabelle Turner and Sean Masters, with original music by Lindsay Dills. The music was the absolute perfect addition to a story inspired by the Pied Piper. Its haunting sound added an entirely new layer to the atmosphere and made an already captivating story feel even more immersive.
Isabelle Turner did an incredible job bringing every emotion Esti experiences to life. I felt every bit of her pain, hope, fear, and love all over again and somehow, it may have hurt even more the second time.
Darkly enchanting, emotionally devastating, and utterly impossible to put down!
I originally went into this book without realizing what I was about to do to myself. Now, after experiencing it again through the audiobook, my desperate need for book two has only grown stronger and book one has not even been released yet.
Want to Read
March 10, 2026Pre Read:
Happy Release Day!💜 Just got my Target special edition. The Pink is so beautiful! Cant wait to start this!
Happy Release Day!💜 Just got my Target special edition. The Pink is so beautiful! Cant wait to start this!
September 20, 2026
updating this to a 4.5⭐️ cause the more i think about it the more i like it LOL — the banter was just too good 🤣
4⭐️!!
i’m not all that familiar with the lore of the pied piper, but between the various plagues, our fiery, sharp-tongued fmc esti, and the slightly chaotic and troublesome mmc varrik (aka the pied piper), this book kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
this was my first time reading raven kennedy, and i had so much fun with it.
the banter between esti and varrik was absolutely hilarious. when you have two equally sassy main characters sharing one bedroll, one tent, and one horse, you’ve got the perfect recipe for some incredible banter. i can definitely see why so many readers call raven kennedy the queen of banter, because esti and varrik had me cackling one minute and kicking my feet the next. i absolutely ate up every bickering moment and every bit of forced proximity between these two.
the overall plot was fun, the magic system was interesting, and the final chapters had me on the edge of my seat. the banter and the twist at the end were what really sealed the deal for me. now i need to know how this is all going to play out in book two because that ending completely threw me for a loop!
the sweetest fiend releases 09/22.
thank you to avon books, netgalley, and raven kennedy for the earc ❤️
4⭐️!!
i’m not all that familiar with the lore of the pied piper, but between the various plagues, our fiery, sharp-tongued fmc esti, and the slightly chaotic and troublesome mmc varrik (aka the pied piper), this book kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
this was my first time reading raven kennedy, and i had so much fun with it.
the banter between esti and varrik was absolutely hilarious. when you have two equally sassy main characters sharing one bedroll, one tent, and one horse, you’ve got the perfect recipe for some incredible banter. i can definitely see why so many readers call raven kennedy the queen of banter, because esti and varrik had me cackling one minute and kicking my feet the next. i absolutely ate up every bickering moment and every bit of forced proximity between these two.
the overall plot was fun, the magic system was interesting, and the final chapters had me on the edge of my seat. the banter and the twist at the end were what really sealed the deal for me. now i need to know how this is all going to play out in book two because that ending completely threw me for a loop!
the sweetest fiend releases 09/22.
thank you to avon books, netgalley, and raven kennedy for the earc ❤️
September 22, 2026
A good start to the series!! I’m very excited to see where it leads. I’m not used to reading a romance that isn’t a slow burn so I felt like the romance started cooking WAY too fast for me personally, and it kind of confused me a bit. This book took me just over 6 hours to finish which is a pretty long time, and I was very surprised that it felt like hardly any time at all because they got together so quickly.
Nothing massively blew me away about this book, the mmc had some great lines due to his filthy mouth but in terms of plot, even the romance plot, I found it a bit lacking tbh. Very much looking forward to having everything cleared up in the next book and also hopefully the anxiety I feel from the ending of this book will go away once book 2 is out and I can see where we’re heading with the story 🥹
Nothing massively blew me away about this book, the mmc had some great lines due to his filthy mouth but in terms of plot, even the romance plot, I found it a bit lacking tbh. Very much looking forward to having everything cleared up in the next book and also hopefully the anxiety I feel from the ending of this book will go away once book 2 is out and I can see where we’re heading with the story 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.75 ⭐️
this had an intriguing premise, and i think that it delivered. i'm a fan of how raven kennedy chooses less common myths to retell.
the plot is good, and i think that information is given at a good pace. there are some interesting side characters and larger implications of how the society works as well.
as for the romance, i think that it's fine. unfortunately, im not super down bad for mr. pied piper, but im not NOT a fan either. there's also some enjoyable banter here, so when the marketing says banter, it does not lie.
overall, this was a fun reading experience for yours truly.
**thank you to Avon for the ARC copy**
this had an intriguing premise, and i think that it delivered. i'm a fan of how raven kennedy chooses less common myths to retell.
the plot is good, and i think that information is given at a good pace. there are some interesting side characters and larger implications of how the society works as well.
as for the romance, i think that it's fine. unfortunately, im not super down bad for mr. pied piper, but im not NOT a fan either. there's also some enjoyable banter here, so when the marketing says banter, it does not lie.
overall, this was a fun reading experience for yours truly.
**thank you to Avon for the ARC copy**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I expected to love The Sweetest Fiend and yet it was even better than I could have hoped! Raven Kennedy is a master at creating swoony and moody romances, and this is not exception. The characters are layered, unique, and filled with emotional depth. Despite the moments of insta-love, the relationship was still believable as the characters fought through their attraction. The dystopian fantasy world is somewhat unique to the romantasy genre and was easy to fall into. Honestly, I can't believe that we have to wait for the next book since I flew through this one so quickly! I need the second one as soon as possible!
Read if you like...
🔥She hates him but he's kinda into it
🩸Power imbalances made right
🔥Villains trying to save the world since no one else is left
🩸She's kind and trusting and it doesn't make her weak
🔥Forced proximity (as in he forces it because he can't get her out of his head)
🩸Pied Pier retelling with a twist
🔥Tending to wounds but they're both stubborn about it
🩸One horse/bed/tent
🔥Great dialogue and heavily descriptive language
🩸She adopts a cat that immediately hates him
🔥Strong mother/daughter relationships
🩸Music as a force of magic
🔥Finding hope at the end of the world
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Read if you like...
🔥She hates him but he's kinda into it
🩸Power imbalances made right
🔥Villains trying to save the world since no one else is left
🩸She's kind and trusting and it doesn't make her weak
🔥Forced proximity (as in he forces it because he can't get her out of his head)
🩸Pied Pier retelling with a twist
🔥Tending to wounds but they're both stubborn about it
🩸One horse/bed/tent
🔥Great dialogue and heavily descriptive language
🩸She adopts a cat that immediately hates him
🔥Strong mother/daughter relationships
🩸Music as a force of magic
🔥Finding hope at the end of the world
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Want to Read
February 20, 2026Wow, now that’s news — we’re really looking forward to it
September 14, 2026
A new dark romantasy from Raven inspired by the Pied Piper folktale? Yeah I ate this UP. I’m somewhere between 3.5 and 4⭐️ for this one because I loved some things and thought others could be better.
Blurb:
Thirty years ago when the world cracked open, molten power poured across the realm, releasing nine monstrous Banes along with it. The fae who survived the cataclysm were granted special magic. These powerful abilities enabled them to defeat the Banes once and for all. But for each defeated Bane, one deadly plague was left behind, and so began the onslaught of the nine plagues.
Our FMC Esti is a fiend - half fae and half bane. Being part Bane means you’re hated and even blamed for the havoc the plagues have wreaked and the lives they’ve taken. When Esti’s city is suddenly bombarded with plagues, it seems all hope is lost and the city will be overtaken… until the legendary Pied Piper comes to their aid. But the Piper’s help comes at an unexpected cost, one she never anticipated paying, and now he’s come to collect.
Overall, I enjoyed this one but I think it’s important to mention that this is 1) very romance-forward and 2) has a lot of your typical romantasy tropes. The magic was fresh, the world building easily digestible, but the fantasy plot is more brewing in the background while the captive romance takes center stage.
That being said, the romance in this was PIPING HOT😮💨 (pun intended). The banter had me biting my fist, kicking my feet, grinning like a fool, you name it. Were there one too many pipe innuendos? Sure. While the banter could’ve been less redundant, I loved how our MCs knew how to push each other’s buttons and constantly rage-baited each other, creating the thickest tension. Raven is truly adept in the art of writing a steamy romance where the tension is so palpable. I do wish this had been a slower burn though, especially considering the fact that this is a captive romance.
I loved our FMC Esti - she’s kind, gracious, sweet, gentle-hearted. Our MMC was the perfect blend of dark, brooding, grumpy, and protective. He literally reminded me of that Josh Gad meme where he’s screaming “I’m trying to SAVE the WORLD from ANNIHILATION”. But my favorite character of this book BY FAR, was Conrad. Please give us more of him in book 2, I beg🧎🏻♀️
Now, the bomb dropped at the end I did not see coming and I’ll definitely be picking up book 2 for some answers. And if you were wondering, yes, this does indeed end on a massive cliffhanger.
Thank you so much to Avon for the ARC🫶🏼This one releases September 22nd, so mark your calendars all you dark romantasy lovers!!
What you’ll find:
✨captive romance
🎵banter & tension
✨fae & dark magic
🎵”who hurt you”
✨forced proximity
🎵only one horse/tent
Blurb:
Thirty years ago when the world cracked open, molten power poured across the realm, releasing nine monstrous Banes along with it. The fae who survived the cataclysm were granted special magic. These powerful abilities enabled them to defeat the Banes once and for all. But for each defeated Bane, one deadly plague was left behind, and so began the onslaught of the nine plagues.
Our FMC Esti is a fiend - half fae and half bane. Being part Bane means you’re hated and even blamed for the havoc the plagues have wreaked and the lives they’ve taken. When Esti’s city is suddenly bombarded with plagues, it seems all hope is lost and the city will be overtaken… until the legendary Pied Piper comes to their aid. But the Piper’s help comes at an unexpected cost, one she never anticipated paying, and now he’s come to collect.
Overall, I enjoyed this one but I think it’s important to mention that this is 1) very romance-forward and 2) has a lot of your typical romantasy tropes. The magic was fresh, the world building easily digestible, but the fantasy plot is more brewing in the background while the captive romance takes center stage.
That being said, the romance in this was PIPING HOT😮💨 (pun intended). The banter had me biting my fist, kicking my feet, grinning like a fool, you name it. Were there one too many pipe innuendos? Sure. While the banter could’ve been less redundant, I loved how our MCs knew how to push each other’s buttons and constantly rage-baited each other, creating the thickest tension. Raven is truly adept in the art of writing a steamy romance where the tension is so palpable. I do wish this had been a slower burn though, especially considering the fact that this is a captive romance.
I loved our FMC Esti - she’s kind, gracious, sweet, gentle-hearted. Our MMC was the perfect blend of dark, brooding, grumpy, and protective. He literally reminded me of that Josh Gad meme where he’s screaming “I’m trying to SAVE the WORLD from ANNIHILATION”. But my favorite character of this book BY FAR, was Conrad. Please give us more of him in book 2, I beg🧎🏻♀️
Now, the bomb dropped at the end I did not see coming and I’ll definitely be picking up book 2 for some answers. And if you were wondering, yes, this does indeed end on a massive cliffhanger.
Thank you so much to Avon for the ARC🫶🏼This one releases September 22nd, so mark your calendars all you dark romantasy lovers!!
What you’ll find:
✨captive romance
🎵banter & tension
✨fae & dark magic
🎵”who hurt you”
✨forced proximity
🎵only one horse/tent
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Avon + Harper Collins/Epic Tastemakers for the e-arc 🫶
💭: I loved this one! I was hooked from the prologue and I couldn’t put it down. The whole concept for the story was just so interesting. I liked learning about the different plagues that were wreaking havoc on the cities. The hierarchy in society was also interesting, with the Core Fae, fae, and fiends. The story behind how the Core Fae got their power was so unique! I really liked the FMC. She’s feisty and witty and loves her family dearly. I also thought one of her abilities was really cool! And wow, the Piper! I think I’ve found a new fav MMC. The banter was sooo well done in this book! I love a one tent/one horse trope and this book has both. He’ll have you swooning. I loved the ending and I cannot wait for the conclusion in book 2!
💭: I loved this one! I was hooked from the prologue and I couldn’t put it down. The whole concept for the story was just so interesting. I liked learning about the different plagues that were wreaking havoc on the cities. The hierarchy in society was also interesting, with the Core Fae, fae, and fiends. The story behind how the Core Fae got their power was so unique! I really liked the FMC. She’s feisty and witty and loves her family dearly. I also thought one of her abilities was really cool! And wow, the Piper! I think I’ve found a new fav MMC. The banter was sooo well done in this book! I love a one tent/one horse trope and this book has both. He’ll have you swooning. I loved the ending and I cannot wait for the conclusion in book 2!
July 25, 2026
If you going to focused more on romance than plot why don’t make romance better. To say this was disappointing to me would be understatement.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(4.5⭐)
Me after that ending:
I genuinely can't believe that happened??? But now I'm so excited for book 2 because ohhh it's going to be painful. And who doesn't love pain? (Also the urge to just spit out a word vomit of spoilers but I will resist)
You know a book is amazing when you're desperately wanting to pull an all nighter to continue reading, go to sleep thinking about, wake up thinking about it and are just constantly consumed with thoughts of it during every moment you can't read it. That was absolutely THE SWEETEST FIEND for me. I had high expectations but I did NOT expect it to have such a hold on me like this, I'm literally addicted to this book????? THE WORLD. It caught my interest immediately and I am just totally obsessed with everything about it???? The powers Core Fae have and the things about Esti like omg every time we learned something new I was like this is SO cool??? And oh if I don't have so many questions after that last chapter.
Esti, my girl! First I need to talk about how much I love the sound of her nickname and full name like it's so beautiful😭 I couldn't stop saying it out loud (is this how characters feel when they say they love saying a name out loud??). And then her character!! She's actually too sweet I don't know how she does it omg. With how awfully others will treat her because she's a fiend, the fact that she is still so kind and optimistic with those same people?! I wish I could say I'd be like her but I know I wouldn't. In fact, there were many scenes that had me wishing she'd tell them off but alas. And adding onto that, her courage is amazing I love this girl so much. As the Piper said, he doesn't deserve Esti and I agree LOL. (But I mean of course there's still time for that to change!)
And her power!!!!! The ability to read peoples' stars (character traits) on their faces when she makes eye contact with them?? IT'S SO COOL. Also character-design wise, I'm in lovee omg. The star-like freckles, how her hair sparkles, the horns?? I can't wait until all the fanart of Esti comes out like she is STUNNING. And there was one other thing about her that I didn't even realize until my friend pointed it out and then it was confirmed later on and just !! Esti is just so cool omg.
As for the romance... WOW. The tension and chemistry was SO GOOD. I was addicted to their banter, I could never get enough. Esti and Varrik's interactions had me laughing so much, especially in the beginning with her responses please😭 I was dying of laughter. And then when things slowly changed... oh they were so cute oh my gosh my heart was melting into a puddle because of all those sweet interactions. THE FLIRTING!!! They were too adorable. I loved how Esti and Varrik slowly got to know one another and build trust. I will admit thought that I did love their dynamic more in the first half than second half (idk man there's just something about that bickering when they're enemies that is too addicting) and wished there'd been more of that slow-burn still so it did lose .5 star because of that BUT!!!! That ending so won me over completely like YES. Of course it's painful but I'm a masochist and it'd be boring without that going into a sequel.
I don't really have much too much to say about the side characters because they were kind of just there... that is until Conrad appeared and oh my gosh yes he's my fav I need more of him in book 2 please and thank you.
The plot wasn't too strong in my opinion but I genuinely didn't care because I was hooked so that's all that mattered to me LOL. Also it's clear that the main focus was on Esti and Varrik's relationship plus trying to get rid of the Plagues. It was so interesting learning about the Plagues, Banes, Fiends, and Core Fae and I can't wait to discover more!! Need book 2 asap.
All in all, Raven Kennedy you have completely ensnared and I will be camping outside the bookstore waiting for book 2 in Fall 2027 (I'm assuming we'll get it in Fall 2027 at least, please not any longer😭)
Eternal thanks to Avon for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!
Also, I guess I can't resist talking a little spoilers so let me just...
"You've rewritten it."
"Rewritten what?"
"Beauty."
Me after that ending:
I genuinely can't believe that happened??? But now I'm so excited for book 2 because ohhh it's going to be painful. And who doesn't love pain? (Also the urge to just spit out a word vomit of spoilers but I will resist)
You know a book is amazing when you're desperately wanting to pull an all nighter to continue reading, go to sleep thinking about, wake up thinking about it and are just constantly consumed with thoughts of it during every moment you can't read it. That was absolutely THE SWEETEST FIEND for me. I had high expectations but I did NOT expect it to have such a hold on me like this, I'm literally addicted to this book????? THE WORLD. It caught my interest immediately and I am just totally obsessed with everything about it???? The powers Core Fae have and the things about Esti like omg every time we learned something new I was like this is SO cool??? And oh if I don't have so many questions after that last chapter.
Esti, my girl! First I need to talk about how much I love the sound of her nickname and full name like it's so beautiful😭 I couldn't stop saying it out loud (is this how characters feel when they say they love saying a name out loud??). And then her character!! She's actually too sweet I don't know how she does it omg. With how awfully others will treat her because she's a fiend, the fact that she is still so kind and optimistic with those same people?! I wish I could say I'd be like her but I know I wouldn't. In fact, there were many scenes that had me wishing she'd tell them off but alas. And adding onto that, her courage is amazing I love this girl so much. As the Piper said, he doesn't deserve Esti and I agree LOL. (But I mean of course there's still time for that to change!)
And her power!!!!! The ability to read peoples' stars (character traits) on their faces when she makes eye contact with them?? IT'S SO COOL. Also character-design wise, I'm in lovee omg. The star-like freckles, how her hair sparkles, the horns?? I can't wait until all the fanart of Esti comes out like she is STUNNING. And there was one other thing about her that I didn't even realize until my friend pointed it out and then it was confirmed later on and just !! Esti is just so cool omg.
As for the romance... WOW. The tension and chemistry was SO GOOD. I was addicted to their banter, I could never get enough. Esti and Varrik's interactions had me laughing so much, especially in the beginning with her responses please😭 I was dying of laughter. And then when things slowly changed... oh they were so cute oh my gosh my heart was melting into a puddle because of all those sweet interactions. THE FLIRTING!!! They were too adorable. I loved how Esti and Varrik slowly got to know one another and build trust. I will admit thought that I did love their dynamic more in the first half than second half (idk man there's just something about that bickering when they're enemies that is too addicting) and wished there'd been more of that slow-burn still so it did lose .5 star because of that BUT!!!! That ending so won me over completely like YES. Of course it's painful but I'm a masochist and it'd be boring without that going into a sequel.
I don't really have much too much to say about the side characters because they were kind of just there... that is until Conrad appeared and oh my gosh yes he's my fav I need more of him in book 2 please and thank you.
The plot wasn't too strong in my opinion but I genuinely didn't care because I was hooked so that's all that mattered to me LOL. Also it's clear that the main focus was on Esti and Varrik's relationship plus trying to get rid of the Plagues. It was so interesting learning about the Plagues, Banes, Fiends, and Core Fae and I can't wait to discover more!! Need book 2 asap.
All in all, Raven Kennedy you have completely ensnared and I will be camping outside the bookstore waiting for book 2 in Fall 2027 (I'm assuming we'll get it in Fall 2027 at least, please not any longer😭)
Eternal thanks to Avon for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!
Also, I guess I can't resist talking a little spoilers so let me just...
July 12, 2026
I don’t know if I have the appropriate words to express my thoughts after finishing this book.
The ending just gutted me. I didn’t see any of that coming. I didn’t expect that to happen. I am not well.
I started this book in the midst of a horrible reading slump. Then, it took me a really long time to get through this book because the slump was weighing me down. I would just read a chapter or two at a time each day, slowly hitting 50% of the book. And then something just clicked at the second half of the book, and I read it all in one day. I don’t want to say it pulled me out of the slump, but it definitely drew me in to the point that I flew through the second half.
In terms of the romance, genuinely almost made me drop my star rating. To me, it felt very insta lust, and I was so scared we were going to fall into insta love territory. But ~certain events~ that take place at the end completely redeemed the romance for me. We definitely will be going in to book two with a new romance dynamic, and I know it’s going to be so good compared to book one. There wasn’t anything wrong with the romance by any means, it just didn’t quite match what I needed in my mood.
Now the plot is what is absolutely addicting in this book. Everything about it is so unique and unexpected. The story is so cool and not like anything I’ve read. Each time I thought I knew where the story was going, I was thrown through a loop. There’s two big twists that I really wasn’t expecting, one being at the end and one being around 50%. I really had a great time seeing the story unfold, learn more about the world, and see the dynamics between the characters play out.
Now back to the ending, wow. The ending cemented my desire to read book two. I was obviously going to read book two no matter what because it’s Raven Kennedy we’re talking about here, but the end left my jaw on the floor.
Some tropes in the story:
-captive x captor
-magical bonds
-hate to lust
-secret identities
-apocalyptic world
-forced proximity
Thank you so much to Avon Books for both a physical galley and an eARC of this book, and NetGalley for hosting the eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
The ending just gutted me. I didn’t see any of that coming. I didn’t expect that to happen. I am not well.
I started this book in the midst of a horrible reading slump. Then, it took me a really long time to get through this book because the slump was weighing me down. I would just read a chapter or two at a time each day, slowly hitting 50% of the book. And then something just clicked at the second half of the book, and I read it all in one day. I don’t want to say it pulled me out of the slump, but it definitely drew me in to the point that I flew through the second half.
In terms of the romance, genuinely almost made me drop my star rating. To me, it felt very insta lust, and I was so scared we were going to fall into insta love territory. But ~certain events~ that take place at the end completely redeemed the romance for me. We definitely will be going in to book two with a new romance dynamic, and I know it’s going to be so good compared to book one. There wasn’t anything wrong with the romance by any means, it just didn’t quite match what I needed in my mood.
Now the plot is what is absolutely addicting in this book. Everything about it is so unique and unexpected. The story is so cool and not like anything I’ve read. Each time I thought I knew where the story was going, I was thrown through a loop. There’s two big twists that I really wasn’t expecting, one being at the end and one being around 50%. I really had a great time seeing the story unfold, learn more about the world, and see the dynamics between the characters play out.
Now back to the ending, wow. The ending cemented my desire to read book two. I was obviously going to read book two no matter what because it’s Raven Kennedy we’re talking about here, but the end left my jaw on the floor.
Some tropes in the story:
-captive x captor
-magical bonds
-hate to lust
-secret identities
-apocalyptic world
-forced proximity
Thank you so much to Avon Books for both a physical galley and an eARC of this book, and NetGalley for hosting the eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 | 🌶️.5
(ARC review) | Release date: September 22nd, 2026 ✨
“Friend or foe. Fiend or fae.” 👀
we love a man who can both play pipe + lay pipe 😏🪈
Featuring:
🙋🏻♀️ Single POV
🖤 Incomplete dark romantasy
🪈 Pied Piper re-telling with a twist
🌎 World ridden with plagues
🪢 Group kidnapping
🗣️ Top tier banter
☄️ Forced proximity
⛓️ Captive x captor romance
🤯 Plot twist / cliffhanger ending
In terms of the romance/spice - low on the scale! open door later in the story. the romance though? so good! captor x captive, with banter actually made me LOL.
Overall, Raven Kennedy is BACK!
the pied piper but hot? absolutely incredible. Raven Kennedy has such a gift for putting a creative twist on a retelling. from the very prologue I was hooked. between the complex characters, the hilarious banter, the poetic writing, and the dark + gritty setting… it was just fantastic. THIS is the kind of story that’ll live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.
would I recommend? 1000% yes! but review trigger warnings first!
will I be reading the next book in the series? for sure!! literally NEED to know what’s next!
TLDR; book 1 of an incomplete romantasy duology, based upon ‘The Pied Piper’. post-apocalyptic world, group kidnapping, and hilarious banter. would DEFINITELY recommend!
HUGE thank you to Avon + NetGalley for the eARC! all thoughts and opinions are my own ✨
Series Rating:
- The Sweetest Fiend: 4.5⭐️, 1.5🌶️
(ARC review) | Release date: September 22nd, 2026 ✨
“Friend or foe. Fiend or fae.” 👀
we love a man who can both play pipe + lay pipe 😏🪈
Featuring:
🙋🏻♀️ Single POV
🖤 Incomplete dark romantasy
🪈 Pied Piper re-telling with a twist
🌎 World ridden with plagues
🪢 Group kidnapping
🗣️ Top tier banter
☄️ Forced proximity
⛓️ Captive x captor romance
🤯 Plot twist / cliffhanger ending
In terms of the romance/spice - low on the scale! open door later in the story. the romance though? so good! captor x captive, with banter actually made me LOL.
Overall, Raven Kennedy is BACK!
the pied piper but hot? absolutely incredible. Raven Kennedy has such a gift for putting a creative twist on a retelling. from the very prologue I was hooked. between the complex characters, the hilarious banter, the poetic writing, and the dark + gritty setting… it was just fantastic. THIS is the kind of story that’ll live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.
would I recommend? 1000% yes! but review trigger warnings first!
will I be reading the next book in the series? for sure!! literally NEED to know what’s next!
TLDR; book 1 of an incomplete romantasy duology, based upon ‘The Pied Piper’. post-apocalyptic world, group kidnapping, and hilarious banter. would DEFINITELY recommend!
HUGE thank you to Avon + NetGalley for the eARC! all thoughts and opinions are my own ✨
Series Rating:
- The Sweetest Fiend: 4.5⭐️, 1.5🌶️
August 25, 2026
This was the most addictive story I’ve read in a LONG time. It’s so bingeable, and I can already feel the book hangover setting in. This is a cancel your weekend plans kind of book.
This reads like a dark dystopian fairy tale, and I was so intrigued from the beginning. It’s dark, gritty, and somehow still manages to be a romantic love story about hope, connection, and saving the world? The genre crossing REALLY did it for me.
And I have to talk about how UNIQUE this story is because I genuinely don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it:
• Pied Piper retelling? Never heard of that before 🪈
• Rat man is sexy this time. Trust me. 😂
• Horned FMC 😈
• Fae magic originating from an apocalyptic event 🌎💥
• Unique types of magic (see point one 👀)
• NINE different plagues being central to the story
We start with our FMC being a working girly doing everything she can for her family while trying to survive a world that is literally tearing itself apart. Then she, and several hundred others from her city, are taken by the mysterious Pied Piper, and we have NO idea why.
And I could NOT put this down until I knew what was up with this guy. He is textbook morally grey, and the tension and banter between them had me laughing out loud. While she’s captive, I went through ALL the emotions. I was angry for her, devastated for her, and still…completely invested in the tension between them.
I also really loved her as a character. She’s incredibly resilient and fiercely devoted to her family. She’s definitely a rebel at her (nonexploding) core. She repeatedly chooses kindness towards others in this unjust, savage world. She chooses hope again and again.
Honestly, this book was just SO intriguing. I loved how it took familiar fairy-tale elements and dropped them into this apocalyptic, gritty world.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, Raven Kennedy, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. ❤️🔥
This reads like a dark dystopian fairy tale, and I was so intrigued from the beginning. It’s dark, gritty, and somehow still manages to be a romantic love story about hope, connection, and saving the world? The genre crossing REALLY did it for me.
And I have to talk about how UNIQUE this story is because I genuinely don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it:
• Pied Piper retelling? Never heard of that before 🪈
• Rat man is sexy this time. Trust me. 😂
• Horned FMC 😈
• Fae magic originating from an apocalyptic event 🌎💥
• Unique types of magic (see point one 👀)
• NINE different plagues being central to the story
We start with our FMC being a working girly doing everything she can for her family while trying to survive a world that is literally tearing itself apart. Then she, and several hundred others from her city, are taken by the mysterious Pied Piper, and we have NO idea why.
And I could NOT put this down until I knew what was up with this guy. He is textbook morally grey, and the tension and banter between them had me laughing out loud. While she’s captive, I went through ALL the emotions. I was angry for her, devastated for her, and still…completely invested in the tension between them.
I also really loved her as a character. She’s incredibly resilient and fiercely devoted to her family. She’s definitely a rebel at her (nonexploding) core. She repeatedly chooses kindness towards others in this unjust, savage world. She chooses hope again and again.
Honestly, this book was just SO intriguing. I loved how it took familiar fairy-tale elements and dropped them into this apocalyptic, gritty world.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, Raven Kennedy, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. ❤️🔥
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