Hannah Kaner's feminist epic fantasy trilogy goes to HarperVoyager UK and US in six-figure deals

The bestselling Fallen Gods series creator Hannah Kaner’s latest "feminist epic" fantasy trilogy has been snapped up by HarperVoyager, in six-figure deals in both the UK and US. UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada for the three books were acquired from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment for a "significant" six figures; North American rights were sold to HarperVoyager US by Ginger Clark at Ginger Clark Literary on behalf of Mushens. Meanwhile, German rights were pre-empted by Piper.

The first in the trilogy, A Snake Among Swans, will be published in July 2026 and features warring nations, courtly intrigue and banned magic, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale The Wild Swans. 

Kaner said: "A Snake Among Swans is a story of vengeance, a reimagined fairy tale from the voice of the wicked witch. I hope fantasy will be excited to dive into a grim, bound world of suppression, intrigue and survival."

The series follows Tilde, the last surviving heir of a conquered kingdom. She is married off to King Liran, who violently claimed her homeland, with her duty to bear a son; she hopes to kill the king. But Liran’s sons are manoeuvring for the throne, seeing Tilde as a threat, though after meeting Liran’s daughter Princess Elise, Tilde’s loyalties become divided.

Editorial director Charlotte Trumble said that Kaner had "exceeded all expectations" following the success of Fallen Gods. She added: "It’s hard to follow a trilogy which has captured so many hearts and topped the chart every single time. A Snake Among Swans has visionary world-building, a rich cast of characters, twisty political manoeuvring and forbidden magic. It is exceptional."

Mushens said: "I am obsessed with this trilogy – courtly intrigue, women with dark power and magic rooted deeply to nature. It’s ambitious and immersive: Hannah is cementing her position as one of the most exciting new voices in fantasy."