Holy Terrors

Starred review from March 1, 2025
An erstwhile thief takes justice into her own hands in this riotous conclusion to the Little Thieves trilogy. Vanja Ros, who reads white, has lived much of her life according to one clear principle. "When I was younger," she says, "I believed in what I called the trinity of want: pleasure, profit, and power." If Vanja's first adventure hinged on her greed and her second unpacked her relationship with intimacy and her demisexuality, then this final installment deals, unquestionably, with power. In the almost 16 months since Vanja abandoned the love of her life, Emeric Conrad, for his own good, she's fully embraced the mantle of the Pfennigeist. As the Penny Phantom, she can reach the people that the law--including Emeric and his fellow prefects--cannot. But as her reputation grows, Vanja begins to develop strange, unpredictable powers. Even more worryingly, royals across the empire have begun dropping dead with Vanja's signature red penny in their mouths. With Emeric on the case, Vanja's forced to confront the boy she left behind--and the choices she made at the crossroads of her life that led her here. Throughout, Owen unfurls a narrative that grapples with the limitations and obligations of power. Incisive social commentary, lush worldbuilding, some truly gorgeous turns of phrase, and evocative spot art from the author help bring this work to vivid life, but as with the earlier installments, its true beating heart lies in its characters. Deeply affecting and satisfying. (author's note, glossary)(Fantasy. 14-18)

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