Description

Almost two years have passed since Vanja dismantled the cult she’d created, yet she’s still facing the consequences of her actions. Operating as the elusive Pfennigeist, she defies the law to aid the desperate and expose the empire’s corruption, always working solo. But a ruthless killer has emerged within the royal families, leaving behind Vanja’s unmistakable red penny token at every horrifying crime scene. Suddenly, Vanja’s folk-hero reputation is destroyed—she’s become the empire’s most feared villain.

The situation grows dire when even the Blessed Empress herself is slain. With reality itself hanging in the balance, the empire’s seven royal houses must hastily come together to choose a new leader, despite knowing the elections will place each house directly in the assassin’s path.

Determined to clear her name and protect those she holds dear, Vanja is compelled to enter the dangerous sphere of royal politics and treachery. But she’s not alone in her pursuit; the Order of Prefects assigns their sharpest investigator to apprehend the killer—Journeyman Prefect Emeric Conrad, who once swore he would always find Vanja, until she betrayed his trust and broke his heart. Emeric and Vanja might have transformed into something unrecognizable to each other, but they have no choice but to unite their efforts one final time if they hope to survive the perilous threat before them.

Packed with sinister magic, chilling conspiracies, and enemies both old and new, this thrilling final installment of Margaret Owen’s critically acclaimed Little Thieves series explores the courage to confront one’s darkest demons and choose forgiveness over vengeance.