Holy Terrors

I received a free ARC of Holy Terrors in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot believe it was only April this year that I first read Little Thieves. Since then, this series has taken up space in my brain that I never expected.

Holy Terrors was the perfect ending. The story itself was full of twists and turns but the true perfection lives in the fulfillment of the character arcs. 

After finishing Painted Devils I was heartbroken. Vanja and Emeric are one of my favorite on page couples. How could it end this way?? 

Then, I began reading the Fallow Year. If you haven't heard of it, it is a series of 10 short stories that take place between Painted Devils and Holy Terrors and it's available to read for free on AO3! Right now there are only 7 stories out, though I am assuming all 10 will be released by the time Holy Terrors is released in April. While those stories aren't necessary to read before Holy Terrors, they did give a lot of insight into references and character choices. 

As usual with Margaret Owen's writing, Holy Terrors had me laughing and crying throughout the story. Vanja has grown so much and though this is a historical fantasy, I think every girl who has ever faced bullies, insecurities, or cruelties can easily relate to her and learn to grown as well.

I never would have guessed that romance would become the main plot of this series after reading Little Thieves (though it was of course intertwined with the story of Painted Devils). Holy Terrors resolves the romance with so much bittersweetness and it kept me on my toes. I usually find myself bored when the couple gets together halfway through the series but Vanja and Emeric's relationship develops in a slow and realistic fashion. This is highlighted by both of them being on the asexual spectrum, as they are both Demisexual. I really liked how Owen treated this character point. They certainly felt different from their peers but they had solace in understanding each other and the loss of that comfort was noticeable when they have new partners. 

The resolution of Vanja and Emeric's relationship was my most anticipated part of this read but the story was interesting as well! It continued to flesh out the magic system and people's relationship with the Gods as well as providing another intriguing mystery to solve. It gets a bit complicated towards the end which is hard to explain without spoilers but just know it is important to keep track all the little details and all the names. Honestly, a character chart in the front would have been nice but I still managed without it.

I notoriously hate endings and find myself struggling to finish stories because I don't want it to be over, but Holy Terrors felt like a perfect conclusion. Owens has enough characters and lore that I hope she returns to this world at some point, such as a spin off series, but if she doesn't I would still be happy for the amount of content from this universe.

I give Holy Terrors 5/5 stars. Fans of the series should be excited to hear this wonderful ending to the trilogy. 

So disappointed in this ending. The characters and plot were weaker in this addition, and I found myself being dragged through the first 70% of this book.

It has been almost two years since she defeated the vengeful spirit of her mother, but Vanja Ros - no longer Schmidt - has finally made a name for herself. She is a God Daughter, a (reformed) thief, a sister (surprisingly!), and now a folk hero. She stands up for those with nothing against the few who have everything, bringing justice and prosperity where she can.

But members of the seven royal families are turning up dead, all found with Vanja’s red penny calling card

on the bodies. And even a beloved woman of the people cannot keep her darkest shadows from the light forever. Deepseated hatred has spurred a forgotten foe into action. As old flames, adversaries, and allies resurface, Vanja must face what it took to become the Pfennigist once and for all.

It will take everything she is to save not only herself and the people she loves, but time as we know it.