First published 2025
Nearly two years have passed since Vanja Ros defeated her mother's vengeful spirit. She has built a new identity as the Pfennigist, a folk hero who champions the powerless against the wealthy elite. Her reputation as a reformed thief and God Daughter brings hope to those who need it most. Then members of the seven royal families start dying. Each corpse bears Vanja's signature red penny calling card. Someone wants to destroy everything she has worked to become. A forgotten enemy has returned, driven by deep hatred and determined to expose her darkest secrets. Old lovers, enemies, and friends emerge from the shadows as Vanja confronts the truth about her transformation into the Pfennigist. The stakes extend beyond her own survival or even protecting those she loves. Time itself hangs in the balance. To save everything, Vanja must reconcile with the choices that made her who she is today.
Genres: adventure, mystery, fantasy, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Pfennigist
Period: Nearly two years
545 pages · Kindle Edition · Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Content warnings: violence