What do you think?
Rate this book
Little Thieves #2.5
The Fallow Year
The Fallow Year is a series of ten short stories that take place in the months between the end of Painted Devils and the beginning of Holy Terrors. They will alternate between Vanja and Emeric’s POVs as they spend some time… working on themselves.
Available to read for free in AO3.
Chapter 1: Plausible Deniability
Chapter 2: Landfall
Chapter 3: Beauty without Mercy
Chapter 4: The Agenda
Chapter 5: Many Happy Returns
Chapter 6: Providence
Chapter 7: Due Diligence
Chapter 8: The Cycle
Chapter 9: Phantom Roses, Part I
Chapter 10: Phantom Roses, Part II
Available to read for free in AO3.
Chapter 1: Plausible Deniability
Chapter 2: Landfall
Chapter 3: Beauty without Mercy
Chapter 4: The Agenda
Chapter 5: Many Happy Returns
Chapter 6: Providence
Chapter 7: Due Diligence
Chapter 8: The Cycle
Chapter 9: Phantom Roses, Part I
Chapter 10: Phantom Roses, Part II
240 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2024
65 people are currently reading
3462 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Owen
10 books2,855 followersBorn and raised at the end of the Oregon Trail, Margaret Owen spent her childhood haunting the halls of Powell’s Books. After earning her degree in Japanese, her love of espresso called her north to Seattle, where she worked in everything from thrift stores to presidential campaigns. The common thread between every job can be summed up as: lessons were learned.
She now spends her days wrestling disgruntled characters onto the page, and negotiating a long-term hostage situation with her two monstrous cats. (There is surprisingly little difference between the two.)
She now spends her days wrestling disgruntled characters onto the page, and negotiating a long-term hostage situation with her two monstrous cats. (There is surprisingly little difference between the two.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
January 16, 2024
k1lling myself in front of margaret owen to forever change the trajectory of her life (lovingly)
March 13, 2025
you're telling me some people will just live in peace and then read holy terrors
August 4, 2025
⋆.˚✮ 4 stars (overall) ✮˚.⋆
this collection of short stories in between Painted Devils and Holy Terrors was so well curated for both Emeric and Vanja. the ending of the last book had me feeling a little conflicted, but based on some more context in both of these stories, it makes a little more sense. it did make my heart hurt for the relationship between those two though, as I really do hope that they can figure things out.
overall, this made me very excited to continue with Holy Terrors soon, and see how this story ends!
↬ trigger warnings: blood and gore, abandonment mentioned, sick children, death of children, death of loved ones mentioned, unclear consent in sexual situations
this collection of short stories in between Painted Devils and Holy Terrors was so well curated for both Emeric and Vanja. the ending of the last book had me feeling a little conflicted, but based on some more context in both of these stories, it makes a little more sense. it did make my heart hurt for the relationship between those two though, as I really do hope that they can figure things out.
overall, this made me very excited to continue with Holy Terrors soon, and see how this story ends!
↬ trigger warnings: blood and gore, abandonment mentioned, sick children, death of children, death of loved ones mentioned, unclear consent in sexual situations
May 22, 2025
MY SHAAAAYLAS 😭
Jak umrę to chcę, żeby mnie pochowali z moimi wydaniami "Małych złodziei"🫡
Jak umrę to chcę, żeby mnie pochowali z moimi wydaniami "Małych złodziei"🫡
April 11, 2025
2025 reads: 34/300
buddy read with aaku!
this novella takes place in the time between painted devils and holy terrors. as i have not yet read holy terrors, i’m not sure whether this is required to read before that book; however, this made me even more excited for that book, and i think it’s a good warm-up to prepare to read holy terrors!
as i read painted devils almost exactly two years ago, i had forgotten exactly how we ended things in that book. so, i was in for a delightful surprise with the levels of angst in each of these stories! as i went through this novella, i left many, many comments on my storygraph buddy read, and they all pretty much boil down to “i want to rip my hair out” and “margaret owen is trying to kill me.” (and i was well within my rights to say that!) anyway, i am soooo excited to see where holy terrors takes these kids. i need to speed through my other arcs to get to it sooner!
buddy read with aaku!
this novella takes place in the time between painted devils and holy terrors. as i have not yet read holy terrors, i’m not sure whether this is required to read before that book; however, this made me even more excited for that book, and i think it’s a good warm-up to prepare to read holy terrors!
as i read painted devils almost exactly two years ago, i had forgotten exactly how we ended things in that book. so, i was in for a delightful surprise with the levels of angst in each of these stories! as i went through this novella, i left many, many comments on my storygraph buddy read, and they all pretty much boil down to “i want to rip my hair out” and “margaret owen is trying to kill me.” (and i was well within my rights to say that!) anyway, i am soooo excited to see where holy terrors takes these kids. i need to speed through my other arcs to get to it sooner!
May 8, 2025
This is a stunning piece of work. a stunning character study, heartwrenching, brutal, beautiful in its honesty. Everyone is flawed in such a human way, and reading this gives such invaluable insights into Vanja and Emeric's perspectives. A must read before book 3. But prepare for PAIN.
Also, will this ever be printed? I need it!
-----------------------------------
Forgot there were chapters being added to this. Reading again before Holy Terrors and excuse me.... BENNO????!!!!!!
-----------------------------------
I'm gonna literally throw myself off a skyscraper.
Also, will this ever be printed? I need it!
-----------------------------------
Forgot there were chapters being added to this. Reading again before Holy Terrors and excuse me.... BENNO????!!!!!!
-----------------------------------
I'm gonna literally throw myself off a skyscraper.
August 3, 2025
rating: 4.75 ✨
omg THE ANGST. the only reason i’m not giving this 5 stars is bc the first half, while enjoyable, didn’t have quite as clear a through line as the second half.
i am forever impressed and grateful for owens’ ability to weave up plots of mystery and scheming that i can’t figure out far too soon for any enjoyment.
make sure you read before book 3 bc i can tell it’s going to put a lot of that story into context! (apparently this series was supposed to be 6 books but she only got a 3 book deal, so posting this up on ao3 was her workaround storywise)
definitely one of my more favorite “half” books to a series.
omg THE ANGST. the only reason i’m not giving this 5 stars is bc the first half, while enjoyable, didn’t have quite as clear a through line as the second half.
i am forever impressed and grateful for owens’ ability to weave up plots of mystery and scheming that i can’t figure out far too soon for any enjoyment.
make sure you read before book 3 bc i can tell it’s going to put a lot of that story into context! (apparently this series was supposed to be 6 books but she only got a 3 book deal, so posting this up on ao3 was her workaround storywise)
definitely one of my more favorite “half” books to a series.
May 26, 2025
"Hallucination, shame, guilt
Pain, more pain
(Don't let them) know we're in pain"
Gracie Abrams wrote "I told you things" about them and also "best" and "block me out" and "I love you, I'm sorry" and "blowing smoke" and especially "I know it won't work"
Pain, more pain
(Don't let them) know we're in pain"
Gracie Abrams wrote "I told you things" about them and also "best" and "block me out" and "I love you, I'm sorry" and "blowing smoke" and especially "I know it won't work"
April 16, 2025
I was feeling a bit bored, and I wanted to hit the mc.
I hope the third part will be as interesting as the first.
I hope the third part will be as interesting as the first.
January 18, 2024
So far one chapter in, but I'll change the rating as we go, because why not?
This story breaks my heart, which isn't a surprise, but gosh I hope Emeric and Vanja will find at least some solace during the year, because come on. I mean come one, let them have that much. They deserve it.
Meanwhile I'll be waiting for the next chapter, crying my eyes out. Reading, such a nice and relaxing hobby indeed.
This story breaks my heart, which isn't a surprise, but gosh I hope Emeric and Vanja will find at least some solace during the year, because come on. I mean come one, let them have that much. They deserve it.
Meanwhile I'll be waiting for the next chapter, crying my eyes out. Reading, such a nice and relaxing hobby indeed.
November 17, 2025
the first two chapters? pain
May 11, 2025
I can't say if this will be required reading for the events of HOLY TERRORS (at least not yet..) but I will say it's still required reading.
Please find my reviews for each story/chapter below.
Chapter 1: Plausible Deniability
Welp, yes, now I remember exactly why I didn't make it far into these as they became available. Because this was agony. This broke me. Five stars.
Chapter 2: Landfall
This is basically a mix of grief and hard-earned.. acceptance? Maybe? Either way, it hurt a lot less than I expected but was definitely important. 3.5 stars
Chapter 3: Beauty Without Mercy
All of Emeric's POVs are killlllling me. Woof. The boy was done dirty and he is stinking mad. 4.5 stars
Chapter 4: The Agenda
I have mixed feelings over this development. And for some reason I smell a rat. 3 stars
Chapter 5: Many Happy Returns
Okay I'm convinced Owen is making up for the lack of Emeric POVs in the main text by making every single chapter of his EXCRUCIATING. This was tough in a myriad of ways. And I hope youknowwho gets absolutely crushed for what he did. But it was Death's part that got me good. Five stars.
Chapter 6: Providence
Aaaand the penny (hah!) drops. 3 stars
Chapter 7: Due Diligence
Loved this one. Both for the satisfying ending to a horrible circumstance and, well. That times two. Don't mess with Emeric. And I'm even kinda sorta happy for him in another way, too. Sorry Vanja. 4 stars.
Chapter 8: The Cycle
So close, Vanya. We are getting so close. But also the RIBBON aaaa. 3 stars
Chapter 9: Phantom Roses, Part I
I'm sorry but Emeric being trapped in a room with all three ladies was just peak comedy. 4 stars for his anxiety alone
Chapter 10: Phantom Roses, Part II
Such a great end and so many great revelations for our two favourites. What a banger of a story to end on. 4 stars
And now it's finally (finallllly) time for the finale.
Please find my reviews for each story/chapter below.
Chapter 1: Plausible Deniability
Welp, yes, now I remember exactly why I didn't make it far into these as they became available. Because this was agony. This broke me. Five stars.
Chapter 2: Landfall
This is basically a mix of grief and hard-earned.. acceptance? Maybe? Either way, it hurt a lot less than I expected but was definitely important. 3.5 stars
Chapter 3: Beauty Without Mercy
All of Emeric's POVs are killlllling me. Woof. The boy was done dirty and he is stinking mad. 4.5 stars
Chapter 4: The Agenda
I have mixed feelings over this development. And for some reason I smell a rat. 3 stars
Chapter 5: Many Happy Returns
Okay I'm convinced Owen is making up for the lack of Emeric POVs in the main text by making every single chapter of his EXCRUCIATING. This was tough in a myriad of ways. And I hope youknowwho gets absolutely crushed for what he did. But it was Death's part that got me good. Five stars.
Chapter 6: Providence
Aaaand the penny (hah!) drops. 3 stars
Chapter 7: Due Diligence
Loved this one. Both for the satisfying ending to a horrible circumstance and, well. That times two. Don't mess with Emeric. And I'm even kinda sorta happy for him in another way, too. Sorry Vanja. 4 stars.
Chapter 8: The Cycle
So close, Vanya. We are getting so close. But also the RIBBON aaaa. 3 stars
Chapter 9: Phantom Roses, Part I
I'm sorry but Emeric being trapped in a room with all three ladies was just peak comedy. 4 stars for his anxiety alone
Chapter 10: Phantom Roses, Part II
Such a great end and so many great revelations for our two favourites. What a banger of a story to end on. 4 stars
And now it's finally (finallllly) time for the finale.
December 28, 2025
That was awesome
And I need to read Holy Terrors (it's unavailable in my native country 😭😭)
And I need to read Holy Terrors (it's unavailable in my native country 😭😭)
February 2, 2025
Alright. Alright. Reading this has taken me on a journey from spitefully infuriated to, now, mildly hopeful for book three.
The thing is - I don't find Emeric and Vanja's choices in book 2 and in this intermezzo to be unrealistic. I simply find them to be DEEPLY unpleasant to have to experience.
It was as if every annoying third act breakup in the romance and romcom genres coalesced and detonated at the end of the second book in a trilogy. Second act breakup? Anyway, it took my desire to continue reading this series and violently eviscerated it.
This (free to read on AO3!) in-between story follows Vanja and Emeric separately as they navigate the fallout of Vanja's (nonsensical) decision. It's them dealing with things. Learning to understand themselves. Grieving and rationalizing and coming into their own. Presumably, book three with throw them back together and they will be, finally, able to come together in a less nonsensical way. Growth!!
What remains to be seen is: WAS IT WORTH IT?
Is the finale going to be WORTH all the teeth-grinding and angry hissing that I did reading book 2 and the first two thirds of this story? Will it be worth the spike in my blood pressure and the loss of brain cells from me slamming my head against the wall in frustration? Will it REDEEM all the time I spent suffering through these characters' fumbling stupidity? I hope so.
The thing is - I don't find Emeric and Vanja's choices in book 2 and in this intermezzo to be unrealistic. I simply find them to be DEEPLY unpleasant to have to experience.
It was as if every annoying third act breakup in the romance and romcom genres coalesced and detonated at the end of the second book in a trilogy. Second act breakup? Anyway, it took my desire to continue reading this series and violently eviscerated it.
This (free to read on AO3!) in-between story follows Vanja and Emeric separately as they navigate the fallout of Vanja's (nonsensical) decision. It's them dealing with things. Learning to understand themselves. Grieving and rationalizing and coming into their own. Presumably, book three with throw them back together and they will be, finally, able to come together in a less nonsensical way. Growth!!
What remains to be seen is: WAS IT WORTH IT?
Is the finale going to be WORTH all the teeth-grinding and angry hissing that I did reading book 2 and the first two thirds of this story? Will it be worth the spike in my blood pressure and the loss of brain cells from me slamming my head against the wall in frustration? Will it REDEEM all the time I spent suffering through these characters' fumbling stupidity? I hope so.
January 21, 2024
Margaret Owen se eu te vejo na rua, eu vou [censurado pelo jurídico]
December 31, 2025
many happy returns destroyed me
May 21, 2025
I couldn't honestly rate this any higher because of how sad it was for me to read. And not, "sad that it hurts SO GOOD." It was just heartbreaking, and I hated reading chapters of Emeric and Vanja being absolute messes in their own glorious ways. So while yes, I did think this was necessary for me to get through to get to Holy Terrors, it is probably a set of short stories I wouldn't return to again. Not unless Holy Terrors ends beautifully and closes the series with an Emeric-bought ribbon specifically tied to Vanja. I JUST NEED THESE BABIES TO BE HAPPY.
Want to read
September 11, 2024Apparently this will be devastating to read and now I’m wondering what exactly I’ve gotten myself into
July 26, 2025
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖
review
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
4.5 Stars
if i was ragne i would be a fish swimming in my tears. (chapter 1 was my downfall😭)
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ quotes ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
"In his dreams, he's always running to her."
-Emeric
"The world shifts, smears with night. Vanja is a blur reaching for him—he knows the feel of her palm along his face like the road to his old hometown. He sees her mouth move, the sounds mere drips of ink touched to wet paper, diffusing into the dark."
-Emeric
"[Vanja's] sleeping form is his landmark every dawn."
-Emeric
'That’s how she operates, after all, and how she snuck into his heart like it was a window he forgot to lock; he simply woke up one day and found her already making herself at home."
-Vanja
"And that is when her enemy becomes an ocean. Her mouth is full of salt, her eyes are full of brine; there is no land in sight. She tries to swim back the way she came, but the tide drags her further and further. Sometimes it’s by day, the waves blinding bright as quicksilver. Sometimes it’s by night, in a sea like currant wine.
It’s always, always endless."
-Vanja
"It shouldn’t be a relief to break this way, but it is, it is, it is."
-Emeric
4.5 Stars
if i was ragne i would be a fish swimming in my tears. (chapter 1 was my downfall😭)
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ quotes ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
"In his dreams, he's always running to her."
-Emeric
"The world shifts, smears with night. Vanja is a blur reaching for him—he knows the feel of her palm along his face like the road to his old hometown. He sees her mouth move, the sounds mere drips of ink touched to wet paper, diffusing into the dark."
-Emeric
"[Vanja's] sleeping form is his landmark every dawn."
-Emeric
'That’s how she operates, after all, and how she snuck into his heart like it was a window he forgot to lock; he simply woke up one day and found her already making herself at home."
-Vanja
"And that is when her enemy becomes an ocean. Her mouth is full of salt, her eyes are full of brine; there is no land in sight. She tries to swim back the way she came, but the tide drags her further and further. Sometimes it’s by day, the waves blinding bright as quicksilver. Sometimes it’s by night, in a sea like currant wine.
It’s always, always endless."
-Vanja
"It shouldn’t be a relief to break this way, but it is, it is, it is."
-Emeric
May 11, 2025
forgot to mark this as read 🙂↕️ i did read this before holy terrors (on a random wednesday in my most boring class) and it was a great return to the blessed empire before reading holy terrors. that being said. my heart 😭😭😭
idk if this should go in my reading challenge or not? like would i count a physical novella of 240 pages (as opposed to an ao3 novella)? who knows 😔😔
idk if this should go in my reading challenge or not? like would i count a physical novella of 240 pages (as opposed to an ao3 novella)? who knows 😔😔
April 3, 2025
3⭐️
I loved Little Thieves, enjoyed Painted Devils but was a bit less fond because of the horrific ending, and now I've read The Fallow Year I have so many conflicted feelings about this series and am really nervous (not in a good way) to read Holy Terrors.
Please note, I suspect this is going to end up as more of a rant than a review, but I'll try to start off with a discussion of what I DID like about this one, and then I'll probably have to spoiler tag the rest of the review 😅.
Despite my issues with this, I actually think the individual and overarching plots of these stories was really strong and engaging, from both Emeric and Vanja's perspectives. I really enjoyed Emeric's investigations and unravelling the mysteries alongside him, and I thought Vanja's journey with self-acceptance was quite beautiful (even if I do still firmly believe that all her character development from book 2 has been back-tracked on). I think if these plots and personal journeys were the only things in this series of short stories, I would have enjoyed it a lot more, but, alas, there was the frustrating romance plots.
Spoilers from here on for Painted Devils and The Fallow Year!
I genuinely have no idea how Holy Terrors is going to play out, but I am starting to wish that this series had been left as a standalone, or preferably as a duology with Painted Devils' ending changed.
I'm disappointed with how much of a frustrating read this was, and do firmly believe that if all the new romance elements had been taken out, this would've been a really strong instalment and would've bridged nicely between books 2 and 3, but now... well, I suppose I'll have to read Holy Terrors to find out if this trainwreck gets any better. Up until now, I've really enjoyed this series, so I'm choosing to hope for the best!
I loved Little Thieves, enjoyed Painted Devils but was a bit less fond because of the horrific ending, and now I've read The Fallow Year I have so many conflicted feelings about this series and am really nervous (not in a good way) to read Holy Terrors.
Please note, I suspect this is going to end up as more of a rant than a review, but I'll try to start off with a discussion of what I DID like about this one, and then I'll probably have to spoiler tag the rest of the review 😅.
Despite my issues with this, I actually think the individual and overarching plots of these stories was really strong and engaging, from both Emeric and Vanja's perspectives. I really enjoyed Emeric's investigations and unravelling the mysteries alongside him, and I thought Vanja's journey with self-acceptance was quite beautiful (even if I do still firmly believe that all her character development from book 2 has been back-tracked on). I think if these plots and personal journeys were the only things in this series of short stories, I would have enjoyed it a lot more, but, alas, there was the frustrating romance plots.
Spoilers from here on for Painted Devils and The Fallow Year!
I genuinely have no idea how Holy Terrors is going to play out, but I am starting to wish that this series had been left as a standalone, or preferably as a duology with Painted Devils' ending changed.
I'm disappointed with how much of a frustrating read this was, and do firmly believe that if all the new romance elements had been taken out, this would've been a really strong instalment and would've bridged nicely between books 2 and 3, but now... well, I suppose I'll have to read Holy Terrors to find out if this trainwreck gets any better. Up until now, I've really enjoyed this series, so I'm choosing to hope for the best!
November 4, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 stars
Guess what? I was right. Haven’t had a book make me cry so much for a long time. This just solidified my overall five star rating of this series.
I only found out about this when I had already started Holy Terrors, but I am BEGGING you, if you even consider this series, read the Fallow Year before the last book. It answered questions I didn’t even know I had and even though the third book does brief you on what happened during the previous year, there was clearly so much more there to be explored firsthand and that’s exactly what this book does.
This shifted from the series’ first person narration to third person, but as long as we got Emeric’s POV, I couldn’t care less. I honestly couldn’t even tell it wasn’t first person at times when I got lost in the longing and the gorgeous prose. Warnings are in order for those who will follow the suggested reading order as this broke me even as I kept coming back to the last book’s ending to assure myself it would all be fine.
I don’t even really know whether to call this a novel or a novella. It was much shorter than the other books in the series, but isn’t 240 pages usually considered a full length novel? Also, the fact that it was published on AO3 kinda threw off my perception of the format, so idk. But if you consider it a novella, can we talk about the fact that it’s actually relevant to the storyline? Or that so much was explained? Or the GROWTH????
This is an absolute must read for fans of the series. I tried to cherish my time spent within this universe, truly a delightful experience. I’ll never fully leave these characters behind. Guess I should add them to the list of those already living rent free in my head. Moral of the story (yet again): GO READ THIS SERIES!
PRE-READ:
This is going to absolutely ruin me, but I’m not ready to leave this universe and these characters behind yet, so here’s to no self-preservation.
Guess what? I was right. Haven’t had a book make me cry so much for a long time. This just solidified my overall five star rating of this series.
I only found out about this when I had already started Holy Terrors, but I am BEGGING you, if you even consider this series, read the Fallow Year before the last book. It answered questions I didn’t even know I had and even though the third book does brief you on what happened during the previous year, there was clearly so much more there to be explored firsthand and that’s exactly what this book does.
This shifted from the series’ first person narration to third person, but as long as we got Emeric’s POV, I couldn’t care less. I honestly couldn’t even tell it wasn’t first person at times when I got lost in the longing and the gorgeous prose. Warnings are in order for those who will follow the suggested reading order as this broke me even as I kept coming back to the last book’s ending to assure myself it would all be fine.
I don’t even really know whether to call this a novel or a novella. It was much shorter than the other books in the series, but isn’t 240 pages usually considered a full length novel? Also, the fact that it was published on AO3 kinda threw off my perception of the format, so idk. But if you consider it a novella, can we talk about the fact that it’s actually relevant to the storyline? Or that so much was explained? Or the GROWTH????
This is an absolute must read for fans of the series. I tried to cherish my time spent within this universe, truly a delightful experience. I’ll never fully leave these characters behind. Guess I should add them to the list of those already living rent free in my head. Moral of the story (yet again): GO READ THIS SERIES!
PRE-READ:
This is going to absolutely ruin me, but I’m not ready to leave this universe and these characters behind yet, so here’s to no self-preservation.
March 14, 2025
Highly recommend that everyone who is continuing on to Holy Terrors read this. Two really important characters are introduced, as well as at least one magic item that comes up repeatedly
May 27, 2025
I genuinely can’t explain how scared I am for holy terrors.
featured
June 24, 2024https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...
Vanja Schmidt from Little Thieves is demiromantic demisexual!
Vanja Schmidt from Little Thieves is demiromantic demisexual!
August 19, 2024
DEVASTATED doesn’t even cover how I feel right now
March 26, 2025
The Fallow Year is a series of ten short stories that take place in the months between the end of Painted Devils and the beginning of Holy Terrors. They will alternate between Vanja and Emeric’s POVs as they spend some time… working on themselves. Available now on AO3.
I read each of these short stories as they were released by Owen as preorder goal incentives. But, I wanted to include them as part of my series reread ahead of the release of Holy Terrors. And I’m glad I did! I loved noticing new things now the books are fresher in my mind - especially since I just (eagerly!) jumped in each time these were uploaded. Thank you Owen for feeding us these morsels! I devoured every crumb!
Chapter 1: Plausible Deniability
We dive straight in with Emeric’s POV and blinkin’ heck. This one really does just kick you straight in the gut from the offset. I made the mistake of jumping in and reading this immediately after finishing Painted Devils. And now I’m sobbing again.
Emeric’s emotions are on full display here in a way we haven’t experienced before. We’ve always solely been in Vanja’s head and this switch was everything I could have asked for. The morning after was something I considered after finishing Painted Devils (and recovering for months afterwards!) but seeing it written before me so raw and visceral… I just want to give Emeric a massive hug. It proves the depth of his feelings for Vanja, that he does truly love and care for her, that he wants his future to include her. I can see the hints of his understanding of Vanja’s psyche and how her past has such a profound impact on her, but there is so much hurt here that the waters are murky.
If every chapter is like this, I shall not survive.
Chapter 2: Landfall
Yep, I am still crying. I knew Vanja would be beating herself up about how she left Emeric, WHY she left him. But good golly, Owen was clearly in an angsty mood because this was a level above Painted Devils.
I think was hurt most was the fact Vanja practically despises herself, still considering herself back luck and cursed. But it’s also her constantly trying to rationalise everything. She left her family so they could be happy without her weighing them down. She gave up her chance of happiness so Emeric could achieve his dream. And yet, the world seems to continue to move unfazed around her. Things happen as they should and she is once again on the sidelines. Yes, it is of Vanja’s doing. But I totally understand it. If she remained, there would be consequences she could not control. Who knows if Emeric would have still passed his Finding and achieved his lifelong dream.
But leaving has consequences too and they’re tearing Vanja apart. Girl, it’s tearing me apart too.
Chapter 3: Beauty without Mercy
We’re back to Emeric’s POV and boy is he angry. We have seen him frustrated before and, once, anger that was fuelled by grief. But this is something else.
My heart hurts so much for Emeric. He gave everything to Vanja and because she did was she does best (second guess herself and her happiness), he has been left with no answers. Which means he draws his own conclusions. The anger he holds for Vanja and his situation is incredibly raw. It’s almost painful to read how different it is making Emeric act. He has lost his spark - understandably so - and it has created someone who seems to lack care for himself and his profession.
I was glad to see him jumping back into things at the end, bringing back some of the Emeric we know and love. It will be interesting to see if it can be healing for him.
Chapter 4: The Agenda
A Vanja wanting answers is a desperate Vanja. And desperate Vanja’s will do anything.
This was an interesting chapter because we see that perhaps her penchant for the more illegal activities is not a one off, but shared amongst other members of her family - namely Ozkar. He certainly encourages her to return to her nimble fingered and light footed ways, and Vanja being desperate takes on the challenge. But it isn’t just that - and the fact she will very likely be in proximity with her ex-flame - but we see her considering the possibility of moving on. When hit on in her establishment, initially she is very much against it. But the same person tries again and she feels panic. And then it happens again and… well, Vanja clearly wants to feel different.
It hurts to see the possible future of Vanja moving on from Emeric. But, I understand it. She feels like if she stayed with him, she would have prevented his dreams becoming a reality. So she has to leave him be. I will admit that I want to see where this goes for Vanja. She deserves to be happy, no matter who it is with.
Chapter 5: Many Happy Returns
This one is quite a hard hitting one for Emeric and does revolve around consent - and whether it has been gained or not.
Owen has always been brilliant about bringing darker subjects to the forefront. She handles them with such care whilst still keeping the situations real and relatable. This one showed a calmer Emeric in the sense of his anger, but we see him panic instead. He has been violated in multiple ways at an occasion that should be a happy one - even with the shadow of his loss of Vanja.
That last little moment threw me for a complete loop and oh my goodness. I did not expect so much emotion from it either. I truly hope it was healing for Emeric!
Chapter 6: Providence
This one hit close to home for me - especially the beginning. Vanja finds it incredibly difficult to find things she likes about herself. I get that, because I feel exactly the same.
This story, whilst helping move everything along, was primarily focused on Vanja’s self loathing. And I really liked that. She has managed to grow a bit, allowing herself more freedom, and yet it is always in the back of her mind that she is not good enough. That her happiness has to end because she doesn’t deserve it. I saw a lot of myself in Vanja here, and that’s probably why I liked it so much. Vanja is discovering more and more about herself with each passing day but she always holds herself back. I liked seeing her realise that about herself. Perhaps she’ll make moves to do something about it.
The ending also opens up a whole host of possibilities as to where Vanja will end up. Near Emeric? Near a prison cell? Near death? Let’s find out!
Chapter 7: Due Diligence
Seeing Emeric at work is a great thing. We’ve only seen it through Vanja’s eyes and that was impressive in itself. But being in Emeric’s head and really seeing how his brain works? Wow.
I think for the Prefects, all cases have an element of mystery and frustration. But seeing this one stump Emeric was definitely interesting. Of course, his wonderful brain works it out but seeing his despair at the cost made my heart ache. But that is alleviated by the surprising feelings conjured in the presence of a young woman. We have already seen Vanja’s attempt to move on so I knew it was only time before Emeric would do the same. This lady seems like a good choice - I hope it remains that way!
Chapter 8: The Cycle
Vanja goes on quite the journey here - both literally and figuratively. It seems her time as the Penny Phantom is certainly not over - and I am so grateful for that. It’s definitely like riding a bike for her, all muscle memory and clever tricks. I love seeing Vanja in action. Not to mention her canny ability to charm any Low God she comes across it seems!
I had reservations about Benno before, especially with that sudden reveal, but good lordy that man knows sweet words. “You deserve a love that can stand by you in the daylight.” Well now I’m a pile of goo. He has such a sweet heart as well and I love how he left things between him and Vanja. It gave her a sense of closure but also validation that she needed.
Ozkar on the other hand can get in the bin and stay there. Forever.
The tattoo scene was incredibly cathartic and I am so glad that Owen went down that route for Vanja. She’s done something for herself, something she deserves. It’s a chance for her to heal the wounds of her past, make them her own and help her move forward. I absolutely adore that the tattoo signifies those she cares for in different ways as well. It means she never has to be alone again. Oh wait, I just have something in my eye…
Chapter 9: Phantom Roses, Part I
We are being treated! DUAL POVs here peeps! And what a treat this is turning out to be!
Emeric has his work hat on but is clearly unravelling as he continues to catch whiffs of familiarity… of Vanja. It was rather humorous watching him flounder over introductions to a new lady and seeing a previous flame. It is classic Emeric that we know and love. It’s clear he has had some growth - especially as his anger has faded. I hated seeing him so angry.
And Vanja is just up to her old tricks - but for a very good cause this time. The fact she witnesses a crime and her thoughts aren’t to just run away with what she came for in hand, but instead to help Emeric solve it shows she is not only feeling better about herself but more confident. And the fact it would be an apology for leaving him? Oh my heart.
And that ending?! OH MY GOD!
Chapter 10: Phantom Roses, Part II
They were in the same room! They were near each other! My god, my heart just broke that they were so close and yet so far apart.
I love seeing them working together once again - though not with the other’s knowledge. They flow so well with each other and I can only hope with all I am that we get to see it again in the future. Emeric is finding the possibility of a future without Vanja less challenging, and is opening to the chance of being with someone else as well. Vanja is also finding the thought of the future less challenging and is starting to believe that letting Emeric go was the best option, the best choice she could have made.
The ending has me so excited for Holy Terrors. We have an Emeric who is more open, more confident in both his role as a Prefect and in himself. We have a Vanja who is starting to know her worth and is willing to finally step away from the past. We have a story that has absolutely gripped me for years and I am terrified for it to end and so, so happy to have been part of this.
“Dear Emeric,
I owe you a story.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I read each of these short stories as they were released by Owen as preorder goal incentives. But, I wanted to include them as part of my series reread ahead of the release of Holy Terrors. And I’m glad I did! I loved noticing new things now the books are fresher in my mind - especially since I just (eagerly!) jumped in each time these were uploaded. Thank you Owen for feeding us these morsels! I devoured every crumb!
Chapter 1: Plausible Deniability
We dive straight in with Emeric’s POV and blinkin’ heck. This one really does just kick you straight in the gut from the offset. I made the mistake of jumping in and reading this immediately after finishing Painted Devils. And now I’m sobbing again.
Emeric’s emotions are on full display here in a way we haven’t experienced before. We’ve always solely been in Vanja’s head and this switch was everything I could have asked for. The morning after was something I considered after finishing Painted Devils (and recovering for months afterwards!) but seeing it written before me so raw and visceral… I just want to give Emeric a massive hug. It proves the depth of his feelings for Vanja, that he does truly love and care for her, that he wants his future to include her. I can see the hints of his understanding of Vanja’s psyche and how her past has such a profound impact on her, but there is so much hurt here that the waters are murky.
If every chapter is like this, I shall not survive.
Chapter 2: Landfall
Yep, I am still crying. I knew Vanja would be beating herself up about how she left Emeric, WHY she left him. But good golly, Owen was clearly in an angsty mood because this was a level above Painted Devils.
I think was hurt most was the fact Vanja practically despises herself, still considering herself back luck and cursed. But it’s also her constantly trying to rationalise everything. She left her family so they could be happy without her weighing them down. She gave up her chance of happiness so Emeric could achieve his dream. And yet, the world seems to continue to move unfazed around her. Things happen as they should and she is once again on the sidelines. Yes, it is of Vanja’s doing. But I totally understand it. If she remained, there would be consequences she could not control. Who knows if Emeric would have still passed his Finding and achieved his lifelong dream.
But leaving has consequences too and they’re tearing Vanja apart. Girl, it’s tearing me apart too.
Chapter 3: Beauty without Mercy
We’re back to Emeric’s POV and boy is he angry. We have seen him frustrated before and, once, anger that was fuelled by grief. But this is something else.
My heart hurts so much for Emeric. He gave everything to Vanja and because she did was she does best (second guess herself and her happiness), he has been left with no answers. Which means he draws his own conclusions. The anger he holds for Vanja and his situation is incredibly raw. It’s almost painful to read how different it is making Emeric act. He has lost his spark - understandably so - and it has created someone who seems to lack care for himself and his profession.
I was glad to see him jumping back into things at the end, bringing back some of the Emeric we know and love. It will be interesting to see if it can be healing for him.
Chapter 4: The Agenda
A Vanja wanting answers is a desperate Vanja. And desperate Vanja’s will do anything.
This was an interesting chapter because we see that perhaps her penchant for the more illegal activities is not a one off, but shared amongst other members of her family - namely Ozkar. He certainly encourages her to return to her nimble fingered and light footed ways, and Vanja being desperate takes on the challenge. But it isn’t just that - and the fact she will very likely be in proximity with her ex-flame - but we see her considering the possibility of moving on. When hit on in her establishment, initially she is very much against it. But the same person tries again and she feels panic. And then it happens again and… well, Vanja clearly wants to feel different.
It hurts to see the possible future of Vanja moving on from Emeric. But, I understand it. She feels like if she stayed with him, she would have prevented his dreams becoming a reality. So she has to leave him be. I will admit that I want to see where this goes for Vanja. She deserves to be happy, no matter who it is with.
Chapter 5: Many Happy Returns
This one is quite a hard hitting one for Emeric and does revolve around consent - and whether it has been gained or not.
Owen has always been brilliant about bringing darker subjects to the forefront. She handles them with such care whilst still keeping the situations real and relatable. This one showed a calmer Emeric in the sense of his anger, but we see him panic instead. He has been violated in multiple ways at an occasion that should be a happy one - even with the shadow of his loss of Vanja.
That last little moment threw me for a complete loop and oh my goodness. I did not expect so much emotion from it either. I truly hope it was healing for Emeric!
Chapter 6: Providence
This one hit close to home for me - especially the beginning. Vanja finds it incredibly difficult to find things she likes about herself. I get that, because I feel exactly the same.
This story, whilst helping move everything along, was primarily focused on Vanja’s self loathing. And I really liked that. She has managed to grow a bit, allowing herself more freedom, and yet it is always in the back of her mind that she is not good enough. That her happiness has to end because she doesn’t deserve it. I saw a lot of myself in Vanja here, and that’s probably why I liked it so much. Vanja is discovering more and more about herself with each passing day but she always holds herself back. I liked seeing her realise that about herself. Perhaps she’ll make moves to do something about it.
The ending also opens up a whole host of possibilities as to where Vanja will end up. Near Emeric? Near a prison cell? Near death? Let’s find out!
Chapter 7: Due Diligence
Seeing Emeric at work is a great thing. We’ve only seen it through Vanja’s eyes and that was impressive in itself. But being in Emeric’s head and really seeing how his brain works? Wow.
I think for the Prefects, all cases have an element of mystery and frustration. But seeing this one stump Emeric was definitely interesting. Of course, his wonderful brain works it out but seeing his despair at the cost made my heart ache. But that is alleviated by the surprising feelings conjured in the presence of a young woman. We have already seen Vanja’s attempt to move on so I knew it was only time before Emeric would do the same. This lady seems like a good choice - I hope it remains that way!
Chapter 8: The Cycle
Vanja goes on quite the journey here - both literally and figuratively. It seems her time as the Penny Phantom is certainly not over - and I am so grateful for that. It’s definitely like riding a bike for her, all muscle memory and clever tricks. I love seeing Vanja in action. Not to mention her canny ability to charm any Low God she comes across it seems!
I had reservations about Benno before, especially with that sudden reveal, but good lordy that man knows sweet words. “You deserve a love that can stand by you in the daylight.” Well now I’m a pile of goo. He has such a sweet heart as well and I love how he left things between him and Vanja. It gave her a sense of closure but also validation that she needed.
Ozkar on the other hand can get in the bin and stay there. Forever.
The tattoo scene was incredibly cathartic and I am so glad that Owen went down that route for Vanja. She’s done something for herself, something she deserves. It’s a chance for her to heal the wounds of her past, make them her own and help her move forward. I absolutely adore that the tattoo signifies those she cares for in different ways as well. It means she never has to be alone again. Oh wait, I just have something in my eye…
Chapter 9: Phantom Roses, Part I
We are being treated! DUAL POVs here peeps! And what a treat this is turning out to be!
Emeric has his work hat on but is clearly unravelling as he continues to catch whiffs of familiarity… of Vanja. It was rather humorous watching him flounder over introductions to a new lady and seeing a previous flame. It is classic Emeric that we know and love. It’s clear he has had some growth - especially as his anger has faded. I hated seeing him so angry.
And Vanja is just up to her old tricks - but for a very good cause this time. The fact she witnesses a crime and her thoughts aren’t to just run away with what she came for in hand, but instead to help Emeric solve it shows she is not only feeling better about herself but more confident. And the fact it would be an apology for leaving him? Oh my heart.
And that ending?! OH MY GOD!
Chapter 10: Phantom Roses, Part II
They were in the same room! They were near each other! My god, my heart just broke that they were so close and yet so far apart.
I love seeing them working together once again - though not with the other’s knowledge. They flow so well with each other and I can only hope with all I am that we get to see it again in the future. Emeric is finding the possibility of a future without Vanja less challenging, and is opening to the chance of being with someone else as well. Vanja is also finding the thought of the future less challenging and is starting to believe that letting Emeric go was the best option, the best choice she could have made.
The ending has me so excited for Holy Terrors. We have an Emeric who is more open, more confident in both his role as a Prefect and in himself. We have a Vanja who is starting to know her worth and is willing to finally step away from the past. We have a story that has absolutely gripped me for years and I am terrified for it to end and so, so happy to have been part of this.
“Dear Emeric,
I owe you a story.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
September 17, 2025
MARGARET OWEN IF YOU DO THIS TO ME I SWEAR TO GOD
vanjaemeric vanjaemeric vanjaemeric pleaseeeeeeee i need themmmmmm
now that that's over with here are my thoughts:
1. it should have been a proper novella, not just an ao3 fic. there's something about scrolling down through text that makes me want to skim and feels so unserious im sorry i just can't lol. (no hate to fanfic connoisseurs all respect ofc.)
2. the mystery was lowkey confusing (probably made worse by my ao3/auto-skim issue) but i loved that it wasn't just fluff, there was a genuine plot here, and it was suspenseful and interesting!!! im taking notes lol
3. the characterization is KILLING ME because the characters are so fully realized and carefully thought out and never feel 'out of character' even when they make dubious decisions. they're just so them and it makes me care so, so much. i love them both even when they're being idiots.
so im scared and hyped for holy terrors !!!
vanjaemeric vanjaemeric vanjaemeric pleaseeeeeeee i need themmmmmm
now that that's over with here are my thoughts:
1. it should have been a proper novella, not just an ao3 fic. there's something about scrolling down through text that makes me want to skim and feels so unserious im sorry i just can't lol. (no hate to fanfic connoisseurs all respect ofc.)
2. the mystery was lowkey confusing (probably made worse by my ao3/auto-skim issue) but i loved that it wasn't just fluff, there was a genuine plot here, and it was suspenseful and interesting!!! im taking notes lol
3. the characterization is KILLING ME because the characters are so fully realized and carefully thought out and never feel 'out of character' even when they make dubious decisions. they're just so them and it makes me care so, so much. i love them both even when they're being idiots.
so im scared and hyped for holy terrors !!!
August 30, 2025
When I finished Painted Devils I was quite mad at Vanja… leaving? Again? Honey, no, please no. So when I started The Fallow Year I couldn’t have hoped for a better storyline.
I have a few things about the book I would like to mention:
- I loved that we got to see Emeric’s point of view as well as Vanja’s.
- I loved that at the end of the book the two main characters were at peace with themselves. They accepted the pain and grief and I feel Margaret Owen did a really great job of capturing those feelings for them as individuals. Humor is also something that is never left out in these books so of course I laughed my heart out this time too.
The ending made my heart swell, and I am happy to report that I will definitely be reading Holy Terrors next.
Thank you Margaret Owen for inviting us to experience this world with you. I’m grateful for these books.
I have a few things about the book I would like to mention:
- I loved that we got to see Emeric’s point of view as well as Vanja’s.
- I loved that at the end of the book the two main characters were at peace with themselves. They accepted the pain and grief and I feel Margaret Owen did a really great job of capturing those feelings for them as individuals. Humor is also something that is never left out in these books so of course I laughed my heart out this time too.
The ending made my heart swell, and I am happy to report that I will definitely be reading Holy Terrors next.
Thank you Margaret Owen for inviting us to experience this world with you. I’m grateful for these books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews