Vanja is such an interesting character! I couldn't put this down. Such a unique storyline and fast pace.

Margaret Owen can do no wrong. This is a fantastic return to the world of Little Thieves, and this book is just as clever, funny, and touching as the first. Owen has certainly proven herself to be a master at the fantasy genre.

If you haven’t read Little Thieves, it’s basically the story of the Goose Girl told from the perspective of the maid who takes the princess’ place. Only she’s not doing it to get rich like we get the sense of in other Goose Girl retellings. She’s doing that to survive and look out for herself.
In Painted Devils, our main character Vanja has already redeemed herself from being any kind of “villain” to anyone, but she’s still every bit as snarky as she was before, and that’s part of what keeps the story going so well. No part of the character is lost just because she has other goals now and is actually trying to help people besides just herself.
This book has basically a virgin sacrifice subplot, that goes into dismantling the idea of virginity and pointing out that that’s a terrible way to define someone. Especially since the one who is about to be sacrificed is Vanja’s love interest who is demisexual like she is, and they both don’t even want to have sex, even to disqualify him from being sacrificed. The book also briefly touches on the misunderstandings that can occur when someone hasn’t had any sex education, even though this book is not set in modern day.
Overall, if you haven’t read this book, and this series, I highly recommend checking it out. I love the characters, the plot twists, and the well-researched setting that also has a lot of creative liberties taken with it.

I absolutely love this series. The characters are intriguing and full of depth. I will say the sequel does fall a little short for me with the amount of characters and the depth and involvement from the first book. This is why I can't give it a full five stars because it was missing that element of friendship and dynamics that come from working with adversaries and the like. The plot and story element was fun and new. I never knew what was going to happen next.

I have to give this book credit as a middle book in a trilogy, as those often really struggle with maintaining the character personalities and their core morals, but Owen manages to do that in this book. While the plot wasn't as tightly woven as the first book, our characters felt like coming home. They were just as clever, witty, and silly as they always have been. There are some themes around family being what you make of them as well, and I felt that was done incredibly well.
Of course, I have to mention the sex in this book, because often I hate when sex is suddenly brought up in a YA trilogy. Yet, the fumbling around, the sudden attraction, and the awkwardness of it felt so true to their age and their histories that I couldn't be mad about it. I feel many readers tend to forget these are teenagers, and it's their first time falling in love. This all lined up with the teen experience as I recall it. Did I find it a bit annoying after a while? Yes, but I'm also older than the intended audience, and I can recognize that.

So Vanja accidentally on purpose started a cult, entangling her personal and "professional" lives once again.

So I loved this. I think it's a great follow up to 'Little Thieves', we find out the answers to a lot of our questions from the first one and sets up plotlines for book 3. I really enjoyed Vanja and Emeric's relationship dynamic and how even though it was very hard for them to communicate they still managed to make things work (most of the time). The relationship negotiations, especially in regards to sex, were very nice, I feel like we don't often see that.

Vanja takes a lot of steps towards discovering who she is and her future which was very refreshing but at the end of the day she's still herself and love and family can't fix the fear instilled in her from a young age. The ending sets us up pretty well for book 3 and I am very much looking forward to it!

Side characters continue to shine in this series, especially Ragne!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Disclaimer: I have received a free digital copy of this title and it will not affect my thoughts of feelings towards it*

For someone who was a massive fan of the first book for all its charm and creative writing style I thought there was no way to top it. Owen sets out to prove me wrong right after the very first chapter. OMG were the characters even more fleshed out and realized! The chemistry was BOUNCING off the walls. There were great additions to the cast and the plot was well though out so when the twist and turns come they make sense if think about if for just a seconded. The world building here is top NOTCH. The rules of the world felt like they were laid out and explained perfectly without it feeling like a knowledge dump. Overall if you enjoyed the first one you will love this even more!
5/5 P.S CRUEL ending need book 3 ASAP!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Little Thieves, and I want to say that I might have loved this one even more. It was easy enough to pick back up on the threads of the story, even though I read the first one many, many books ago. The twists in this story were fun, and intriguing, and heartbreaking, in the best possible ways. The characters’ growth was amazing to see, and I will be anxiously awaiting the next (final?) installment with bated breath, because that ending…. Phew.

This is definitely a book geared more toward slightly older YA readers, as some of the themes are a touch dark and the content is geared more for the older side of YA.

"I get that to people who prefer their world neatly measured and registered and codified, this all sounds like superstitious peasant nonsense. But what you need to get is this. Just because it isn't in your records doesn't mean that it won't bite you in the ass."

After loving LITTLE THIEVES, I couldn't wait to pick up PAINTED DEVILS. The former was truly unlike anything I have ever read, allowing it to stand out in a genre that has been increasingly gaining popularity. PAINTED DEVILS follows a similar format, starting each section via a fairytale. I loved that this installment incorporated folklore as well. Furthermore, the magic system was explained in greater detail. It didn't feel necessary the first time around, but it provided welcome boundaries as Vanja's story continued. I truly appreciated the familial components; the way Owen tackled abuse felt graceful yet honest. Vanja is such a compelling character, and you can't help but to root for her.

"For once I hear his words instead of Irmgard's: I know bravery is real because I see you choose it every day."

I was mildly disappointed when PAINTED DEVILS was missing some of the magic that made its predecessor so special. On one hand, Owen did a great job portraying the complex emotions that many young adults feel while trying to make the decision as to whether or not to lose their virginity, and I felt the way that it was depicted was done in an extremely healthy manner. It also continued to offer demisexual representation. That being said, it got to the point where I didn’t want to continue to bear witness to both Vanja’s internal conflict and the outward discussions with Emeric. I felt like the lack of a map and/or character guide served as a detractor this time around, especially when the quest became clear.

"Many of the world's monsters are born from those who die in great wrath, great sorrow, great greed."

While PAINTED DEVILS deviates somewhat from LITTLE THIEVES, the series is no less special, and I cannot wait for the next book! Saskia Maarleveld did a phenomenal job bringing the story/characters to life! She is easily one of my favorite narrators/voice actresses. I would absolutely recommend that readers listen to the audiobook even if they also utilize a visual format, as the voices and pronunciation are incredible.

This series is incredible and honestly, raving about it is about to become my entire personality. I loved Little Thieves and was so excited to read Painted Devils, which of course did not disappoint! Painted Devils takes readers on a journey with Vanja and Emeric as they try to defeat the Scarlet Maiden who is maybe going to demand Emeric as a blood sacrifice. I loved seeing their relationship develop and I so enjoyed seeing Vanja learn more about herself and her family. This book is hilarious, fast-paced, exciting, and THE ENDING HAS LEFT ME UNWELL. Book 3 better be RIGHT around the corner! 10/10 highly recommend!

As usual, Margaret Owen wrote an amazing book! I'm not sure what I love more, the story line, the characters, or the snark. I'm not typically a fantasy reader, but I will read anything she writes. Her world-building skills are near flawless and not overwhelming at all, especially for this contemporary fan. The one thing I cannot forgive, however, is how that Backstreet Boys song was stuck in my head for an entire day haha!

I have been DYING to get my hands on the sequel to Little Thieves ever since reading the first book when it came out last year, so I feel so lucky to have had a chance to review it a bit early! Little Thieves was one of my top reads last year, both because of the amazing fantasy demisexuality representation and because of the incredibly well-written heist plots in the book. These elements carried over into Painted Devils, the sequel, evolving along with the characters, making this an absolute five-star follow-up. The continued exploration of Vanya and Emerick’s relationship was the highlight of this book for me, as they are one of my all-time favorite fictional couples. Even though Vanya and Emerick have extremely different personalities, their shared respect and attention to each other’s boundaries was my exact ideal version of romance. Painted Devils collected the best parts of Little Thieves and took them on a cross-country road trip to learn the meaning of self-love, romance and family, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

My Recommendation-
There are so many reasons I could recommend this series to you, as it is one of my all-time favorites! If you love hilarious fantasy novels with character dynamics and relationships to die for (think Six of Crows) you need to read Little Thieves and Painted Devils as soon as you can!

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9.2
Painted Devils: An Adventurous Sequel With a Surprisingly Emotional Heart
By Lacy Baugher Milas | May 17, 2023 | 10:45am
BOOKS REVIEWS MARGARET OWEN
Painted Devils: An Adventurous Sequel With a Surprisingly Emotional Heart
For those who don’t know, Margaret Owen’s Little Thieves is essentially a perfect fantasy adventure romp, featuring a feisty heroine, a unique twist on a familiar fairytale framework, rich worldbuilding, and a unique hierarchical system of gods and other immortal beings. But, thankfully, it’s also the sort of book that, while it ends in such a way that makes the story it’s telling feel complete, it also leaves the door open for further adventures with its characters. And while the sequel Painted Devils is a natural continuation of its predecessor’s story—it literally picks up just months later—it also serves as a clever and careful emotional expansion of the original’s world.

Much of Painted Devils will feel familiar—it includes everything from fake gods and real poltergeists to haunted dolls, cults, shady nobles, and untrustworthy clerics. There are heists and sidequests and several intricate ancillary legends whose lessons deftly tie back into the novel’s larger story. And Vanja Schmidt remains as entertaining a heroine as ever: Sarcastic, selfish, hard-edged, self-destructive, and frequently rude, she’s no one’s idea of a damsel in distress. Yet, in this sequel, it’s more clear than ever that her rough exterior is both a survival instinct and the product of trauma, and Owen digs deep into her heroine’s mental and emotional healing.

*4.5 Stars*

Vanja didn't mean to start a cult, it just happened… as these things do. But now, the god is not happy and she has to go on a quest and will meet many people (old and new) along the way.

I really love that one. I was really grateful to have the audiobook arc for it and I loved it from beginning to end. A lot of the plot took me by surprised and I was really enthralled the entire time. I love getting to know these characters more and seeing their relationship evolve. Emeri and Vanja continue to be an amazing team in all ways. I also absolutely adore the demi rep in this. It makes it all the more special to me. I just have such a great time with this series. It is the perfect mix of plot driven and character driven to me. And this ending was a mean one. I cannot wait for the next book!

Margaret Owen is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

The world building and attention to detail is out of this world and makes it so easy to fully immerse yourself in her books.

I loved that we got to dive into Vanja’s life a little bit more in this book. Getting to learn about her past and her family (and spoiler alert even meet her family) Vanja is a super relatable FMC in the way that she struggles with abandonment and how it effects the relationships in her life.

I also loved that we got to bring back some fan favorites, obviously Emeric and then Ragne later on. They really helped to see how Vanja’s relationships have change and progressed as she grows as a character.

Overall the story line was super intriguing. The idea of Vanja stating this cult and how easily it got out of hand. The different low gods and how they rise and fall in power is such an intriguing part of this world that I hope we get to learn more about in the next book. I also really enjoyed the character of Brunne the Huntress and the Wild Hunt, it was one of my favorite details and I can’t wait to see where this story line goes.

But the ending!!!! First off I did not see the twist with who the Scarlet Maiden really was. That was such a good twist to the story and realty brought everything together (and answered so many questions I had) I love a good twisty ending and this was one of the best, I really did not see it coming. But I’m sad that Vanja didn’t get her happy ending and I really do hope that she and Emeric find their way back to each other!

ALL the stars for this book!! The ending nearly unalived me (I say nearly, because well if I do not survive, I won't be able to read book 3 and let's be frank, that would be a huge miss). I love Vanja and Emeric with al my heart and I so wish they would have been around when I was a young teen - experiencing this kind of love-intimate bonding relationship, feeling normal with my thoughts and worries.

Let me gather properly what I loved about this book - the angst, the witt, the weirdly off-timed miscommunication, the tension, the accidental ult creation, the openness of speaking of sexuality, how my two cherised babies opened up for each other and discovered their deepened feelings for each other, mapped out their future.

Of course, all the characters were chef's kiss perfection, the side plots are entertaining and the main event as impossible as Vanja could imagine! I will forever admire Margaret Owen and her writing, stroy crating skills - a fantasy that feels cosy, entertaining, layered, foreshadowing and genius filled with so many appreciation self-acceptance, love and fun... YOU MUST read this sequel to the ever amazing Little Thieves!

A HUGE thank you to Macmillan Kids, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for sending me an earc of Painted Devils in exchange of my honest review!

Vanja didn't mean to start a cult just as she didn't mean to cross the wrong God and be cursed. But Vanja has gotten through worse and can surely deal with this pesky low god, The Scarlet Maiden, right?

Painted Devils is a freaking ride. It's emotional and funny and keeps you dangling off a cliff up until the last page.

To avoid giving away too many spoilers, since this is the second book in this duology, I'm gonna give a very brief summary and then talk about my favorite part of these books, the demisexual representation.

In Little Thieves we meet Vanja who was abandoned by her mom to the low gods Death and Fortune. But Vanja grows too old to stay with Death and Fortune and ends up as a maid for princess Gisele. Vanja's had enough and steals Giselle's magical pearls that change the wearer's appearance and pretends to be the princess for a year while simultaneously stealing from the wealthy. Except now there's a prefect (magical detective) on her case who is one lanky accounting beanpole and determined to figure out who the thief is. Vanya crosses the wrong God and ends up cursed and there's a sapphic shapeshifter who is set to watch out for her and honestly it's a wild ride. Highly recommend.

Let's talk about the demi rep. So both Vanja and her love interest are demisexual and my favorite part of Painted Devils is that that one of the main themes is that this low god The Scarlet Maiden is claiming her love interest as a sacrifice because he's a virgin and makes this claim that because he's a virgin that no one would miss him. So this whole book sets out to dismantle this toxic idea of virginity and what even losing your virginity looks to like to different people. It repeatedly breaks down the social construct and gives a big freaking fat fuck you to anyone who says differently. It discussed the importance of platonic relationships and highlights that romantic relationships don't need to be sexual to be valid.

Throw in a huge hunk of family drama, another prefect who hates Vanja and wants revenge, and some adorably sweet gestures next to Vanja's unique terms of endearment for her LI, and this book is an absolute gem. (IYKYK, puns are my favorite.)

Vanja Schmidt has made her way through life by being a thief and a liar. She is not sure who she is, or how she can make an honest living. Vanja has always fought against corruption, and as the reluctant heroine of Little Thieves (the first story in this planned trilogy), she fell for junior prefect Emeric Conrad.

Vanja is not sure she wants to be with her found family just yet when she arrives in Reigenbach. She'd rather find herself and figure out who she is or who she will be before she commits to anyone, but she finds herself telling more white lies to survive. Her lies grow and manifest into the legend of the Scarlet Maiden. Unfortunately, Vanja once again finds her lies and imagination coming to life as the Scarlet Maiden appears and a cult following grows around her. As with most affairs of the gods and the Lesser Gods, the prefects must investigate. Emric Conrad once again is sent to investigate Vanja. She can no longer elude her found family even as she seeks out her identity.

Margaret Owens continues this strong story of the quest for identity and redemption. She has built a unique world for her characters, full of magic at every turn, and the characters learn important lessons about identity, loyalty, friendship, justice, love, and consent. All of this in a strong character-driven quest involving family, to find family and the power of love. I can't wait to immerse myself in this world and read the conclusion to this amazing fantasy trilogy. 5 out of 5 stars - this is a must purchase for any libraries that serve young adults. This is also one of those fantasy worlds that will appeal to mature middle grade kids and adults as well.

Thank you so much Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for sending me an eARC to read and provide an honest review!

"You," he says blearily, "are an unparalleled devil from hell in your sleep."
"What?"
Emeric rubs his eyes. "You stole all the blankets. And then you rolled up and them, like a-a crêpe, so they were stuck on your side. And then, when I tried to take one off the top, you turned over, looked me straight in the eye, and said-and I quote-'I'll kill you.'"
"I never."
"You followed up with 'It'll look like an accident.'"
That unfortunately tracks.

TW: verbal & physical abuse, abandonment & bad family dynamics, mentioned animal death, cult, body image issues

*4.5 stars*

I devoured this book. Not only because I've waited for this sequel for, like, a year (two years???), but because it was that well written (especially the large amount of light foreshadowing that is VERY hard to catch). I absolutely loved the self-discovery mission that Vanja went on, as well as the amazing banter and romance between her and Emeric. One of the things I found most interesting about Painted Devils was the beginning (oops, Vanja) and how everything spiraled out of control from there. I also really enjoyed how Vanja was at the core of solving the mystery and how she slowly untied its knots (there were conflicts in conflicts in conflicts).

However, my two biggest issues were the POV and the ending. In regards to the POV, I know this series is all about Vanja, but I REALLY needed a break from her POV. I think Owen should've included at least Emeric's since he had to leave Vanja out of the case (so we could get his info and opinion of Vanja). In regards to the ending, I went in thinking this was the last book (it's not, in fact, the last book). I also HATE that Owen pretty much used the same ending as in the first book (Vanja running away from Emeric). Vanja needs to grow some balls (instead of running away) and fight for her relationship with Emeric because their love is the kind worth fighting for.

A minor problem that I also had was that there wasn't enough magic in this one. On the other hand, we got to see more of the mythology.

Overall though, a good sequel from Owen. I can't wait for book 3!

This was a great second book to Little Thieves. I enjoyed returning to that world and reading more about the characters we grew to love in Little Thieves. I hope to read more books set in this world in the future.