Books in the series Little Thieves

Little Thieves is a brilliantly irreverent and dark retelling of the classic fairy tale "The Goose Girl." The story follows Vanja Schmidt, a scrappy maid who has stolen the life of a princess to escape a debt to her otherworldly mothers, Death and Fortune. Living a double life as both royalty and a jewel thief, Vanja's luck runs out when she crosses a god and receives a deadly curse. Now, she must pull off her biggest heist yet to break the spell before she turns into stone and jewels forever.

This YA fantasy is perfect for readers who love morally grey protagonists, witty banter, and intricate magic systems. Margaret Owen crafts a world where the stakes are high and the humor is sharp, making it an ideal choice for fans of high-stakes heists and complex character growth. With a cast of memorable characters, including a junior detective and a feral guardian, this book explores deep themes of identity, greed, and what it means to choose your own future.

Highlights:

• A clever and subversive retelling of "The Goose Girl" with a dark, modern twist.
• A complex, "wicked" protagonist that readers will root for despite her many flaws.
• Rich world-building featuring Low Gods, ancient curses, and high-stakes heists.
• Great choice for readers who enjoy fast-paced YA fantasy with a touch of black comedy.

Painted Devils is the thrilling and witty sequel to the hit novel Little Thieves. This high-stakes Young Adult fantasy follows Vanja Schmidt, a scrappy former maid and jewel thief who finds herself in over her head when a small lie about a fake goddess, the Scarlet Maiden, spirals out of control. When the "goddess" actually manifests and demands a sacrifice, Vanja must navigate a world of monsters, gods, and her own complicated past to save the person she loves most.

Ideal for readers interested in clever heists, morally grey protagonists, and slow-burn romance, this book blends dark fantasy with sharp humor. Margaret Owen delivers a masterclass in character development as Vanja grapples with her identity and the meaning of family. It is a perfect choice for fans of Six of Crows or The Cruel Prince who enjoy stories where the "villain" is actually the hero of their own messy, beautiful story.

Highlights:

• A witty, fast-paced plot filled with clever scams and magical mysteries.
• Deeply relatable themes of finding one's identity and the fear of vulnerability.
• A compelling "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic between a thief and a law-abiding prefect.
• Stunning interior illustrations that bring the dark fantasy world to life.

In the thrilling conclusion to the Little Thieves trilogy, Vanja finds herself caught between her reputation as a folk hero and a nightmare. After two years of operating as the Pfennigeist, she is framed for a series of royal murders. To clear her name and save the empire from collapse, she must navigate a web of bloody conspiracies and sinister magic. This dark fantasy is perfect for readers who love high-stakes heists, complex anti-heroines, and intricate world-building.

Vanja isn't alone in this fight, though she tries to be. She is forced to reunite with Emeric Conrad, the official who once held her heart. Their journey is a masterclass in character development, exploring themes of forgiveness and the courage to face one's own demons. Ideal for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir, this 560-page epic offers a satisfying and emotional end to a beloved series.

Highlights:

• A high-stakes magical mystery involving royal assassinations and political intrigue.
• A compelling romantic dynamic with deep emotional history and tension.
• Richly detailed dark fantasy world inspired by German folklore and fairy tales.
• A powerful exploration of redemption, identity, and choosing your own path.