Painted Devils
by Margaret Owen
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.
The Whisperwood Legacy
by Jo Schulte
Welcome to Whisperwood, a sprawling theme park nestled in the Appalachian Mountains where fairy tales once came to life. For seventeen-year-old Frankie Strauss, the park's closure eighteen months ago was a relief from her family's corrupting wealth. But when her grandmother, the family matriarch, suddenly vanishes, Frankie is pulled back into a world of gilded handcuffs and dark secrets. Alongside a mysterious groundskeeper named Jem, she must navigate a labyrinth of lies to discover the truth about her inheritance and the park's sinister past.
The Whisperwood Legacy is a twisty contemporary fantasy that blends the high-stakes family drama of Knives Out with the eerie, atmospheric magic of The Hazel Wood. This gripping tale is perfect for readers who love stories where the line between reality and folklore blurs, and where the villains are often closer than they appear. It is an ideal choice for teens and young adults looking for a fast-paced mystery with a touch of romance and a lot of suspense.
Highlights:
- A dark and atmospheric setting in a decaying fairy-tale theme park.
- A complex family mystery filled with betrayal and hidden motives.
- A compelling blend of contemporary thriller and deadly folklore.
- Perfect for fans of twisty young adult fantasies and gothic mysteries.