To have the sequel to the incredible Little Thieves be mediocre just feels depressing, I'm so done with sequels at this point. The relationship dynamic between Vanja and Emeric changes in this book, favourite characters from the first are missing for most of the story or never appear, and the new characters were never memorable enough to fill the void.

I really struggled with the way the romance was written in this book, as the "will they won't they have sex" became a plotline, and the writing started to mirror the style you often see used in insta-love. In fact, Vanja started thinking about Emeric in a sexual manner nearly every chapter, including one cringe inducing hand job I had to sit through.

The rest of the plot had a lot going on, which made it overall feel quite messy. I enjoyed the introduction of the haunted doll (whose name escapes me) but after one particularly entertaining scene from her she promptly disappeared for most of the story.

The ending was good, but just not quite good enough to save this one. I would consider reading it again if the final book manages to get anywhere near the level Little Thieves was at, and I was happy enough that this ending didn't leave us on a massive cliffhanger, just a few details to make me interested in the next book.

Despite the fact that my favourite character from the first book was barely in this one, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a good adventure with the same level of excitement and creativity as the first book. It's a series that takes tropes like hauntings and virgin sacrifices and turns them on their head, making something original and unique. Really this is exactly what I want to see in a book, especially a fantasy book.

I really like the relationship between Emeric and Vanja and this book was all about them getting ready for the next step in their relationship. In short, they're getting towards the point where they might, maybe be ready to have sex and they need to talk about it. I honestly thought it was a really good portrayal of the awkwardness and need for assurance that comes into these conversations.

I really liked the ending of the book. I had a wonderful moment just before it was all revealed that it all came together and I figured exactly what was happened, which gave me the fun sense that I worked it out by myself, without it feeling obvious.

Really looking forward to the next book in the series!

"“If we go straight for the blood sacrifice— oh, that doesn’t sound good, does it?”“It’s not great,” he says dryly."

4.5 stars rounded up. Little Thieves was such a fun blast of a book to read, with a great blend of humour and emotional depth and Painted Devils as a follow up doesn't disappoint in either regard.

While the plot primarily revolves around a cult situation that may or may not be worshipping a god, it does feel like there is less of an emphasis on magic or gods in this one, particularly with a number of characters from the first book being mostly absent in this one, and with a quest style adventure taking up a chunk of a book rather than a stronger focus on the magical mystery. But if you enjoy character work and delving through characters inner turmoil and forging a path forward you'll like the focus on Vanja's character and her journey here, as she learns to let more people in as well as how to build a relationship with Emeric.

The ending of the book did frustrate me in that it seemed to be a bit in conflict with events in the book, which does make the rating drop a bit for me personally and I didn't love it quite as much as Little Thieves. But I still finished the book desperately looking forward to book 3, so rounding up for that.

If you liked Little Thieves, you will love this one too! Very fun plot, easy to read and keeps attention.

Vanja made trouble again (not on purpose!), and as always she solved it. It has more romance then first book, it fits well and is nice addition even to me who usually dislikes romance in books that is not super subtle. Emeric and Vanja are cute together.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the last one. I am curious where we will go in it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy!

4.5/5

Three words to describe this book: funny, angsty, heart-warming

The story: This story was DELIGHTFUL. The pining. The accidental cult. The family. I did not expect to feel feelings, but HOO BOY DID I.

The writing: I don’t love the style. Did I cackle at a Backstreet Boys reference? Yes. Do I feel like it had a place in a fantasy that feels like a fairytale? Absolutely not. Owen is hilarious, but I feel like the humor would better suit a contemporary story. It was sometimes jarring and took me out of the story

The characters: oh my sweet, broken, horny idiots. I love them with all my heart. The Ros family is also perfect and I will protect them with my life.

That ending? Rude. That’s all I can say. That was NOT GOING TO GET SMOOTHIES.

If you loved Little Thieves then you will devour Painted Devils. As usual, Owen smashed it and I was gripped. I was so excited when I got the email confirming the arc for this one. I loved this one and cannot wait to get my hands on book 3.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review!

I'm so glad I got this ARC!!! I loved Little Thieves and I had high hopes for its sequel. Thankfully I wasn't disappointed!

Owen's writing continues to be irreverant, funny, and heartfelt with my favorite idiots as the leads. Vanja and Emeric continue to be so genuinely funny and wonderful together. I just adore them. Their friendship and romance are truly moving.

I also loved the illustrations! The style and meaning behind each was beautiful and such a welcome addition. The fairytale format is reveal backstory continued to be a great device which felt well-used and well-placed within the format of the story.

Brunne is a new favorite character of mine, but most of our old favorites are there too from Jonica to Ragne. I also just love that Vanja is the unelected representative and fixer for all creatures in this world. Everyone who sees her is like "Awesome, you better fix this now."

Also, at one point, Emeric has some Backstreet Boys-influenced poetry which was truly delightful and ridiculous.

I don't totally get how Vanja knew the Red Maiden's name, but I was too busy enjoying everything to worry about that. Also the villain reveal was really cool! A little convienent but I'm willing to let that go.

The ending though. The ending may make /me/ start a cult. I need to know what happens next exactly right now. Like right at this moment now. RIGHT NOW, MARGARET OWEN.

Anyway, five stars, please tell me what happens next.

I've been in a bad reading slump for a while now but I should have put my total trust in the author because her delightful writing made me gobble this up in just two days.
I was already in love with these characters from book one and fascinated by this world of gods and witches and ghosts and thieves and more, but the author manages to give us an even more fun, engaging, fast paced thrilling adventure in this sequel, along with some very very sweet romance.
While the tension is taut from page one till the end and that last page will leave you breathless for more, it's the earnest relationship and communication between our two demisexual leads that has my whole heart. Vanja and Emeric's talks about what it means to be together, overcoming trauma to be able to trust and love someone, breaking down the social mores of intimacy and building something unique to them, it was all written with care and a delicate touch, and will definitely leave a mark on any reader. And I can't wait to see what more the author has in store for them in the next installment because it's surely promising to be very intense from the word go.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder&Stoughton for providing me with this ARC.

I loved Little Thieves and couldn't wait to read Painted Devils. It was a surprise and I loved it as it's different, sweeter, action packed and with humour.
I loved it and I strongly recommend it
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Absolutely loved this one!! Getting to know the characters more was so fun and I loved the storyline! Margaret Owen writes some incredible stories and I cannot wait to see what’s next!

I've yet to read anything by Margaret Own I haven't loved. Her stories just feel so unique.
I loved Little Thieves and I loved Painted Devils even more. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

In her search for an honest trade and then when ready to go find her family, Vanja 'accidentally' starts a cult. As she is plotting to get out of being its prophet, Emeric is sent to investigate as his final 'exam' to being prefect. Things get even worse when the god she invented — the Scarlet Maiden — actually manifests and claims Emeric as her servant, a virgin sacrifice! Vanja makes it her mission to find an alternate solution and prove not least of all to herself that a thief and a prefect together can work.

The book starts with a prologue that seems like a fairy tale but connects to the story. Then the protagonist starts the 1st chapter by stating that she wasn't trying to start a cult, and since its Vanja you know you're in for a wild ride. As always I love the smirk-worthy quality to her POV, her sass knowing no bounds.

The figurative speech and descriptions strike a whimsical chord in a captivating and wonderfully paced, absolutely immersive narrative. The mythology and worldbuilding have the endless ability of creativeness and there is an abundance of new engrossing characters to love or hate. Jakob and Udo: best brother duo to have on your side. Helga is grumpy fun and Kirkling is... Kirkling. Wait for the unexpected delight that is Ambroszia.

The author has such a delicious sense of humor, there were parts where I was cackling with laughter. I smiled at the cleverness and was slack-jawed with the undeniable twisting of the plot. So much, I felt like applauding. I loved the awkwardness between Vanja & Emeric, the shyness but also boldness, the dancing around and expressing their feelings, depicted so well. They are totally adorable.

At its core this is a love story. Yes there is Vanja and Emeric, but this is mostly about Vanja and herself, a journey of self-discovery through entertaining fantastical events. Believing she won't be abandoned again, that she deserves to be wanted. The author does and exceptional job of bringing the emotion to the page.

I was screaming internally at the end and I need the next installment ASAP. This was a masterful installment more than worthy sequel to its predecessor and probably one of the best books I will read this year.

Dnf at 20%

It felt like there is a book missing. The developments happened so fast. I felt like I was reading about different characters. It felt a bit educational which isn't what this book promised to be. Based on the first book, I was expecting to read something different.

I have to be honest as I wasn’t sure what kind of review I would end up writing for PD.
With high hopes and trepidation I turned the page and began the next instalment in the Little Thieves series.

It started out amazingly. Vanja, oh Vanja! Still with the same deliciously snarky attitude, accidentally starts a cult, summons a low god & became a prophet which, if you know Vanja, sounds about right. So, so far so good, right? Yeah, but that didn’t last long.
As Emeric joins due to his duties as a Prefect, the story changes and focuses HEAVILY on his and Vanja’s relationship. More so than anything else that was going on. Yes, there are times/scenes that are amazing. And yes, I loved how shy & timid they were with each other, but it’s not what I wanted or was hoping for and so, (I can’t believe I am saying this), I was bored. 😢

I knew I’d never DNF Painted Devils, but my heart hoped and prayed there was more to come. And OMG! There was!
The last 40% of the book was epic! It had everything I expected, wanted and needed. It had twists, turns and surprises galore.
I struggle to put into words just how phenomenal the end was.

Throughout the story, there is one aspect I really loved and that was getting Vanja’s backstory. We knew her mother left her & Death and Fortune took her in, but nothing more, so I’m grateful to know so much more about one of my favourite fictional characters ever!

A few things I have to make particular reference to.

*Trans Representation! - 🏳️‍⚧️ I immediately stopped reading, called my kid and read the paragraph to them! They were beaming! 🥰

*Lady Ambroszia & Brunne - ♥️

*Chapter 27 - Oh. My. Days, Yesss!

*Backstreet Boys Lyrics! - Thank you 🤣🎤

I can’t wait for book 3. The title, cover reveal and (if not already out there) the release date!

Thank you, Hodder Books & NetGalley for the arc of this awesome book.
This is my honest review. ♥️

Back with Vanja and Emeric.....

Vanja has got herself in a bit of trouble with one of her schemes, it has sort of back fired so when Emeric turns up they go on another quest!

This book was so fun! It was everything I wanted, I think I loved this book more than book 1!

What we have here:

~ Villains in all shapes and forms,
~ Family and the best of friends,
~ Young love,
~ Banter and humour,
~ Fabulous character growth,
~ A total readable book!

The reveal had my jaw dropping and the ending broke my heart! I need that next book!!

Painted Devils was a very intriguing and beautiful read. I found myself pretty much gripped by this book from start to finish, and enjoyed the majority of what I read. It follows on from the events of Little Thieves, with our characters feeling even more bad-ass and well rounded than its predecessor. However, there were points of this book that I felt were not necessary, such as the huge focus on our two main characters loosing their virginity. It was written in a very touching and delicate way, I just didn’t feel like it was needed in the plot and took up a huge chunk of the narrative.

One of my favourite aspects of this book, was Vanja facing her trauma. I almost completely forgot how much she had faced, and it was pretty damn perfect reading her journey on coming to terms with it. I definitely sobbed at parts, and felt heartbroken. So much of this book is learning to love yourself, and the author certainly did this justice.

Also Vanjas and Emerics love story in this book just felt perfect. I love that he is her number one fan, and there were plenty of adorable moments in this book! The ending broke my fucking heart though. How dare you. I felt like similar to the first book, it rounded off well before the ending and could have been a standalone in its own right. But my god I can’t wait to read what is in store next.

Painted Devils is the sequel to Margaret Owens' phenomenal Little Thieves. If you liked book one, then you will absolutely love book two because it's even better! Both books filled me with a sense of magical nostalgia and had me completely entranced. Margaret Owens has a beautiful and poetic writing style that flows so seamlessly. Overall, I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a unique fantasy with excellent world building.

Thankyou to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, Hodderscape for a free e-arc in exchange of an honest review.

Honestly one of my favourite duologies! I lvoed the first and couldnt wait for the second- if you liked or loved the first book i really do think you will love this- maybe even more!

-Love the characters
-Love the relationships
-Love that the main character has huge growth yet still keeps her personality!
-Hillarious
-Story retelling
-Love the setting!

First of as always thankyou to the publisher hodder and stoughton ( hodderscope )

Wow !! What a incredible read .I wasn't sure what world I was stepping into as haven't read the first but I will be now.!! I really enjoy the whole story when I say to people this is a must read I mean it .

I was fully submerged there was so much to the story I did not expect there was definitely Jew ropping moments .

I thought that Margaret's writing was just absolutely beautiful was just absolutely beautiful and enchanting and flows so wonderfully she definitely knows how to captivate her audience.

The characters themselves I thought was very empowering for many different reasons. There were bits in the story I thought was very witty yet still kept the dark mystery to keep you intrigued. I did love Vanja I would like to say was a very Molly grey character which I thoroughly enjoy. And Emaric Was definitely the one with the head on the shoulders who kept on grounded in the moments of danger. I thought they definitely brought balance perfectly to each other.

I definitely felt like I was on A emotional roller coaster sometimes With the rug being pulled from under my feet but in the best way.

I'm now very much looking forward to go back and read in the 1st book . I loved how this book was full of danger and had you only edge of your Seat. It's definitely a book That was day in my mind for a very long time.

I give this Book wonderful captivating 5 stars 🌟

✨ Painted Devils is full of heart and so much fun, but can't quite recreate the magic of its predecessor. ✨

Now, I want to preface this review with the fact that I did love Painted Devils.

I just didn't love it as much as Little Thieves.

Second books are notoriously difficult though, so I won't hold this against Margaret Owen, and I still think she's a phenomenal writer. This book was a blast to read, and you can tell she had the best time writing it.

Painted Devils brings back everyone and everything you loved from the first book: Vanja, Emeric, all the laughs and Margaret Owen's should-be-trademarked ability to rip your heart out of your chest with her backstories and one-liners.

Did you forget all the trauma our poor Vanja has been through in her life since reading Little Thieves? Don't worry, Margaret Owen is quick to put an end to that... This book hurts. Painted Devils, like it's predecessor, is an extremely character-driven book. Sure, there's a plot – Vanja may or may not start a cult that results in Emeric being chosen as a virgin sacrifice – but this is a story about her.

I think what I love most about this series so far is its conversations around relationships, both familial and romantic. Vanja has a lot of trauma from her past, being abandoned by her birth mother and given to her Godmothers, Death and Fortune, and is constantly told by her world and people around her that she is unlovable. Unwanted. A nobody. Nothing. It's a theme, if you will, that was certainly present in the first book but is center stage here, as Vanja's romantic relationship with Emeric develops and she yearns to find her family. She has to overcome the lies she has told herself and her past traumas, to accept that she does deserve love and happiness, and that there are people, equally broken or not, who will love her for exactly who she is. I could go on and on about this part of the series, but I'm not articulate enough to actually put it into words, and it's probably better you experience it for yourself anyway.

Back to the characters: I won't talk too much more about Vanja, because I've already done enough of that, but just know she's returned in fine form here, and I continue to absolutely adore her. Emeric was also wonderful, and I loved the slow development of his relationship Vanja. Ragne unfortunately doesn't feature anywhere near as much as I was expecting, and only arrives for a handful of scenes towards the end of the book. That being said, we are introduced to some new characters who join Vanja and Emeric on their adventures (to prevent the Scarlet Maiden from using Emeric as a sacrifice, of course), but I don't want to spoil anything about them.

Margaret Owen is an incredible, comedic writer. There were so many one-liners in this book that really got me, but again, I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say there's a Backstreet Boys reference courtesy of Emeric's poetry, and the fact that Vanja calls the Scarlet Maiden ScarMad. You know, like ScarJo (Scarlett Johansson) or JLo (Jennifer Lopez). She's just another celebrity 😌

I can't quite place my finger on what it was about the plot that wasn't quite getting me the way Little Thieves' was. Maybe I just preferred the actual storyline better? Regardless, that's the only reason I can't rate Painted Devils a solid 5/5, so please don't let it deter you at all from picking this sequel up.

Painted Devils ends on a tiny one-line cliffhanger, and I absolutely cannot wait to read the third book in this amazing series! ❤️

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for the free eARC!

↠ 4.75 stars