Painted Devils

THIS BOOK. DEVIATED SO FAR FROM MY EXPECTATION. BUT STILL MANAGED TO SURPRISE ME.

Vanja wanted to find her birth family after 13 years surviving on her own. But she accidentally raised a cult and tangled in another dire problem.

I requested this ARC because of course I’ve read Little Thieves and loved it. I knew Vanja’s character. So I expected this book to be like feral, explosive, and drastic. But turns out its just about healing and love. I was reminded of Reputation album by Taylor Swift the whole time reading this because thats basically just it: finding love in the darkest time. Oh I should stop talking about this particular thing right now before its getting out of control🥲

About the first half of the book, I frowned at the plot because its SO wild and seemed reaching but of course Margaret managed to make everything make sense at the end. Emeric and Vanja’s dynamics were EVERYTHING. They’re so real. Its tender, fragile, and lovely. They tried to work things out while Vanja also trying to navigate her abandonment trauma. Only God knows how many tears I shed throughout the book. I love them so much

BUT THE ENDING KILLED MEEEEE how am I supposed to wait for probably 2 years for the finale😭😭😭 I believe in Margaret with my whole heart but I still hope that she’ll make it super worth it.

Anyway, if you loved Little Thieves for the plot and didn’t really care about Vanja and Emeric, you probably would have a hard time reading this book at first. You might not even need to read this because Little Thieves ending was perfect.

4.75/5
I was so looking forward to Painted Devils because Little Thieves is one of my absolute favourite books.

I was not disappointed at all! I was so happy to be back with these characters and meet some new ones on the way too.

The character development is brilliant and I loved the way our MCs grew individually as well as together.

Owens’ writing is so witty and the moments breaking the 4th wall really made me laugh. The writing style is so funny but also heartfelt and so many observations/take homes relevant to the real-world were made which were brilliant.

The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is that I feel a couple of points could have been clearer or explained more rather than it all being revealed at one point. I like the elements of surprise and the big reveals & twists but would have liked to see a little bit more of the dots being connected in real time if that makes sense!

Bring on book 3!!!!

I love this world and these characters so much!! Book 1 was one of my favourites of 2022, so much so it was my first Student Book Club read of the year (and they loved it too!!) In this sequel, there is more high jinx, more adventures and maybe even more to love than Book 1!

Painted Devils spins a new tale of mischief and mayhem for one of YA fantasy’s standout characters, but beware of leaving your heart unguarded.

Little Thieves left me absolutely stunned in 2021 and I have been craving the sequel ever since. Luckily, Painted Devils smashes through every lofty expectation I had.

Owen’s gorgeous writing entranced me once more. I loved how much she expanded the world here, taking us to new lands and traditions. Every page is so evocative and lushly described, allowing you to fully lose yourself in the story. Little Thieves’ structure felt like an sprawling epic tale combining the past, present and future. Here, that structure allows the past and present to collide but in somewhat more grounded terms. This is very much a fantasy story, with all the requisite magic, meddling from gods and mischief from mortals. However, at its core, this is a story about family in all its forms. The mesh of times is more about working through trauma and learning to live with your past, confronting it without forgiveness if needed. Owen really digs into these various forms of family - blood, found and chosen. This creates a mesh of intriguing and fleshed-out characters around our central duo of Vanja and Emeric.

Vanja has changed, but she is still the spikey, occasionally manipulative and determined character we left at the end of Little Thieves. She is an endlessly complex and interesting protagonist who I absolutely love. That ruthlessness has diminished somewhat, except from when it comes to defending the people she loves. Her morality is still dubious and I adore how you cannot pin her down into the hero-villain dichotomy. However, Owen knows exactly what she did with that ending and I will be demanding revenge. It is a cruel cliffhanger but boy, do I want more.

I also loved how Vanja and Emeric’s dynamic grew over the course of the book. Certain plot elements drive discussions around sexuality and intimacy, something that is complicated for both of them. This was a refreshing change, with natural progressions and nuanced conversations around the topic. It felt mature and tenderhearted, making me root for them all the more.

Painted Devils is an achingly beautiful story around family in all its forms, but beware the devastatingly cruel sting in its tale.

This was absolutely phenomenal, I loved every minute of this. From the retuning characters from book 1 (Ragne has my heart) to the brand new Ros family introduced in this book, they were all deeply flawed but relatable characters. The threads of the story were all interconnected masterfully and I cannot wait for book 3! Vanja & Emeric forever!!

Also the backstreet boys reference I’m emerics poem had me chuckling! 😂

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I read Little Thieves last year and it completely took me by surprise. I assumed I was going to like it, but I did not expect to love it so much, I couldn't stop thinking about it and it ended up in my Top 10 of the year.
So needless to say, Painted Devils was one of my most anticipated releases of 2023, and it was everything I wanted it to be.

It made me FEEL all the emotions. I was so engrossed in the story and so emotionally invested, it really just got to me.
Just like Little Thieves, it was hilarious. The author has such a talent for infusing humor into the story, it's so effortlessly funny and provides comedic relief even at dire times, I absolutely loved it.
It also made me so emotional to read about Vanja's past, her feeling of being abandoned, and her search for her family. I thought it was really well done how everything in the book eventually fed back into this core element of the book. There was a lot going on but it felt really cohesive.

As a fellow demisexual person, I also just loved and deeply connected with the demisexual rep in this book and Vanja's struggle with intimacy. As someone who has at times felt like I'm weird or that I just need to "get over" not wanting physical intimacy right away, it just really healed a part of my soul to watch a character as strong as Vanja, who is a badass and funny and scheming, to also have the same issues like me.
I also love the way sex and intimacy were talked about in general, this is a really wonderful example of how you can include this talk in a book for YA readers and make it really meaningful and empowering.

Overall, I just loved everything about this book, the plot was so good, the vibes, the writing, the characters, it all just made me happy and I really found and lost myself in the story.
I loved it even more than the first book and cannot wait for the conclusion of the trilogy.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy! It was absolutely fantastic from start to finish and a roller-coaster of emotions. I cried, I loved and overall enjoyed it!

✨Spoiler Free review✨

It’s like Margaret Owen looked into my brain and saw everything I’ve ever wanted in a book and wrote it down, for more eloquently and humorous than I ever could.

I read the whole book in two days and now I have to wait for the next one. I love loved Little Thieves so much, but I think Painted Devils might be my favourite!! I’m writing this review with tears still dripping, and the feeling that I will not find a book like this again for awhile.

Everything I loved about the first book is beautiful preserved in the second. Vanja is still a troubled-making gremlin, and Emeric is still the human equivalent of a protractor, and their relationship is still witty and everything I’ve ever wanted. Neither lose their individual personality, which can often happen in sequels. Instead, they both grow together in a really healthy and productive way.

Vanja has fully cemented herself as one of my favourite fmc, and the journey she goes on was so personal to me that I felt so seen and so safe in these pages. She’s grown but has maintained her best qualities and now there’s a Vanja shaped whole in my heart.

I honestly can’t recommend these books enough. They’re funny, devastating, tense, and absolutely beautiful things to read.

Painted Devils will be released on the 16th May.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this e-arc. This review is entirely my own.

This has exceeded all my expectation. I already loved the first book, Owen has a gift of writing a story with gripping fantasy plot and integrating humor flawlessly (Emeric writing poetry, beeing mercilessly teased for it), and important topics (the flawed law/ I really enjoyed how Owen incorporated Agnethe's story without it taking away from the main parts).
I did not expect as much romance, but I'm so thankful for it. The romance was *chef's kiss* I'm looking forward to what the next book will give in that regard, it's hard to imagine Owen can step up her game, but the ending 💔 certainly made for an interesting dynamic for Emeric and Vanja, so I might be alone in this but that's why I actually loved the ending. (I'm kind of masochistic in my love for Cliffhanger)

The only criticism I have is that Owen needs to get her German spellchecked. For a book that heavily leans on German being integrated that's a given.
Scheit doesn't mean shit (Scheiß means shit) and Scheit actually means log (of wood)
Since that word comes up a lot that should've been correct.
Then there are smaller ones like it's Wilde Jagd not wildejogt, Dampfnudeln not damfnudeln, Glühwein not glohwein, and so on.

I need to sit with this one before doing a full review I just finished this and oh my!!! Could I love it more than book one- probably, I did not see half of what happened coming! This was so good!
Loved it! and now we wait.

Margaret Owen is an author I've been keeping my eyes on since I read Little Thieves a few weeks ago. I was excited and slightly apprehensive about this sequel as second books tend to be disappointing. I'm glad to say it wasn't the case here. The author did a wonderful job with the characters, the story, the family dynamics and the romance.

I know I've said it before but the romance between Vanja and Emeric is adorable and, above all, healthy. With them, you'll find consent, respect, honesty, consideration and support. I appreciated how the author talked about sexuality and virginity in an educational, realistic manner. Vanja and Emeric are always leveling up each other. They're a fantastic couple. They have the tendency to make me swoon!

The story itself was engrossing. I couldn't stop reading, with the lore, the twists and the hardships the characters have to go through to survive. I liked that they outsmart the villains at times but also fail at other tasks. It leaves room for suspense and character development.

We learn more about Vanja's family and her past. I had my ideas about the first but was surprised by the latter. The author balanced both very well. Vanja broke my heart because of what she had to go through.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let’s get one thing straight—Vanja Schmidt wasn’t trying to start a cult. After taking down a corrupt margrave, breaking a deadly curse, and finding romance with the vexingly scrupulous Junior Prefect Emeric Conrad, Vanja had one great mystery left: her long-lost birth family… and if they would welcome a thief. But in her search for an honest trade, she hit trouble and invented a god, the Scarlet Maiden, to scam her way out. Now, that lie is growing out of control—especially when Emeric arrives to investigate, and the Scarlet Maiden manifests to claim him as a virgin sacrifice. For his final test to become a prefect, Emeric must determine if Vanja is guilty of serious fraud, or if the Scarlet Maiden—and her claim to him—are genuine. Meanwhile, Vanja is chasing an alternative sacrifice that may be their way out. The hunt leads her not only into the lairs of monsters and the paths of gods, but the ties of her past. And with what should be the simplest way to save Emeric hanging over their heads, he and Vanja must face a more dangerous question: Is there a future for a thief and a prefect, and at what price?

Vanja, you stubborn little thief… you are absolutely brilliant! Dare I say perhaps even better than in the first book? Trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes but Vanja sure as hell makes the most of it. That is perhaps the thing I love most about her character - her wits and her tenacity. I truly have nothing negative to say about her. She’s so perfectly imperfect that you cannot help but enjoy her character throughout the story - laughing when she does, sympathising with her struggles, wishing you could hug her through the tremulous times. Owen has really outdone herself with Vanja. Definitely a favourite character of mine!
Emeric is forever and always a sweetheart and someone I would love to have in my corner. There’s a definite increase in confidence in his character compared to the first book and it’s a great change to see. He’s more sure of himself and his abilities and the way he protects Vanja and remains by her side through thick and thin? Absolutely wonderful. If I could order an Emeric and have him by my side, that would he great, thank you!

This sequel truly exceeded my expectations. Considering how perfect the ending was to the first book, I was skeptical that this could live up to it and continue the story well but it really did not disappoint. Full of angst, romance, sass, magic and intrigue, I was sucked in from the very first page. The characters all feel so alive and all have a purpose, seamlessly moving the story forward and ensuring its flow is fantastic. The twists and turns had a chokehold on me and kept me reading. The romance was so freaking adorable that I just kept wanting to squeeee! Just this whole book was absolutely brilliant. That ending though… I am broken in pieces after that ending. I am utterly horrified despite it’s perfection and aptness and now have an undetermined wait ahead of me to find out what happens next? That is a new level of mean! I’ll just stay here sobbing for a while.

Overall, Painted Devils is a stunning sequel that you just can’t help but fall in love with!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my nlog on release day.

I have no other words to say about this one other than I absolutely loved it. I could not put it down!

When I read Little Thieves after receiving it in a monthly book box I found it to be a surprising gem (no pun intended) and turned out to be one of my favourite reads of the year. When I was approved to review Painted Devils I was honestly so excited. The wait for my hardcover edition was too far away!
From the start, Painted Devils was like climbing under a cozy blanket and taking a deep breath. It was comforting, familiar and just dreamy.
Vanja just emits chaotic energy. Jumping straight into her honestly unbelievable life stories was brilliant. Getting absolutely, senselessly drunk? She did that. Lost all of her wealth over a bridge into a river? Yep also did that. Recruiting aimless villagers to retrieve said wealth and in turn forming a cult? Yep, she also did that. Vanja digs herself so deep she ends up running with it and hoping for the best.
When Emeric turns up to investigate a new Low God thats gained devoted followers in such a short amount of time. But once again things go very wrong.
I would read 50 of these novels following the trials and tribulations of Emeric and Vanja's lives. There's something about Margaret Owens writing that translates into some sort of written sit com.
As always Owen's art shown in the book and on her Instagram bring to like the characters and the cover is beautiful and suits the story entirely.
Thank you for the chance to review this great book!

It was a 5 stars up until the very end, because I CAN'T ACCEPT Vanja doing this. That's not possible. I was so proud of her character development, of seeing up going forward, but in the end she just went back to the starting line, and nope, I can't do that.

Otherwise I loved the whole book. I was afraid to be lost because I couldn't remember much from book 1, but that's the good thing with Little Thieves: the story itself ended, and we start with a new story here with Painted Devils, but only with the same main characters, and it turns out there's no need to remember all the details from book 1 to understand (and if it's important, it's reminded, so it's ok).

I loved getting back to Vanja and Emeric, their dynamic, their love, the humor there is all along and I just couldn't help but smile or laugh at some epic moments, some weird ones. I loved seeing their relationship itself evolves and becoming more important to the, seeing themselves evolves (except for Vanja at the end *side eyes*) by discovering themselves and rooting for each other.

The story itself was really interesting and there were still stuff happening outside of the main focus of the Scarlet Maiden, so it was pretty much action packed but there were still some softer moments, funny ones, or important talks as well. I had guesses for a few stuff happening in this story but I wasn't expecting the big reveal, it was done very well!

Once again this book 2 doesn't end on a cliffhanger, the Scarlet Maiden story is closed, but we know and see from the end of the last chapter and the last story to where book 3 is going, and I can't wait!

— 4.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Painted Devils by Margaret Owen is a brilliant follow up to book one, Little Thieves. Full of adventure and humour, I was immersed by Vanja and Emeric from the very beginning. It was great to see Vanja’s character development throughout this story. She is forced to make some tough choices and you really see that reflect on her character. A well balanced story that reads at just the right pace, be prepared to be left on a major cliffhanger that will have you desperate for book three.

**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Vanja and Emeric are back and their shenanigans are as chaotic as ever!

Whilst trying to track down her birth family our fiery, quick-witted little thief finds herself in trouble and as she is wont to do turns to a scam to get herself out of it. Except the scam gets out of control as it leads to her accidentally creating a cult and when word gets to the Prefects and Emeric comes to investigate he gets pulled into the chaos as the chosen sacrifice for said cult. Thus begins a trail of events following our two love birds as they trek across the Blessed Empire of Almandy trying to figure out how they can get out of this mess.

I missed these idiots so much! I was surprised as anyone that we got a sequel for Little Thieves because the storyline felt so nicely wrapped up. Though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more from these characters and after reading this I am SO GLAD we got another book because it was so good!! Painted Devils is very much a continuation of the personal journeys of the characters and though it has its roots in the Goose Girl retelling, it well and truly stands on its own.

Owen’s storytelling is as delightfully entertaining as ever with all the emotion, apt commentary and expected humour perfectly balanced within the overarching plot. There is a lot that goes on including smaller quests within the bigger quests but Vanja and Emeric’s latest escapade has us discovering new places and new faces in the best way and expands on the worldbuilding, folklore and magic wonderfully. I loved every second of it and the plot twists and how everything linked up by the end? *chef’s kiss* Owen is a master storyteller. I loved all the new characters that were introduced and we of course get to see some well loved old faces too even though those are few and far between..

Vanja and Emeric’s relationship is a key element of the whole cult and sacrifice situation so it goes without saying that it was going to have a big focus in the book. So yes the romance side of things is cranked up compared to book 1 which may not be for everyone. There are times in books when characters are absolutely smitten with each other and can’t keep their hands off each other to the point that it gets tedious and detracts from the main storyline, but I don’t think that was the case here at all.

You can of course expect some of the tropey elements that come along with teenagers being in love/in a relationship but Vanja and Emeric’s relationship also brought to the page discussions on intimacy and consent and sexuality in such a mature and genuine way, which is what I really loved and appreciated about it. Plus all the humour and banter between them isn’t lost at all so whilst your heart is melting at just how much these two feel and care for each other you’ll also have tears in your eyes from laughing.

Alongside this, Vanja herself grows so much more as an individual in the book and I really loved following her come to terms with herself and her backstory, what she wants in life and her place in the world as a whole.

My only real issue is that ending!! HOW DARE YOU MARAGARET OWEN?? I AM NOT OKAY AND NOW WE HAVE TO WAIT?
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars

I thought Little Thieves was great, but my god this one was so good. I was so happy I got the ARC.

Vanja does it again. In search for her lost birth family and during a drunken escapade, Vanja invented a god, the Scarlet Maiden, to scam her way out. The lie quickly growing out of control, especially when Emeric arrives to investigate, and the Scarlet Maiden manifests to claim him as a virgin sacrifice. To save his life, Vanja needs an alternative sacrifice, but it's easier said than done.
From lairs of monsters, the paths of gods, to her unknown past, Vanja has her hands full. Can she save Emeric? What does it mean for them?

I really like the tone of the narrative. It's engaging, but not descriptive, and it's easier to relate to the characters and their inner struggles. Vanja keeps being a reliable character, and witnessing her slow understanding of emotions and love was a treat. The pace is fast, just how I like it, and the excitement of wanting to know what happens next, just kept me reading.

In the world of this book, I got introduced to gods and goddesses and how they interact with mortals. It was new and very well constructed and described. It feels like it could almost be real. It's one of those books that you forget you're reading.

Absolutely loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced ARC!

This was just fun! I have to admit when I dove into this one I couldnt quite remember what happend in Little theives other than I thought it was one of the best heist books I had read in a long time (and I love a good heist). When I started this one all the love of the characters and this world just flooded back.

I love how much focus this had on Vanja and Emeric’s burgeoning relationship. This is probably one of the best descriptions of that awkward teenage stage of moving a romantic relationship to a sexual relationship. I loved how all the adults acted and treated them. That there was a knowing smile and a wink along with genuinely good advice. The fact that the pressure to have sex was intergral to the plot but that the pair took time to talk it all out was just really well done. It didn’t feel forced or preaching it felt like a genuine discussion. I also loved all the cringing funny moments that were created by that plot line too.

The rest of the plot focused around finding Vanja’s family and all the highjinx that that entailed was also utterly entertaining. It was really well paced, giving us moments of triumph for Emeric as well as Vanja. Mixing cult getting out of hand, a library polterguist, a kidnap, property fraud, a mini heist all with the emotions of Vanja having to face her past and what happened to her was so beautifully done to keep me turning the pages.

We also get a million more times world building in this one than Little Theives. We get to see how other towns and cities work, learn more about how the Small Gods gain their power and how that works in the grand scheme of things. I was a little disappinted that we didn’t get as much magic in this one. This was definately more focused on the characters. It gives me hope that book three will be a lot more drama filled now that we know these characters so well.

I also have to utterly commend Owen on her writing. There were so many sneeky references that made me giggle when I spotted them. I am also positive there were a lot that I missed, but anyone that can work backstreet boys lyrics into a fantasy novel is a master in my world. This book had me laughing and grinning from ear to ear. It was just a joy to read. There is no second book slump with this and I am very much looking forward to book three with that ominous tease at the end of the book.

It’s here! I’ve been a long wait for the sequel of Little Thieves (almost two years!!!), but, after reading Painted Devils, it was worth it! I forgot how much fun Vanja and Emeric can be and how good the author is in keeping you immersed in the story. I loved every single page of this novel, I laughed for at least half of it, and I didn’t want it to end.

Following the events of Little Thieves, Vanja is determined to find her family, who she hasn’t seen in thirteen years, while her love for Emeric is still going strong, but can a thief and a prefect really be together? She wants to be honest and be worthy of both her family and Emeric, but she “accidentally” invents a god, the Scarlet Maiden, and starts a cult that quickly takes hold of an entire village. And when it turns out that the Scarlet Maiden is indeed real and she wants Emeric as her virgin sacrifice, Vanja needs to find a way out of it, while also trying to prove to Emeric’s stubborn supervisor that she is not guilty of fraud.

The romance between Vanja and Emeric is perfect. These two characters together are incredible, hilarious and so adorable. Emeric needs to pass his prefect exam and is supervisioned by a retired prefect who is determined to accuse Vanja of fraud and he is cursed by a god (and his virgin status made a common knowledge). Vanja is determined to find a way to protect both Emeric and the village that she has come to love, but she is haunted by her mother’s prediction that she would be the ruin of everyone she loves.

I really hope that the third book in the series will come out soon, because I can’t wait another two years to see what happens, especially after that surprising and heartbreaking ending.

I still haven’t read the author’s previous series, The Merciful Crow, but I can’t recommend her (and this series) enough. She knows how to hold the reader’s attention with an addictive writing style, an entertaining story full of twists and adventures, and a cast of characters that you can’t help but fall in love with!

Could I have book three please?🥹

I think this was even better than Little Thieves and I adored that book. I love Vanja and Emeric's growing relationship (but oh no the ending 😫) the story was amazing, twists about her family I never saw coming whatsoever!!! Kirkling can shove off though.

Love it, will have to read them again at some point 😍

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

Little Thieves was one of my favourite books the year it was released so I was really excited to get my hands on a copy of Painted Devils, Margaret Owen's follow up book. At this point it would be remiss of me not to insist that if you have not already read it, you really should pick up a copy of Little Thieves and read it before starting on Painted Devils, as you really need to be familiar with the characters introduced there and the story to get the very best from this book. And oh what a best it is. Painted Devils is just as wonderful as I was hoping, filled with the same blend of magic and a little romance , not to mention a twist of humour in the narration by the protagonist Vanja that really appealed to me as a reader.
Vanja is such a fun and interesting character, and I loved seeing her growth in this book as she steps out from the burden (and occasional blessing ) of being the God daughter of both Fate and Death. In her quest to find her real family, the one that she left as a small child, Vanja finds herself in a spot of trouble, that she quickly makes even worse by accidentally inventing a God, the Scarlet Maiden, and possibly starting a cult. When her former flame, Junior Prefect Emeric is sent to investigate and is claimed by the Maiden as a sacrifice, Vanja must embark on a quest to clear her name and save Emeric from death.
The characters were one of my favourite things about Little Thieves and that continues for Painted Devils, seeing them grow and find some healing for their past traumas was really beautiful. The fantasy world of this series is so well described , I could easily imagine myself traipsing through a dense German forest on a quest.
The pacing of the relationship between Emeric and Vanja is wonderfully handled, and I loved how the author used the plot to allow discussions about intimacy and consent in a way that felt natural but still got some very valid and important points across.
In fact the only thing I did not love about this book was the cliff hanger ending., it is cruel to have to wait for more of this wonderful story, but wait we must.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

How did I not know this was a trilogy?! I'm an absolute mess now, knowing I'll have to wait for the next one. Couldn't put this brilliant book down!

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.