Retellings of fairy tales always attract me, and between that and the gorgeous cover this book caught my eye immediately.
I loved the start of the book, the descriptions of Death and Fortune, the fairy tale quality of the writing. Vanja is a wonderful character, I really liked her sarcasm. She's very clever with equal parts self-deprecation and egotism. I did find there was a bit too much explanation at first and there were too many words I didn't understand throughout the book.

This was a fun take on The Goose Girl that expands upon the handmaid character from the fairytale, her background story, what led her to stealing the princess’s identity, and her personal redemption. The romance is sweet, and I enjoyed the sapphic subplot as well. I found some inconsistencies with tone and pacing: the plot drags a lot and could have been shortened to make up for this, and some of the juvenile humor took me out of the serious parts of the story at times. The book is still technically well-written though, so it gets 4 stars from me.

I’ve put off reviewing this book (for far too long sorry!!) because I just really did not like it and didn’t know how I could express that. I couldn’t connect with Vanja and found everything about her annoying to the point I didn’t care. This book has a high number of good reviews that makes me really question what am I missing. But I have no knowledge on what this is a retelling of so that could factor in.

A really interesting take on a retelling.
I think the pacing was slightly off, though the characters made up for that and the book maintained a fun energy despite feeling like it dragged at times.
I think the characters were truly the highlight of the book, all unique, and interesting, and fleshed out enough to feel compelling.

A very underrated read.

“You’re what happens when an encyclopedia wishes on a star to be a real boy, if that encyclopedia was also an absolute prick.”
― Margaret Owen, Little Thieves

-Great fairytale retelling
-Morally grey mc
-dark fairytale vibes
-romance subplot
-queer

Little Thieves is a retelling of The Goose Girl, a Brothers Grimm fairytale! Little Thieves has a morally grey MC, who was essentially the villian on the original fairytale, and I am here for it 🙌 Vanja has a complicated history and I loved her character development and redemption ARC.

This was such a fun read and I really need to read book two soon! I would highly recommend this book for fans on morally grey characters and darker fairytale retellings!

I loathe saying I didn't enjoy a book, but this one just wasn't for me.

I tried to get through it, pushing through page after page just hoping something would grab my attention and it never quite came. While not a bad book, I think it just wasn't a right match for me. I can see the appeal for readers who aren't me, however.

I adore retellings have the goose girl is a fairytale that really lends itself well, I feel. This is certainly no different, as we get a truly fantastic story with a take on it that’s so different from others I’ve read!

I also always love a morally grey read and we are blessed with Vanya in this! She’s wonderful and I adore her. Her struggle with family and friends comes across so well, as does how much the relationships she has managed to make mean to her. Even if she doesn’t always know what to do with them!

Everything about this story works well for me and I have already read it twice and can’t wait to do it again! 4.5 stars.

I absolutely adored this book. The world was beautifully described, the characters were amazing (both the good and bad characters) and I cannot wait to read the sequel and get more from this story. Vanja is an interesting character because whilst she’s not the villain of the story she’s also not exactly a good person. I’ve never read The Goose Girl but I’ve seen so many people praise this for being a great retelling of that story

'To all the terrible girls: it's a lie. You deserve the world.'

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my ARC.

I always knew I was going to like this book. I love morally grey (fictional) characters and I was very intrigued by the premise of The Goose Girl fairytale retelling. However I was not prepared to absolutely fall in love with these characters!!

This book was so much more emotional and romantic than I thought it was going to be and my god was I here for it. Two lil lonely demisexual babies who've had difficult upbringings? One who plays fast and lose with the law and another who tries to uphold it? I was prepared for flirting, misdirection, sassy comments and emotional barriers but I was not prepared for the TENDERNESS. The VULNERABILITY. My HEART 😭

Also wasn't prepared for Ragne to be so amazing. I love her SO MUCH.

The world building was great, the magic system was fascinating and I loved all of the lore around the Low Gods.

This book is Definitely one of my new favs.

CW: bullying, physical abuse, whipping, death, mentions of sexual assault, abandonment, child abuse, injury, fire

As a seasoned fantasy fan, it's not that often anymore that I read a new fantasy series and find it a uniquely enjoyable experience - but Little Thieves really hit the mark for me. I absolutely loved that the world and mythology was steeped in Germanic folklore. I'm not that familiar with The Goose Girl, which this is a retelling of, but I found that the fairytale vibes combined with the stabby fantasy romance really worked for me.

Vanja's character was a really enjoyable MC to read from, with her morally grey but good hearted personification, but the cast of supporting characters was also fleshed out and lifelike to me. I was endeared to the whole set of characters and invested in their situation.

This felt like the folklore and world of a Naomi Novik or Katherine Arden novel, but with the addictive page turning of From Blood and Ash or Kindgom of the Wicked. Looking forward to picking up the sequel soon!

Took me so long to read this. I think this was pretty okay, the main character was enjoyable to read.

I think my issues is the pacing. It was a little bit slow to my liking.

This ended up being so good I almost couldn’t put it down…
You know that feeling when you are literally excited having to take the train to the university or work for about an hour just because that means you get to continue your book? Because that was the feeling I got while reading this book. Unfortunately, it took me about 120 pages to get into that feeling, but it stayed until the end.

Cover
Great Cover once again but I guess with Hodder & Stoughton creating a cover that is kind of a given 99% of the time. They are definitely one of the editors with some of the most stunning covers.

Writing style
Margaret Owen writing style was nice to read, even though it took me a bit to get into, but I think that was more because it was written from the third perspective and I prefer the first

Characters
I really wasn’t the biggest fan of Vanja at the beginning, on the contrary. I think that was one of the reasons that I got so much trouble getting into the book. But the more I read the more I understood Vanja and the more I wanted the best for her. I really suffered through some of the time jumps or memories.
Emeric was definitely one of my favourite characters along with Ragne. They create such interesting contrasts to Vanja and I like how they challenge each other and learn from one another. They give the friendship trope in this book even more dynamic. And Emeric as a love interest? Totally here for it! Gisele was not my favourite but I know that was because, just like Vanja, it took me quite some time to forgive her. In the end I was very proud to see how much she changed and to see her and Vanja’s friendship blossom again.
The idea of the Low Gods and how they interact with Vanja throughout the book were one of my favourite things.

Setting/Plot
It was interesting how this book was a combination of heists, mysteries and finding yourself in the world. I think this sums up the plot of the book quite well and if you want to know more about it I guess you have to pick it up yourself and find out how these things connect to the characters and the world. It was also quite interesting that not only the younger characters got to learn and grow together and alone, but also some of the older characters, like Death and Fortune, Vanjas godmothers.

Conclusion
I am definitely into the Little Thieves universe and I cannot wait for painted devils to see where Vanjas adventures lead her next. I also hope to find out more about Vanjas past and maybe even get to know (more about) her mother.
To be honest the reason I kept pushing myself to keep on reading was because this book was a review copy, but I am so glad I had to read it because I loved it and otherwise I might have not finished it.
This is another one of the review copies that took me way too long to read but I am so happy to finally have read it and understand what everyone loves about this book. Just in time for book two and I am so so excited to read that one.
I really want to recommend this book to everyone who wants to read a book with some morally grey characters that you simply end up tugging into your heart. The found family trope is going strong in this book and I am totally here for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder&Stoughton for this review copy. This did not affect my opinion in any way.

This was such a fresh and fun story with a great fairy tale vibe and a fabulous cast of characters. It did take me a little while to get into the story and also to get used to the writing style, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. The setting is very well drawn and there was enough world building to keep everything on track without ever becoming too bogged down. I thought Margaret Owen did a great job of letting things unfold at their own pace and trusting the reader to pick up on certain elements without having this explained in too much detail. I thought the characters were particularly strong - Vanja had a very distinct voice and I loved all her little asides to the reader. Ragne was a wonderful character and I also had a soft spot for Poldi! All in all, I had a good time reading this and will definitely be picking up the companion novel.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Little Thieves is such a beautifully written YA fantasy. The world-building is outstanding. The retelling is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended. Be sure to check out Little Thieves today.

This is an absolutely wonderful book, the kind that feels incredibly special to read because you barely even realise you're turning pages, the voice is so enthralling. I loved all the twists on, and nods to, the Goose Girl fairy tale, but this is wholly its own clever beast - a really original, really brilliant story with fabulous characters. I loved every single thing about it (apart from wishing it was adult so the romance could go even deeper!). Completely wonderful - I loved it!

An absolutely wonderful ya fantasy that gives you an unique take on The Goose Girl, weaving mythology, political intrigue and action into a delightfully captivating tapestry!

My thoughts
The plot

As someone who’s not familiar with the Goose Girl, I really enjoyed the overall plot of Little Thieves by Margaret Owen. I think my lack of knowledge about the fairy tale made me feel like the book was a little slow in places. That’s definitely down to me, as I’d just finished reading Harrow which didn’t seem to stop at all. I will say that when it got to the last third of the book, I was super invested, especially with the plot twist at the end. This is a book that is full of secrets, as well as full of life lessons. I am very excited for the second book, because I really want to see what these characters get up to next!
The characters
Vanja

As a character, Vanja was incredibly relateable. I enjoyed her character development, and how she goes from this very almost unlikable character, into one who I really wanted to succeed. Her actions make a whole lot of sense, and I enjoyed the “rob the rich to feed the poor” message that Owen included. I think Vanja would make an excellent Robin Hood. As a reader it was nice to read about a character who is so like myself – forever on my guard and worried about getting close to people – find their own little family. It’s a message of hope that nobody is unlovable.
Emeric

Oh Emeric, where do I start. He is an excellent player in this game Owen has created. By reading people, he can have them fooled into believing what he wants them to. I think this isn’t a trait portrayed much in books, and I think it’s done spectacularly. Plus who doesn’t love a guy that uses his words?
Gisele

I really didn’t like her when we first met her in the story. But then I started to think about what I would have done in her position, and it must have been difficult for her to stand up to her family. However, she soon finds her voice in this story. We see her overcome so much, and really understand why she acts the way she does.
Ragne

I loved Ragne as soon as she appeared on the page. Her character had me giggling and honestly she really added a lighter mood to this story. I loved reading about her finding herself in this book, and honestly I want more of her in the second installment.
Overall thoughts

Looking back, I did enjoy this book probably more than I thought I did at the time. It was a lot of fun, especially towards the end, and I really am excited for the second book. There was one aspect that made me feel a little uncomfortable, which was the fatphobia towards Gisele, but it was handled well. If you like retellings based around a Germanic setting, and are really into plot twists, this book is for you!

Such a good book! a morally grey protagonist who just can't help but love; hidden agendas; and thievery. Owen's has taken created a re-telling that's highly addictive. Sometimes, the story's you think you know, have a whole other side to them. Owens' has told this one brilliantly.

Loved this!! Highly anticipating the sequel and I would devour anything Margaret Owen writes! What a storyteller.