This brilliantly bewitching YA fantasy from the bestselling author of The Merciful Crow was absolutely addictive—definitely a contender in my top ten reads of 2021!
Vanja Schmidt, abandoned by her mother and raised as the adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, was a dutiful servant,until a year ago. When her otherworldly godmothers’ demanded she pay the price for their raising her, she decided to steal back her life by Usurping the life of the Princess she served. leaving her a penniless nobody.
Her new role proves lucrative, charming nobility (and emptying their Coffers in the process). But with one heist left before making her getaway, Vanja crosses the wrong god and is left cursed—turning slowly into jewels for her greed. With only two weeks to break the curse and soo many people on her trail, she must now orchestrate her biggest con yet,if she wants to survive.
I absolutely loved this deliciously dark fairytale-esque fantasy which had me hooked from start to finished.I did get a ‘Prince and The Pauper’ vibe, with a cat burlgar,Kaz Brekker-style twist, which I absolutely loved.
Our protagonist, Vanja (the jewel thieving, Princess imposter) was an incredibly well written and complex character—her motivations seem selfish at first, but as her story unfolds we glimpse into the childhood experiences that have shaped her life choices (and her need for freedom). The other characters were equally as complex and I couldn’t help but adore Ragne,the shapeshifting Demi-God and her naivety in the ways of humans was endearingly sweet.
I enjoyed the enemies to lovers type romance,which was really sweet—and Vanja’s love interest was absolutely adorable in his awkwardness.
I must warn that there are discussions of child abuse,neglect, navigating abusive environments and the emotional trauma of attempted assault, which may be a trigger for some people.
Overall a beautifully written YA fantasy recommended to fans of dark fairytales and The Merciful Crow.
Thank you to Hodder&Stoughton and Net Galley for the ARC
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Little Thieves is released 19 October 2021