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Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'
Little thieves. C'era una volta una ragazza cattiva by Margaret Owen
24 reviews
oddduck's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I like stories that are assembled with the precision of a watchmaker. Every detail matters. Each tiny piece works together to move forward. If one thing is even slightly off, the story doesn’t work the way it should.
This is one of those stories.
500 pages is getting to be on the long side for me, so I was expecting a little bit of drag. There was none. Every single scene in this book is there for a reason and 500 pages practically flies by. Yet it also didn’t feel like we were moving too fast at any point.
The plot came at just the right pace and with just the right amount of detail that it all came together perfectly in my head, without me figuring out the end too soon/easily and without me feeling frustrated because I didn’t have enough information until the very last second. I figured out part of Adalbrecht’s plan shortly before Vanja and Emeric did, which was ideal timing for me. And everything I hadn’t figured out fell into place as it was spelled out. This plot was like a carefully conducted symphony and it went off without a hitch.
I also loved all the characters, even when some of them weren’t particularly likeable. There’s such a clear motive for their actions that though I may not agree with them, I understand and feel sympathetic for them (except Adalbrecht and Irmgard, they’re both just terrible – that’s a compliment though). They were all so beautifully written, but Vanja and Emeric were the standouts for me.
Vanja’s character arc was incredible. I, admittedly, have a soft spot for characters who have been so hurt they think the only way to protect themselves is to close themselves off and harden their heart, and Vanja is no exception. I love this type of character because it’s moving to see them learn to love and be loved again (even if they’re dragged into it kicking and screaming, like Vanja). The way she grows over the course of the story - going from hating/resenting Emeric, Ragne, and Gisele to calling them her friends and making peace with her past and wanting Emeric to catch her - is brilliantly done. It feels natural and inevitable.
I fell for Emeric in exactly the way Vanja did (er, that is his façade, not the kissing part). It was absolutely delightful to find out how wrong my impression of him was. Like, I actually laughed out loud at the reveal and I’m gleeful just thinking about it. I liked the façade, but the real Emeric was even better. He’s smart and flawed and eager to prove himself and he cares so deeply. He’s just such a great character and Vanja’s many descriptions of him are both correct and hilarious.
There’s also the obligatory shout out for the art, which was done by Margaret Owen as well. She’s talked about a lot of the symbolism and composition of each piece on her twitter, and it’s definitely worth a read through. The art on its own is beautiful, but her explanations of it make it even better.
There is so much else to talk about in the book - the structure, the fairy tale, the casual queer rep, the demi rep (!), the magic system, the rest of the world building, the creatures (Poldi!) - and it’s all so, so good. Honestly, I loved every single thing about this book and I could talk about it for hours. The highest praise I can give it is this: I want to take this book apart like it’s a clock to see how it works. What an absolutely phenomenal book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Abandonment, Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, and Violence
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Death, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I truly enjoyed every moment of reading this book! Honestly, sometimes, that's all I want to say in a review. Sometimes, it's not because a book has great emotional depth or because the characters are super relatable. Sometimes, friends, it's just because the story was entertaining and I liked it.
That's how I felt about Little Thieves. It was incredibly creative - truly, I've never read anything quite like it. Though I will say that if you're a fan of Six of Crows, you may enjoy this one. It's really not similar at all, but it gives off some of the same vibes? I hope that makes sense.
I picked this up because everyone was raving about it on bookstagram at the end of 2021 and I can see why. The magic was incredibly unique (though never really explained beyond the gods having some hand in it, I believe), there was fantastic diversity, and the twists were excellent - nothing totally mind-blowing, just really fun!
There were definitely some triggering elements to it, but you know what? THE AUTHOR INCLUDED TRIGGER WARNINGS. Like, hello! Thank you! That should be at the beginning of every book ever. And guess what else? That actually made it easier for me to read the book, because I knew what I was getting into ahead of time, and when those moments arose, I wasn't put out by it.
Despite giving it 4.5 stars immediately following reading it, I've already forgotten a great deal. That could just be because my mind is elsewhere lately. Okay, actually, yeah, I'm gonna just blame it on that, because honestly, I think if I were totally focused right now, I'd be able to tell you every single detail. At least I can remember most of the character names (that's a new one for me).
Anyyyyways, it immediately went on my wishlist because I'd really like to read it again. I feel as though I could gain more from it with a reread in the future!
That's how I felt about Little Thieves. It was incredibly creative - truly, I've never read anything quite like it. Though I will say that if you're a fan of Six of Crows, you may enjoy this one. It's really not similar at all, but it gives off some of the same vibes? I hope that makes sense.
I picked this up because everyone was raving about it on bookstagram at the end of 2021 and I can see why. The magic was incredibly unique (though never really explained beyond the gods having some hand in it, I believe), there was fantastic diversity, and the twists were excellent - nothing totally mind-blowing, just really fun!
There were definitely some triggering elements to it, but you know what? THE AUTHOR INCLUDED TRIGGER WARNINGS. Like, hello! Thank you! That should be at the beginning of every book ever. And guess what else? That actually made it easier for me to read the book, because I knew what I was getting into ahead of time, and when those moments arose, I wasn't put out by it.
Despite giving it 4.5 stars immediately following reading it, I've already forgotten a great deal. That could just be because my mind is elsewhere lately. Okay, actually, yeah, I'm gonna just blame it on that, because honestly, I think if I were totally focused right now, I'd be able to tell you every single detail. At least I can remember most of the character names (that's a new one for me).
Anyyyyways, it immediately went on my wishlist because I'd really like to read it again. I feel as though I could gain more from it with a reread in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, and Torture
Moderate: Abandonment and Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
campisforever's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book should also be classified as LGBTQIA+ because there are queer characters, mentions of trans characters, and the leads are on the Ace spectrum.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I have no words. Please read it.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I have no words. Please read it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Classism, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Bullying, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Murder, Gaslighting, and Grief
hanarama's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Book at a glance:
• Fairytale retold
• Enemies to lovers, cat and mouse
• Medieval Germany-inspired setting
• Lgbt secondary and tertiary characters
• Gods and spirits
Vanja is the adopted daughter of Fortune and Death. But she must live in the mortal realm away from her mothers. Serving from childhood as a princess' maid, she decides to change her fortune. First she trades the princess' identity and life for her own.
With the princess' identity as a shield, Vanja goes on a crime spree. She targets the nobility, robbing them blind when they least expect it. But now a young inspector is hot on her trail, a God has cursed her for her greed, and her wedding to the princess' betrothed looms before her. Vanja has just two weeks to solve all of these problems. Does she have what it takes to save herself, or will she need to put her trust in others?
What I liked:
The worldbuilding is pretty solid. The Germanic inspiration is evident in the folklore, foods, and landscape. However, Owen makes it her own. The hierarchy of the nobility is unique and interesting, as are the gods of this setting. I would love to read more about them.
The characters are diverse and the world is accepting. In spite of the evil nobility, this setting seems like a nice place to live. Owen offers casual representation with LGBT+ and POC characters in the main cast and background.
The characters, though trope-y are generally likeable. The main cast feels friendly and are fun to read about. Gisele and Vanja were the most enjoyable.
Also, the interspersed "fairytale" chapters are really great. Accompanied by beautiful illustration, they capture the fairytale feel and flesh out Vanja's backstory.
What I disliked:
This book is distinctly ya. If you like ya tropes and conventions, you won't mind this, but for me it made the story feel overly quaint at times. It's very tropey and predictable in its plot. Characters' actions are very telegraphed and so it at points it feels absurd that the heroes take so long to uncover the villains true plot.
There were frequent miscommunications between characters to the point of frustration. At times I felt as though the plot would have been resolved faster if the characters just let one another speak before accusing them of some wrong doing. Certainly, I think some of these moments could have been cut, which likely would have quickened the pacing a bit.
At times I felt like the character Ragne was naive and annoying. Her speaking pattern felt artificial and came across as irritating rather than endearing.
• Fairytale retold
• Enemies to lovers, cat and mouse
• Medieval Germany-inspired setting
• Lgbt secondary and tertiary characters
• Gods and spirits
Vanja is the adopted daughter of Fortune and Death. But she must live in the mortal realm away from her mothers. Serving from childhood as a princess' maid, she decides to change her fortune. First she trades the princess' identity and life for her own.
With the princess' identity as a shield, Vanja goes on a crime spree. She targets the nobility, robbing them blind when they least expect it. But now a young inspector is hot on her trail, a God has cursed her for her greed, and her wedding to the princess' betrothed looms before her. Vanja has just two weeks to solve all of these problems. Does she have what it takes to save herself, or will she need to put her trust in others?
What I liked:
The worldbuilding is pretty solid. The Germanic inspiration is evident in the folklore, foods, and landscape. However, Owen makes it her own. The hierarchy of the nobility is unique and interesting, as are the gods of this setting. I would love to read more about them.
The characters are diverse and the world is accepting. In spite of the evil nobility, this setting seems like a nice place to live. Owen offers casual representation with LGBT+ and POC characters in the main cast and background.
The characters, though trope-y are generally likeable. The main cast feels friendly and are fun to read about. Gisele and Vanja were the most enjoyable.
Also, the interspersed "fairytale" chapters are really great. Accompanied by beautiful illustration, they capture the fairytale feel and flesh out Vanja's backstory.
What I disliked:
This book is distinctly ya. If you like ya tropes and conventions, you won't mind this, but for me it made the story feel overly quaint at times. It's very tropey and predictable in its plot. Characters' actions are very telegraphed and so it at points it feels absurd that the heroes take so long to uncover the villains true plot.
There were frequent miscommunications between characters to the point of frustration. At times I felt as though the plot would have been resolved faster if the characters just let one another speak before accusing them of some wrong doing. Certainly, I think some of these moments could have been cut, which likely would have quickened the pacing a bit.
At times I felt like the character Ragne was naive and annoying. Her speaking pattern felt artificial and came across as irritating rather than endearing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Body shaming, and Animal death
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