A review by bookcub
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-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

This book DELIGHTED me!! I was over the moon reading it. Took a little for me to get in it but once I was I was obsessed.
 

• characters: I have found some of my new favorite characters. Vanya is a fantastic mc, I love her voice and her growth. She is overflowing with emotion and so smart, but the kind of smart that bites her in the butt. She is so snarky and lovable and i love her skewed moral compass. AND shes aspec. I thought her companions were also incredibly compelling and complemented her and challenged her in various ways. And the low gods were fascinating and the villains were horrific. *chefs kiss*
• relationships: Vanya has like 3 foils for characters and they all are so lovely and unique in their own ways. the romantic relationship I did not think i was going to like but they got me on board. this is also a book I would point to for those who love found family. Sometimes I think it gets thrown around where it doesn't apply but you can feel the love here. And the dynamic between Vanya and Gisele? We love to see growth. 
• plot: Incredibly fast paced and well thought out! Thieves make for some of my favorite protagonists and stories so I loved seeing the fast paced action scenes and the scheming. I also am partial to fairy tale retellings, even ones I am not familiar with. 
• writing: I loved the mix of classic fantasy elements with modern day commentary. Sometimes it can both me but Owen masterfully intertwined them. I will say I did not care for the sections Owen would tell the reader and not show but luckily those were not often. 
• themes: I would love to do a Marxist reading of this book honestly. But also the theme of how past trauma effects people and how power is viewed and who decides who deserves what. . .I thought it was incredibly wise and well thought out. 

favorite quotes: so so many 

"I've already met Death, she doesn't care if I'm pretty." 

"The maid was learning to lie, you see, because she had learned the truth would not protect her." 

"I know bravery is real because I see you choose it every day."

5 out of 5 stars, I adored it,  and if you love ya and fantasy and fairy tales, this is a must read!!