This book is an absolute delight, full of heart, and amazing growth for the main character and narrator Vanja. This book was the one to get me out of my reading slump but I will admit that I think my enjoyment was hampered a bit as a result of it.
"That makes her the thirteenth daughter of a thirteenth daughter. Her luck's rotten to the core."
I don't know what it is, but I resonate with sarcastic and vibrant characters/narrators... and I adore Vanja's snark so much. Little Thieves reads as if a friend of mine is just telling me a story over a pint (or twelve) or ale. Vanja's story is one of constantly being alone and fighting against insurmountable odds. Despite her technically being in the wrong, the reader can't help but feel sorry for her and want to root for her success.
"There's a saying in the Blessed Empire: Little thieves steal gold, and great ones steal kingdoms, but only one goes to the gallows."
I am not familiar with The Goose Girl so I can't speak to this in terms of the ~loose retelling~ aspect, but as a fantasy world with compelling characters this book shines. It's been an honest pleasure to watch Margaret Owen's craft evolve and Little Thieves is her best so far (which is saying a lot)! I'm excited to see that this standalone is now going to get more because I would love many more adventures with these characters.
Pre-release thoughts
6.6.2021: I was granted an eARC and excuse me while I cry all over the place.
9.19.2020: hi hello, please let 2020 end without an apocalypse so I can read this book.
eARC provided by the publisher, Henry Holt & Co BFYR, via Netgalley for my honest review. This has not affected my opinions nor the contents of my review. I have since purchased a finished copy.
"That makes her the thirteenth daughter of a thirteenth daughter. Her luck's rotten to the core."
I don't know what it is, but I resonate with sarcastic and vibrant characters/narrators... and I adore Vanja's snark so much. Little Thieves reads as if a friend of mine is just telling me a story over a pint (or twelve) or ale. Vanja's story is one of constantly being alone and fighting against insurmountable odds. Despite her technically being in the wrong, the reader can't help but feel sorry for her and want to root for her success.
"There's a saying in the Blessed Empire: Little thieves steal gold, and great ones steal kingdoms, but only one goes to the gallows."
I am not familiar with The Goose Girl so I can't speak to this in terms of the ~loose retelling~ aspect, but as a fantasy world with compelling characters this book shines. It's been an honest pleasure to watch Margaret Owen's craft evolve and Little Thieves is her best so far (which is saying a lot)! I'm excited to see that this standalone is now going to get more because I would love many more adventures with these characters.
Pre-release thoughts
6.6.2021: I was granted an eARC and excuse me while I cry all over the place.
9.19.2020: hi hello, please let 2020 end without an apocalypse so I can read this book.
eARC provided by the publisher, Henry Holt & Co BFYR, via Netgalley for my honest review. This has not affected my opinions nor the contents of my review. I have since purchased a finished copy.